TT says: I’m taking the day off and letting CT take over. Enjoy!
Ever since first hearing about the Kimchi Taco Truck on Midtown Lunch, I’ve been wanting to try it. Unfortunately, I don’t work in an area that gets frequented by food trucks. After a failed attempt at the Brewer’s PicNYC, I was excited to discover the truck was parked nearby on my day off.
Looking at the menu, I remembered that they were known for their amazing “Kim-cheesesteaks,” however, I just wasn’t quite in a sandwich mood. So I decided to go for the Kimchi Bowl with spicy pork and a side of kimchi-aracini balls instead. The meal comes with a side of homemade kimchi, pico de gallo, lettuce, a spicy pickle and choice of white or multigrain rice.
The spicy pork was salty and packed with flavor; not too spicy but just a little kick. The pico de gallo seemed like an odd accompaniment, but it was actually a really refreshing side. The ingredients were all very fresh. The lettuce was simple shredded iceberg, nothing special, but together with the pico de gallo, it worked well as a great palate cleanser between bites, giving each bite of spicy pork a great new taste. I went for the multi-grain rice, half of which seemed a little under-cooked, half of which was really delicious and added an extra chewy texture to the meal. I’m glad I chose it over the plain white. Strangely, I’m not actually a fan of kimchi on its own, so I didn’t eat much of it. I tasted a bite, but found it a little salty. But like I said, I’m not a big fan so I can’t be a fair judge. And as for the pickle, anyone who knows me knows that I moved that thing far away from my food as quickly as possible!
For the sake of the blog, of course, I decided to add on a side of kimchi-arancini. Although I mentioned above I don’t love kimchi on its own, I decided to try it mixed into a cheesy fried rice ball… and I’m glad I did! The menu said it included “Asian parmesan” and while I have no idea what that means, it was actually really good. The perfect amount of cheese, where the taste was prevalent but didn’t takeover the whole thing. Though slightly greasy, they packed a punch of flavor with the slightly spicy kimchi and cheesy goodness all melding together. Not too much of the pickled-kimchi flavor for those who are averse to it, like it, but just enough to get a spicy flavor. It came with a side of spicy sauce too, but it wasn’t necessary. Though 3 small balls for $3 may be considered a little steep, I would definitely order these again.
Overall I was very happy I decided to give Kimchi Truck another try and will definitely be stopping by again for one of their kim-cheesesteaks.
Check out their Twitter for location info.
Hungry says
Woah, I eyes went straight to the nachos. Try that and report back, please.
Hungry says
Bah, my eyes.
CT says
I will definitely be trying the nachos next time. I had just had Mexican food 3 days in a row prior to this (1 nachos and 2 burritos), so I just could do it again (korean-style or not). Especially knowing I was having tacos the next night. But definitely next time!
T.C. says
$9 to try all 4 of their tacos doesn’t sound bad at all. I would be down for that.
The rice balls look like tater tots.
FreeSpiritEater says
This truck sounds awesome! There’s one in Jersey City with the same concept and it’s incredible, I’m hooked. Next time I’m in the area I’ll be sure to stop by, thanks so much for sharing! =]
CheeeeEEEEse says
You mean the Krave truck?
Feisty Foodie says
I’ve heard the kimchi bowl is the way to go at this truck actually, haven’t heard much about the kim-cheesesteak. Kimchi is definitely a unique flavor not for everyone… I’m not that huge a fan either – but in bacon fried rice, yes. HAHAHA 🙂
CT says
How can you go wrong with bacon fried rice? Kimchi – no problem! Old shoe? Toss it in! It’s BACON fried rice! YUM!
Goats says
I had the cheesesteak and nachos on Tuesday. Both were decent for what they were, but I will still stick with the bowls with the multigrain rice as my main. Cheesesteak was a bit TOO greasy, if you can believe that. It didn’t really taste like a cheesesteak to me either, though i did enjoy it. I’m surprised they gave you a styrofoam container, the last couple of times I went they gave me plastic with a plastic cover for the bowl.
CT says
Sweet! Glad I got the bowl then! Weird that they change containers, but as long as the food tastes good, I’m happy! (I can’t really remember, but I think my containers were the recycled cardboard, not styrofoam, though). Plus I loved that they gave a like wet-wipe “finger bowl” with the meal!
chakrateeze says
The food looks delicious! I’m a little jealous, ’cause although great Mexican and Korean places are springing up everywhere in Memphis, nobody down here has made the leap of combining the two. Darnit!
Btw, I love kimchi. Love kimchi’d daikon. The only type I’m wary about is the kimchi’d scallions. Biting into one can make the red-hot brine rush out like lava from an active volcano. And, whew! Though I like it nice and spicy, it can get a little too intense.
Tracie
TT says
well I smell a business opportunity down there. i’ll take 10% off the top. 🙂