World Street Kitchen Truck

Wowsers. Completely blown away by the quality and flavor of this food truck. The truck was downtown and all they had left by 1pm was «Short Rib» burritos. I say «all they had left» loosely because this thing was more than enough. I’m usually skeptical of asian-​fusion but this thing hit home. The attention to detail was impressive, everything down to the rice was prepared perfectly, bold complimentary flavors.
I was stoked to see them out front of my work again a few days later, today no burritos just a choice of 3 «bowls.» I went with the «o.g.» chicken and rice bowl, which sounded like it could run the risk of being on the bland side but it was the complete opposite. Grilled chicken on top of a bed of rice, with a perfect runny egg hiding beneath. Plenty of fresh veggies and herbs as well as secret sauce kept every bight juicy and full of flavor.
If you are lucky enough to see this food truck, stop what you are doing and order anything they have. Hands down some of the top food in the Twin Cities.

I work at a building that this food truck frequents and I have not been disappointed! I highly recommend the curry burrito! It was fresh and hot and once I had my co-​workers try a bite they were all excited to go down and get one! Can’t wait to have it again!

Tried this truck for the fist time a month or so ago, and although I loved it at the time, I had no idea that I would be craving the thing that ordered on quite a few occasions since.
I tried the Jerk Beef Brisket tacos, and they were… AMAZING. The chimmichurri? Awesome. The amount of Chihuahua cheese? Perfect. I only wish I had ordered three and not two, as they are not huge. I can’t wait to go back and try something else, and am planning a trip to their brick and mortar restaurant with my husband.

I tend to check out trucks that have a group of enthusiastic people waiting in line in order to avoid the dreaded food-​truck-​disappointment. I thought that getting the chicken curry burrito would be a sure thing since 5 people in a row ordered it. It wasn’t a long wait, and my first bite was incredible. The curry was just spicy enough to make my nose run a little bit, but didn’t leave me scavenging for water. However, after I ate about 10% I got bored (which is not something that I experience often and I’m not too snooty about my food). The texture was just too homogenously soft, and the only explosion of flavor that I got was from the cilantro which was all rolled towards the bottom. Pickled vegetables, radishes, or carrot match sticks would have added a much needed crunch.

PROS: Rarely can you you sit down at a restaurant and have 5 menu items from 5 different regions around the world. Props to WSK for pulling it off.
The Falafel Burger alone is 4-​Star worthy. Trust me… being from Egypt, I was practically breast-​fed falafel, so I know when I come across a good falafel sandwich. As a matter of fact, its probably my go-​to joint for falafel from here on out.
CONS: Food took quite a while to come out, and the place wasn’t too crowded. The Korean Beef rice bowl also had a couple too many ingredients for my taste.
PARKING: Lots of street parking, but I wouldn’t be surprised if on some days it fills up quick and becomes a challenge.
All-​in-​all, I’m going back for more falafel burgers!!!

HOLY SH*T.
I’ve stopped at the WSK truck a couple times and have NEVER been disappointed. NEVER.
This time, a couple coworkers and I ventured to food truck Narnia in downtown Minneapolis. It was a glorious summer day, slight breeze, mostly sunny skies and the smells of food! We walked by truck after truck, then the next block… not finding something the screamed, EAT HERE. As we were about to ‘settle’ the was mention of, «c’mon gents, on more block!» We make our way and find the lost gem that is WSK truck. There it was in all it’s glory, parked between 5^th and 6^th street, shaded by a glamorous skyscraper. We didn’t care like line was 20 hungry cube monkeys deep, we’d gone too far and were committed.
We jumped in line and proceeded to eyeball what was going on. Bangkok Burrito. CHECK. Then we saw corn on the cob… slathered with butter and seasoned with a Mexican spice. YES PLEASE! I landed on the Korean «BBQ» Beef Short Ribs… oh yeah… that was an option I had never tried (my usual is Red Curry Chicken).
Surprisingly the wait wasn’t long, only 10 minutes… I threw the owner my plastic payment thingy and waited patiently for what I knew was going to be an afternoon productivity killer. I got my corn and burrito at the same time… none of us could wait and proceeded to dominate our corn on the cob… by the time I hit 9^th street… I finished mine :-)
Chipotle has NOTHING on this burrito… NOTHING. Stuffed with fried rice, cilantro, basil and secret sauce… super rich flavor and out of this world short ribs. Think of the best fried rice you’ve eaten mixed with the best short ribs… rolled into a burrito… yeah…you know you now want one!!!
Do it… find the WSK truck and DO IT.

