Thai Q food truck opens in Buda

BUDA — Two months ago, Mujalin Phaunprasert took a leap of faith and moved to Austin to start Thai Q, an authentic Thai food truck. Phaunprasert has loved cooking since she was young, but more importantly, she has always enjoyed sharing food with others. For 20 years, she resided in Florida, where she worked in a restaurant in an attempt to fill this desire, but she knew that, deep down, she wanted more. Knowing her love of cooking, her friends often encouraged her to start her own restaurant, but Phaunprasert knew that this would be a big endeavor. “I have experience in the restaurant, but I [was] not the owner … Last time I tried to think [about opening] a restaurant, if it’s a big restaurant, I know that is a lot more cost … Then, my son told me, ‘Oh, mom. Maybe you should try to open the food truck,’” explained the owner. The food truck was an affordable way that would allow Phaunprasert and her husband, Nick Insuwannao, to balance work and home life — which includes making weekly meals for Buddhist temples in Austin — with a steady two days off, while achieving their dream. So, when her son called her to let her know that there was an availability at The Outskirts Eatery, located at 1095 FM 1626, Buda, Phaunprasert and her husband spontaneously packed up their lives and moved to Austin. The name “Thai Q,” chosen by her husband, is something quick and easy to say, while also being memorable, explained Phaunprasert. Several famous Thai dishes are available on the menu, ranging from $4 to $15: • Thai iced tea: freshly brewed black tea, topped with evaporated milk • Tom Yum soup: spicy lemongrass-based soup • Thai spring roll: stuffed with vegetables, fried and served with plum sauce • Pad Thai: thin rice noodles, with egg, beansprouts, peanut, scallions and shallots sautéed in Pad Thai sauce • Red curry: red curry paste, coconut milk, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, sweet peas and Thai basil, served with white rice Among these dishes are also Phaunprasert’s favorites: Pad see-ew and the Green papaya salad. Additionally, the dishes can be customized for the spice level. The recipes are a combination of family, taught to her by her mother, as well as Phaunprasert’s own, as she has learned throughout her adulthood. Now, settled in, Thai Q celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 9. The authentic Thai cuisine is “simply delicious” and “made with the freshest ingredients," according to its website. Her husband also works at the food truck, while their son aids with the technological side of the business. Because this is their first time owning a food truck, Phaunprasert admits it is a bit nerve-wracking, but that she is excited for what is to come. In the future, she wants to experiment with creating her own dishes, such as a salmon curry, and have weekly specials that will provide a unique experience for customers. “If I’m lucky, maybe I can make more money. If I make more money, okay, I’m lucky, but I’m not wanting that … I like to make the food I like for the customer,” emphasized Phaunprasert. The food truck is open: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit https://thai-q.square.site , Thai Q on Facebook or @thaiq.atx on Instagram.