One of my friends spent about a month in the hospital a few years back, and all he talked about for the last two weeks was how he couldn’t wait to get out so that he could ‘eat at the good food truck again.’ I’m a huge fan of the dry hot chicken and the black pepper chicken, but the braised pork is another common choice. Honestly, almost anything there will probably be good.
Wilma O.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Boston, MA
My star rating is very likely to change because they have a huge menu(kudos to them) and I’ve only been eating a rotating three items from the list. But let me chip in, as other people seem to have mixed views. — The pork dumplings are relatively standard. The skins are thick, but the inside filling is delicious. — The braised pork(I think that’s what it’s called?) is AMAZING. I first ordered this after it being the first food name I learned in Chinese class(hong shao rou). And we learned it FOR A REASON. The pork just melts in your mouth and has such good flavor that really mixes well with the rice. It’s dishes like this that started the whole culinary pork belly trend, but you have to be okay with eating fat(really, melts in your mouth). And maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but seems like all the legit Chinese MIT researchers order this one too ;-). — The Taiwanese-style chicken is similarly extremely tender(just falls off the bone) and deep in flavor. Try this first if you’re unsure about the braised pork. If you think this isn’t good, then we probably just have fundamentally different tastes in food. The food is very cheap($ 5) and is the best quick Chinese food in the area(for other Asian, aka Vietnamese, check out BonMe or Momogoose). Each order comes with steamed veggies and rice.
Shuang C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Queens, NY
This is very edible, especially the pork dishes. The chicken… ehh…not so much. For a quick and cheap lunch this truck is ok, just don’t expect anything more.
Sunil S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
There was something about this food truck that made me want to know… why is there such a long line? Maybe my expectations were well out of line, that it was going to be the most amazing Chinese food because it’s MIT and the lines are so long. I can’t say that their Szeuchan chicken is to die for(after all, their hot chicken is their specialty according to previous reviews), but I can tell you that it’s incredibly fast and affordable. It’s not going to be up for the«Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in America» in my book, but it’s also not your Pizza, Subs and, oh, by the way, we also got a little Egg Foo Young on the side by your Cheesesteak place. With that said, I rate at a very high scale. 3-stars shouldn’t dissuade you. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat and find yourself in the neighborhood, it’s not a bad fix and will get the job done for a very, very reasonable price. If you’re looking for something fancier, best bet is probably not going to be in Kendell Square as it were period. Exercise judgment and discretion when using Unilocal at all times.
John R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Somerville, MA
this place has better flavor than either of the other two MIT asian food trucks: momogoose or the savory chinese truck at 77 mass ave. the pork dishes are great(try with pressed tofu) — the preparation really lets the taste of the meat shine. their famous dry hot chicken is also worth a try. it’s almost as good as thailand café’s version — and it’s from a truck at half the price!
Jeremy K.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Waltham, MA
This food truck has been a staple of the outskirts of Kendall Square for years now. Even before Momogoose and Clover were around. It has been serving extremely cheap, quick Asian inspired food usually served as a ‘combo’ with some rice and vegetables(broccoli and cabbage). Most items usually won’t run you for more than $ 5 and even if there’s a long line, you usually won’t have to wait for more than 3 minutes. Years ago, when I first moved to Boston, I had tried that truck and found it to be pretty mediocre. Then the other day, while in the area, I decided to give it another shot after a six year hiatus… well… let me tell you that it probably wasn’t my best decision. The food, much like it’s past is edible but lacks any kind of flavors. It’s greasy, it’s packed with MSG and you’ll be lucky to survive a trip there, let alone two. Honestly, it’s not worth the cramps you’ll have an hour later. Save yourself the trouble and go to Mexicali, Area Four or hell even Quiznos over this place. After all, each is within a hundred yards from this truck. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend eating there which is a shame because it is affordable and efficient. If only they bothered to cook a bit better, it would be more than decent…