A sophomore tries out some campus food trucks for the same price as a meal swipe!

One year. One year on Columbia’s campus and I have yet to try any of our beloved campus food trucks (yes, even Hooda Halal). Now that I have a more limited meal plan, spending money on food feels slightly more justified, so this week I made it my mission to try a few of the many options lining Broadway. Here I am to give you my not-at-all-comprehensive review of Barnumbia food trucks! 

  1. Birria del Toro Rojo 

Location: In front of Lerner on Broadway and 115th

Cost: $14.70

Order: Birria Tacos 

As a Californian, I am incredibly passionate about Mexican food, so I was looking forward to trying out this truck. I ordered the birria tacos, but I forgot the consomé, which is arguably the most important part. While that was definitely a hindrance to my experience, I want to go back and try the quesadilla and burrito. As it stands, these were solid tacos, but nothing to brag to my home friends about. 

  1. Momo Delight

Location: Broadway and 118th, in front of the Earl Gates

Cost: $15.79

Order: Steamed Beef Momo and Fried Beef Momo 

After surveying the options on a late weeknight, my roommate and I, plagued by an intense dumpling craving, landed on Momo Delight. Unfortunately, they weren’t as good as they looked, and my roommate (a self-proclaimed dumpling connoisseur), rated them a two out of five. I preferred the fried dumplings, and with eight pieces for $15, I couldn’t reasonably complain. That is until I had a raging stomachache for the rest of the night. In the future, I’ll probably stick to my tried and true Trader Joe’s chicken soup dumplings (assuming they’re in stock). 

  1. Hooda Halal 

Location: 115th and Broadway, next to Morton Williams 

Cost: $10.34

Order: Chicken over rice

Fire. What more can I say? Just kidding, I have plenty to say. From the fries, flavorful chicken, and copious amounts of white sauce, I understand why this truck amasses a line down the block seven days a week. This truck is truly a delicacy, one I am happy to say I am now privy to. This was easily the tastiest (and most affordable) dinner I had this week, so catch me at Hooda from here on out!  

Although my wallet took an unexpected hit this week, I concede that it was (mostly) worth it. At least now when someone references the food trucks lining Broadway, I can give them my unsolicited advice (and inevitably point them to Hooda). Next time you’re tired of the Ferris salad bar or JJ’s chicken tenders, make your way outside the gates to try one of these trucks!

Images via Author