Working at City Pages, I’ve read many a fantastic article about WSK. With the Food Truck Festival recently hosted in Uptown, I thought I’d finally get a taste of what everyone has been raving about. They did not disappoint.
Because I wanted to try a little from every truck, my roommate and I split the chips and guac — simple, but taste effective, right? This guac was so good, I almost went back for more within the half hour of eating it. Something that really pushed it to the top of my list was the addition of edamame, a favorite food of mine. It was as if the green superfood gods had a delicious lovechild and made it ready-​to-​eat via chips.
When I go back, perhaps to the actual sit-​down restaurant this time, I will be sure to take a bite out of one of their edgy out-​of-​the-​box burritos, one of which my other friend got (it had Korean short ribs… Yes, please). Everyone also seems to be pushing the rice bowls, so it seems as though I need to hurry up and become a regular, already.
Minneapolis food trucks, you live up to the hype.

In Minneapolis for one night, and read strong reviews of WSK in Bön Appetit. The food was incredible. I devoured my order.
I had the Aloo Chat and the Chicken OG Rice bowl.
The Aloo Chat, described as a chickpea patty, is softer than I expected, a consistency of mashed chickpeas, not fried or baked. The cilantro chutney sauce on top is a great compliment.
The chicken rice bowl is seriously one of the most delicious items I remember eating recently. It’s total millennial good. Cheap, complex flavors, tastes good with an IPA. The bowl has chicken, fried egg, cilantro, peanuts, fried shallots and a great mix of sauces on top. Like most, you want to add Siracha or chili paste to add heat, but after I did I regretted it. It really doesn’t need more than a slash of hot sauce — you don’t want to mess around with the great flavors built into the bowl.
A starter, a side and beer came out to $ 20. Friendly staff and modern — converted warehouse atmosphere.

For the price the best food option in the Twin Cities in my book. Very hard for me to move away from the Chicken Curry Burrito, but when I do love the Yum Yum bowls, the Aloo Chat or any of the specials. So lucky they moved to the neighborhood. Typically a lunch place for us although dinners look fun. Can be slowish when crowded.

Yum Yum Bowl was rich, flavorful and dynamic!
The spice was just right, and the mixture of ingrediants truly make this worthy of being called Yum Yum.

Well, maybe it was all the rants and reviews that made me stand in line for over 30 mins for you. Maybe it was the 30 min wait that made me heighten my expectations. What I can say, is the line wasn’t worth it.
Was it good? Yes. Would I stand in line for 30 mins again for it? OH DEFINITELY NOT!
I ordered the Bangkok burrito with the Korean short ribs. The rice was FANTASTIC (chipotle should take a note from these guys), the burrito was filling, however the short ribs sauce was just unbalanced. It tasted too sweet when I wanted a bit more of a kick and less sweet.
I think I would try out their actual jam up in uptown, but you definitely wont see me waiting in line for 30 mins at their truck again.

Although line was long, it moved quickly. Food was not what I expected at all. A co-​worker recommended the burrito which I should have ordered. Instead I ordered the crispy marinated tofu bowl. Very few pieces of charred squash and chinese broccoli. 5 pieces in total if I was lucky. I asked if they could add kimchi to the bowl. Charged me $ 3 for a side of it which was almost ¹⁄₃^rd the price of my bowl. I’ve had kimchi before and love it. What they served was rancid and not edible. Not even remotely seasoned like kimchi. I had to throw it away after 2 bites.
I’d like to give them another try and order the burrito next time. Hopefully my experience with the food will be better.

