Unearth The Voyage
New York City’s food truck scene is packed with famous names, but some of the best eats come from carts and trucks that don’t make every tourist map. Hidden in neighborhoods from Queens to the Bronx, these mobile kitchens serve everything from Ethiopian tibs to Puerto Rican lechón, often with recipes passed down through generations. If you’re tired of the same old lunch spots, it’s time to track down these seven under-the-radar gems that locals swear by.
1. Makina Cafe (Ethiopian/Eritrean) — Queens & Manhattan
When NYC’s first Ethiopian-Eritrean food truck rolled onto the streets, it brought flavors most New Yorkers had only tasted in sit-down restaurants. Makina Cafe’s bright-yellow rig is impossible to miss, and the aromas of berbere spice and clarified butter draw crowds wherever it parks. The menu centers on classics like tibs (sautéed meat), shiro (chickpea stew), and gomen (collard greens), all served with spongy injera or fluffy yellow rice.
Sambusas—crispy pastry pockets stuffed with lentils or meat—make a perfect starter, while the chicken tibs bowl delivers tender, spiced chicken with vegetables. The truck posts daily locations on Instagram, so you’ll need to follow along to catch them. A brick-and-mortar spot in Sunnyside is slated for fall 2025, but the truck keeps rolling strong.
2. Mysttik Masaala (Indian, with Nepalese/Tibetan touches) — Midtown & Pop-ups
Street food from Delhi, Kathmandu, and Lhasa collide at this roaming operation that’s become a favorite at markets and pop-ups across the city. Mysttik Masaala doesn’t stick to one spot—instead, the truck appears at festivals, street fairs, and surprise locations announced online. Their chaat game is strong, with crispy, tangy Banarasi chaat piled high with yogurt, chutneys, and sev.
The palak paneer is rich and creamy, perfect over basmati rice, and the vindaloo packs serious heat for spice lovers. Samosas are fried to order, with flaky shells that shatter at first bite. Because schedules shift weekly, your best bet is to watch their social media pages closely. When you spot them, don’t hesitate—lines form fast once word gets out.
3. King Souvlaki (Greek) — Queens & Beyond
Since 1979, one family has been feeding Astoria from their iconic Greek trucks, and the recipe hasn’t changed a bit. King Souvlaki parks most often near 31st Street and 31st Avenue, where the smell of charcoal-grilled pork and chicken drifts down the block. Every skewer is grilled fresh when you order, so expect a short wait—but it’s worth every second.
The pork souvlaki pita is a masterpiece: juicy meat tucked into warm pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. Hand-cut fries dusted with oregano are the perfect side, crispy outside and fluffy inside. The trucks rotate through other Queens neighborhoods too, so check their website or Instagram for live locations. This is old-school street food done right, no frills and all flavor.
4. NY Dosas (Vegan South Indian cart) — Washington Square Park
Thiru Kumar, known citywide as the “Dosa Man,” has been a Washington Square Park fixture for years, serving some of the best vegan South Indian food in the five boroughs. His cart sits near the dog run at Washington Square South, usually open daily except Sunday from roughly 11am to 3pm—though it’s smart to check hours on social media before trekking downtown.
The Pondicherry masala dosa is the star: a thin, crispy crepe wrapped around spiced potatoes, served with tangy coconut chutney and sambar (lentil soup). Everything is plant-based, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Lines can stretch during lunch rush, but they move quickly. Grab your dosa, find a bench, and soak up the park vibe while you eat.
5. Lechonera La Piraña (Puerto Rican) — South Bronx (Weekends Only)
Angel “La Piraña” Jimenez only fires up his trailer on Saturdays and Sundays, but when he does, the line stretches down the block in Mott Haven. His roast pork—lechón—is legendary: slow-roasted until the meat is fall-apart tender and the skin crackles like glass. Served with arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), it’s a plate that tastes like a Sunday family gathering.
If you’re lucky, the octopus salad will be available—tender, tangy, and refreshing. This is weekend-only eating, so plan accordingly and arrive hungry. You’ll find the trailer at 766 East 152nd Street at Wales Avenue. Cash is king here, and portions are generous. Expect to wait, but trust that every minute brings you closer to some of the city’s best Puerto Rican cooking.
6. Biryani Cart (Indian/Kati Rolls) — Midtown West (46th & 6th)
Tucked on the corner of West 46th Street and 6th Avenue, this long-running cart has fed Midtown office workers, Broadway theater-goers, and late-night wanderers for years. Open well into the evening, Biryani Cart is a lifesaver when you need something hot, filling, and flavorful without breaking the bank. The chicken and lamb over rice is their bestseller—fragrant basmati piled high with tender, spiced meat and drizzled with white and hot sauces.
Kati rolls are another standout: warm paratha wrapped around marinated chicken or paneer with onions and chutney. The king kati roll ups the ante with extra fillings. Prices are reasonable, portions are huge, and the cart stays busy for good reason. Check same-day hours before heading over, especially on weekends.
7. El Toro Rojo (Mexican) — Hudson Yards & Columbia University
While some taco trucks get all the Instagram love, El Toro Rojo quietly serves some of the city’s best birria and al pastor from multiple trucks around Manhattan. You’ll often find them near Hudson Yards or up by Columbia University, posting menus and locations regularly on their site and social media. The birria tacos are rich and savory, with slow-braised beef tucked into corn tortillas and served with consommé for dipping.
Al pastor quesadillas are another crowd favorite—marinated pork with melted cheese, grilled until crispy. Bowls are available if you want a heartier meal, loaded with rice, beans, and your choice of protein. The trucks aren’t flashy, but the food speaks for itself. Follow their updates to catch them when they’re closest to you.
