Three years after launching MK’s Rolls and Wraps food truck, owner MK Vongnarath has parked the mobile eatery and opened a permanent location, MK’s Asian Persuasion.
As reported by St. Louis Magazine, the fusion restaurant opened its doors at 6417 Hampton Ave., last month and sold its food truck. “By having a permanent location, we get to add on certain things we cannot carry on the food truck,” Vongnarath said.
Guests can expect Asian-inspired dishes including crab Rangoon, spring rolls, spicy beef, chicken, shrimp and more. Vegetarian and gluten-free options like tofu and rice paper will also be available.
“Not everything will be authentic – things change, time changes and people want to eat healthier,” Vongnarath said.
The space features table and bar seating, two lounge areas and a patio, seating 90 total inside and approximately 20 on the patio. With coffee, tea and boba smoothie options, Vongnarath hopes to offer a relaxed, cafe experience. Once the restaurant’s liquor license is approved, look for beer and wine options as well, all the better to enjoy the Friday karaoke nights from 9 p.m. until midnight.
Vongnarath has lived in South City for more than 30 years, and his wife, Sheila Vongnarath, a St. Louis native. “We don’t want to be just a restaurant,” he said. “We want to be a part of the community.”
MK’s Asian Persuasion is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight
This article appears in July 2017.