Food truckin’ was one of the first things I wanted to cross off my summer bucket list. What better way to spend the lunch hour during the week than eating outside and watching the hustle and bustle of the downtown employees on their lunch break.
The options for food in downtown Minneapolis seems endless. I knew I wanted food truck grub by my mind wasn’t set on which one. World Street Kitchen was the first one I saw, and I didn’t look any further. I’m glad I didn’t. I went with the chicken rice bowl (I forgot what it was called). But the combination of rice, chicken, spices, cilantro, egg, and some sauce was perfect. I laughed at my friends who went with other options… not only because mine was better but because mine was easy to eat without a table (while there’s we’re leaking all over the place).
The World Street Kitchen truck runs like a well oiled machine. I did have to wait a few minutes but thats to be expected with such a long line and such freshness.

If you put a soft-​cooked egg in it, they will come. And come they did. The line outside the WSK food truck today was a bit long but they handled it well and food was served within 5 minutes or so of order. I had the Chicken Yum Yum bowl. Rice — Good. Chicken — Good. Soft-​cooked egg — Good. Pink sauce reminiscent of salsa with cream cheese — good. Top it with a bunch of cilantro and you have got my freaking attention! I devoured that ricey chicken eggy goodness with all the enthusiasm I imagine a vegetarian turned meat eater would feel. But not before I chomped down on a spectacular chocolate chip, marshmallow, sea salt cookie. I shared the cookie with co-​workers, but it was not without a little pain for my loss. :-(
The guys running the food truck had a great sense of humor and made a point of joking around and even messing with the willing customers a bit. At first glance at the menu I commented that I should walk away because I’m trying to eat a bit healthier. That’s when the guy inside the truck clucked at me like a chicken. Okay dude, challenge accepted. I’ll eat your rice bowl and I’ll add on a cookie.
My experience at the food truck makes me totally game to try the brick and mortar location. If it’s as good at the truck, you bet your a** I’ll be visiting soon! In the meantime, I’ll be stalking you WSK Truck. Don’t be scared.

This place is ridiculous. Food is spiced well, comforting and consistently delicious. I am a huge fan of the yum yum bowl, rice, fried egg, peanuts, cilantro and protein (tofu, o.g. chicken, and sometimes even Korean BBQ or crispy lamb belly). All are amazing, you really can’t go wrong.
Best part of WSK is the service, they make you feel like an old friend. Can’t wait to check out their restaurant opening in November!
To clarify they do take credit cards at the truck.

My final meal in Minneapolis is from a food truck, which is parked in a parking lot near the Nicollet Mall in the downtown area and not far from my hotel.
The «Flaming Red» food truck specializes in making seasonal food with various Asian flavors.
For my lunch, I ordered the «Bangkok Burrito». The $ 9.00 burrito has a choice of meat (I chose the Bangkok Red Curry Chicken), and fried rice stuffed in a warm flour tortilla. As you know, this is a food truck and the only food truck in the downtown area. So I brought my food back to my hotel and stuffed the silver bullet in my face like the Tasmanian Devil. «I’m not in San Francisco. So I can’t eat my meal in the parking lot, okay!»
One bite of the Asian Burrito, the chicken was grilled and spiced very well with a hint of sweetness. The fried rice has spicy ingredients and mixed very well. The interior of my burrito:
The food truck also serves rice bowls, pasta dishes, tacos, and variety of sandwiches, including Banh Mi’s. I wish I were able to try more of the food. Hopefully next time I will do that.
The food truck is only operated during lunchtime (11am-​1pm) and cash only.
Now I am done with my vacation!

You’re kidding me, right?
I’m thinking that the Saffron guys neglected to realize that this here is a FOOD TRUCK. Thai shrimp tacos? Is that even legal at a food truck? And their irreverent use of cilantro like lettuce… is that even allowed??? As juice dripped down my hand, I found myself unapologetically slurping sideways. In PUBLIC.
Perfect serving sizes. Super friendly staff. Great location. Flawless quality.
Man, I wish I worked downtown. This place is SO worth the parking prices!

