Rashita Dhillon says it was her husband’s dream to start a food stand and she enthusiastically embraced the idea. She was born and raised in Singapore and misses the bold, authentic, umami flavors from her home country. Their stand, Tekka Tiger on Revere Avenue in Bend, has a set menu that changes weekly. Dhillon says she’s been surprised to learn that many people don’t know what southeast Asian street food is which are dishes from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
“Last week we did an Indonesian dish called Ayam Kecap Bakar (chicken with a savory sauce). We always have some Asian vegetables that go with that, either bok choy or morning glory, stir fried with our house made Sambal (a spicy chili sauce). This week we’re doing a dish from Laos. It’s grilled pork patties infused with lemongrass.” That’s finished with a light coconut milk glaze served over rice with a side of garlic-chili stir-fried vegetables. Dhillon says any dish can be made vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free by using tempeh. The price per meal is $18. They also sell Asian chips and crackers along with Yeo’s brand drinks, which she says is popular in southeast Asia. They often buy their ingredients from the farmers market and create the weekly menu on Mondays depending on what’s available.
Dhillon says her family moved to Bend about four years ago. Her son immediately embraced the outdoor lifestyle and they adopted a Bernese Mountain Dog. They started Tekka Tiger two years ago as a pop-up. It’s now set up four days a week in the parking lot of Prep, a commissary kitchen where they prepare most of their food. Dhillon says each dish served is tied to her family’s roots. The name also comes from southeast Asia.
“Tekka is actually a very popular wet market in Singapore, in the district of Little India. So when we were living in Singapore, we also went to the Tekka market. We get the freshest herbs, spices, all the produce that you can’t normally get in a regular store,” Dhillon says. “Tiger is a very popular Singaporean beer.” A wet market sells fresh, perishable food. Dhillon and her husband hope to one day expand their business and create a place where people gather to enjoy a flavorful meal served with passion and a slice of culture.
Tekka Tiger: Tue.-Fri. 11am-4pm
212 NE Revere Ave., Bend
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