Tired of the same TexMex burrito and slice of pepperoni from Ciao? Next time you’re hungry on campus and craving something new, try out one of the many new food trucks that line the Silo quad!
Some of the food trucks are familiar, old residents of campus, but there are many new trucks that have parked their delicious meals-on-wheels at the Silo, waiting to serve some starving students. But with all of the changes this year regarding dining options on campus, many students find it difficult to navigate which food trucks to try and how to make the most cost-effective purchases.
If you’re hesitant to try out a new food truck, check out this guide to help you plan your next meal!
1. Shah’s Halal
Shah’s Halal has been a favorite of mine since my freshman year and a favorite of many students for as long as they’ve been parked on campus. You can find an empty container—formerly filled with their most popular item, chicken and rice—in almost every trash can on campus.
The chicken and rice bowl is enjoyed by many because of its spicy and flavorful red sauce, made with spices used in Middle Eastern cuisine. The meal is generous for the price ($8.50) and can be customized by changing the level of spice or substituting chicken for lamb.
2. Star Ginger
Star Ginger has a variety of Thai and Vietnamese foods such as rice bowls, Banh Mi sandwiches, and even tacos—all between $7 and $10. It’s the only place on campus to get Thai iced tea, and they offer a wide variety of snacks to either complement or supplement a meal.
Star Ginger’s prices are on the steep side, so my suggestion would be to grab a friend and create a combo meal: an entree, side, and a Thai tea. Totaling around $7 per person, creating your own combo is a great way to maximize your Asian cuisine and still be cost-effective.
3. Slightly Skewed
One of the newer trucks on campus, Slightly Skewed, resembles a street food cart you’d find in many Central and Southeast Asian countries. They sell Asian-style skewers with a variety of protein choices: ginger scallion chicken, beef, and teriyaki. And for vegetable lovers, there’s even a brussel sprout skewer!
Bonus tip: Try the California Burrito! It’s a whole new take on the classic Mexican-style burrito and fries. Instead, it includes bulgogi beef and mashed fries.
4. Masarap Food Truck
This new Filipino truck is a rare sighting, so definitely take advantage of it while you can. You can grab yourself a Lumpia—a popular Filipino egg roll—in shrimp, pork or vegetables for only $5, or opt for a rice plate with chicken adobo, chicken skewers, lechon kawaii, or pork sisig.
5. The Sweet Spot
A food truck that satisfies your sweet tooth? Yes, please! The Sweet Spot is a dessert food truck with a spin on classic sweets. While they do serve traditional ice cream flavors such as chocolate, coconut, and Oreo, they also combine brownie and cookie bits to create a whole lineup of ice cream specials called the “OMG lineup.”
Whether you have you a salty tooth, a sweet tooth, or both, the food trucks on campus have something to offer everyone. Grab a $10 bill and go discover your new favorite food truck!
Images courtesy of author, Maria Akhter