And food trucks are confirmed as some of the best lunching options in the twin cities.
I had the curry bahn mi and it was good and a bit different than the regular bahn mi. The pickled daikon added a nice touch of acidity and the curry spices were nicely balanced. Would love to go back and try some of their other options: too bad I don’t work downtown!
Also they have a pretty efficient set-​up with the line so that you don’t have to wait in line too long, which for food trucks is not always true but always appreciated. And they DO accept credit cards.

Um if you don’t like this place you probably sweat suckiness. First of all it’s from the Saffron brothers? That right there tells you this place rocks. Secondly, the one that mans the truck is not only nice to look at he’s incredibly nice to talk to. Even in a rush he makes a point to very sincerely thank you for your patronage and though he doesn’t know me personally yet, he knows a lot of his customers by name and order. Really impressive to me.
I’ve only been here once but I’m a little obsessed with it already. I go to a new food truck every friday and this place makes it hard to try new joints because I want it every day… not just every friday. I had the yum yum bowl and it was soooo good. They weren’t lying when they named their chicken «original gangstah». It’s so tender and seasoned so well.mmmmmmmm. The rice is soft, the soft fried egg is a stroke of genuis though I wish it was on top not the bottom. I usually don’t like whole herbs but the whole basil and cilantro leaves really work in the bowl. I love mushrooms so I wish there were more in the bowl but they soak up and compliment the surrounding flavors so well. I pretty much loved everything about it. I cannot wait to try the burrito. It sounds so damn good. Love you World Street Kitchen.

WSK ranks as one of my favorites food trucks in the Twin Cities. The lines are long but the Wadi brothers keep a tight ship. It’s very organized and you don’t wait long for your food.
I recommend the mushroom curry banh mi if you want a sandwich. If you really want to indulge, get the Yum Yum rice bowl. Jared, who hates eggs, even loves this dish. So many flavors and textures — crushed peanuts, runny egg, cilantro, their secret sauce — makes for an amazing lunch.

As truck season is approaching, a review from one who’s eaten here a billion times is in order.
Short version — Saffron happy hour menu minus booze plus east Asian and Latin influences. Not fast food cheap but the dollars to doughnuts ratio isn’t bad. No, they don’t have doughnuts.
The regular fixtures — curry chicken banh mi, yum yum rice bowl — are reliably tasty, portioned on the slightly larger end of reasonable, and pack just enough heat to wake your senses. Pita chips and spreads from Saffron are also sold in «to take home» packaging and portioning, so your life can be enriched by spicy feta dip or highly garlic-​rich hummus.
There tends to be something of a special of the day or special of the week going as well. Keep an eye out for the Bangkok Burrito, Twenty Dollar Steak Sandwich, and the unassumingly-​named pita sandwiches. All are quite successful at getting their culinary point across and delighting the diner.
There’s an old review floating around here that says they’re a cash-​only joint, but that hasn’t been true for a while. Saed packs a Square reader so you’re set should you be one who has forsaken analog money.
The only caveat I might be able to note would be that often the featured item is somewhat experimental in nature, so the overall composition and balance of the items may not always deliver what is expected. Still, they get it right far more often than not.
Okay, one more. Be sure to pay attention when your number is called. Chef Wadi has threatened to eat abandoned food in the past; I have not witnessed him needing to make good on this, however.

I was in Minneapolis for a convention last week, and during the convention lunch break decided to head over to Nicollet Mall to check out Minneapolis’s famous food truck scene.
Even though there were food truck on every street corner, they all seemed to sell the usual hot dogs, burgers, BBQ, cheese-​steaks. After walking around for a good half-​hour, I finally stumbled across the World Street truck that seemed to have a very eclectic/​new spin menu — right up my alley!
After a lot of debate I proceeded to order the Yum Yum Chicken rice bowl with a side of mango lassi. The mango lassi was very tasty and refreshing the hot humid day, but I was blown away with the yum yum bowl! The amazing interplay between the sticky rice, sauteed chicken, crunchy peanuts, Thai basil, crunchy fried onions, sambal aioli, and poached egg was a work of art. As a matter-​of-​fact I’m sitting here in Colorado drooling as I write this review.
Whenever I return to Minneapolis next, this food truck is on top of my list of restaurants to visit!!!