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Korilla BBQ, 47th between 3rd and Lex, Midtown East, NYC

After all this time spent craving some tacos that top those served at Taco Bell, I thought I’d finally give Korilla BBQ a shot.  Every time I search for the greatest food trucks in NYC, whether it be on google or yahoo, the lists that come up seem to always include Korilla BBQ in or around the top 3, if not number 1.  Luckily, the truck wasn’t too far from the office, so I didn’t have to walk too far.

Spicy Pork Tacos, Korilla BBQ, 47th between 3rd and Lex, Midtown East, NYC

Korilla BBQ is one of those schnazzy trucks, one with a huge tiger face logo, tiger stripes all over, steps to speed up the ordering process, uniforms, and loud music.  It’s definitely a rubber-neck causing sight, especially for those that pass right by it.  Upon arrival, I realized I came on a special day – a camera man was filming the crew at work as they took orders, prepared, and served food to their customers.  I was hoping maybe they would beef up my taco for the cameras, but it didn’t seem like they did, at least I hope what I received wasn’t a beefed up taco, even though it wasn’t that small of servings.  First, I ordered the shell, which was tacos for me.  Next, the meat, spicy pork.  Third, toppings, slaw and tomatoes.  Fourth and finally, sauce, Hot Korean Sauce.  This whole process, including waiting in line, took about 5 minutes, very efficient work by the men.  Not knowing how to attack the three-taco meal, I dove in and went for it all.  The slaw was a little too tangy for me.  The tomatoes didn’t seem too fresh.  Besides the two vegetables, the meat and sauce were both delicious.  The meat was cooked very well and definitely had a Korean BBQ flare to it.  The sauce was the perfect mix of spicy and sour and it wasn’t an overkill of spice or flavor like many sauces are.  The tacos were good, nothing special, and they served as a great medium for my food.  Overall, Korilla BBQ was great and worth the $7.  Next time, I plan to try the beef tacos, from what I hear they are the best Korilla has to offer.

Seoul Food Truck, Midtown East, New York City

Somewhat recently I’ve been noticing a new, sleek black food truck on the north-western corner of 51st and Park, the new Seoul Food Truck.  After passing it by a few times, I decided to give it a try today.  The line was decent, so I assumed they had pretty good food.  The new Manhattan Seoul food truck offers a menu that incorporates a mix of mexican and korean items, like the bulgoki beef burrito, and short rib tacos.

Kalbi Short Rib and Fries ($13.50), Seoul Food Truck, Midtown East, NYC

I went with the suggested Kalbi Short Rib Burrito, an over stuffed and interesting hand-food, with fries.  After waiting a short 5 minutes, the Seoul Food Truck employees served up their korean-style burrito, something one can only find in the great City of New York.  I walked a block east and found a quiet, shady place to eat.

As I opened up the brown bag, I realized how big the burrito was – they definitely didn’t skimp on fillers, rice, cheese, lettuce and the likes, but the portion of short rib wasn’t too plentiful.  The burrito was pretty good, nothing amazing but it was a pleasant mixture of two very different cultural dishes.  Next up: fries.  The sea-salt powdered fries were also pretty good, crispy, fresh, and perfectly salted.  The spicy mayo that they provided was a great side sauce that went perfectly with the burrito.  Overall, the Seoul Food Truck is pretty good and I’d suggest it for those looking for interesting foods to try.

Rafiqi’s Food Truck, 52nd & Lexington, Midtown East, NYC

On the Northeast corner of 52nd st. and Lex, Rafiqi’s red Halal food truck can be found, usually attracting a decently large line, even after lunch hours.  After debating between Uncle Gussy’s Greek and Rafiqi’s, I decided to give Rafiqi’s a try and save my appetite for greek food for another day.

Rafiqi’s Chicken and Rice, $5.25, 52nd & Lexington, NYC

Following the steps seen above the ordering window, I chose of the proteins and falafel and chose the chicken.  Next, I picked the chicken and rice platter over the chicken gyro.  Finally, they let you pick a few sides, which is something no other Halal cart or truck I’ve seen has offered, and I chose beans (black to be exact), onions (yes, slightly simmered and glazed), and some graded cheddar cheese.  Of course, the obligatory “white sauce, hot sauce,” was sprayed above the tray of chicken, rice, beans, onions, and cheese.  Funky, I know, but it was delicious.  The chicken was tastefully marinated and cooked to a tender and juicy texture.  I wouldn’t mind if the chicken had been a little dryer given my meal was quite sauced (sauced, adjective – covered by large amounts of sauce).  The curry rice was also better than the average halal cart, had much more flavor to it and it wasn’t clumped up into tasteless, dry/mushy rice chunks like have of the halal carts in NYC serve.  Finally – the sides.  Do they actually make that much of a difference, you ask?  Yes, they do, to me at least.  The beans and cheese gave the rice a somewhat mexican flavor, with a halal twist since it was mixed with the white sauce and hot sauce (it was pretty interesting), while the onions brought out the spiciness of the dish, which wasn’t too spicy in the first place.  Furthermore, all of this was $5.25.  The dish is definitely filling, so the prices are extremely fair (it’s a mission to find places to eat where $5.25 can fill a stomach).

Overall, I’d definitely recommend Rafiqi’s not only for their quick and friendly service, or their good food, but that fact that they allow customers to choose between 6 or 7 optional sides.  No, the sides do not come in huge portions, but the portion sizes are definitely fair and they definitely make Rafiqi’s Halal unique and stand out from the average halal carts.  If you’re ever in midtown east and are in the mood for some good halal, I definitely suggest Rafiqi’s!