For Whitman students there’s no shortage of dining options throughout the area. From American food to Ethiopian cuisine, the choices in Bethesda are extensive. But what many students overlook are the numerous food trucks offering a better alternative with efficient service and authentic flavors. The greater Bethesda area offers a variety of tasty food trucks, from delicious smoked wings to classic Mexican tacos. I reviewed five food trucks around the Bethesda area and evaluated each based on price, customer service and, most importantly, taste.
HALAL BROTHERS: 3.35/5
Located just off Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Halal Brothers sits at a Gulf gas station. Halal Brothers offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, ranging from $8.99 for a gyro to $10.99 for falafel & fries. I opted for their chicken over rice for $11.99 and was excited to dig in. I received my order after a few minutes of waiting and was amazed at the large portion size. The dish came with tender, boneless chicken and white rice, but the sauces drizzled on top completed the meal; the combined white and red sauce harmonized perfectly with the tender chicken. The diverse blend of spices in the red pepper sauce packed a flavorful punch, while the creamy yogurt sauce — similar to tzatziki — provided a refreshing counterbalance. While the chicken was fairly bland, the vibrant flavors from the sauces more than made up for the shortcomings. The dish’s heat was divine, though perhaps excessive for those with a low tolerance for spice.
FACEBOOK: Halal Brothers
HEAVENLY WINGS: 3.75/5
Located in Silver Spring, Heavenly Wings sits at an Exxon gas station on Georgia Avenue. Their slogan, “the best wings this side of eternity,” piqued my interest, and I was intrigued to see if this was true. I chose five of their most popular wings — lemon pepper — as well as five medium buffalo sauced wings. The combo came with fries on the side and cost me $13.50. After my first bite of the medium-sauced wings, I was doused in flavory delight. The chicken fell right off the bone and was spiced with just the right amount of heat. The awaited lemon pepper wings were decent, with a nice tangy sour flavor sprinkled on top. The lemon pepper wings, while not as flavorful as the medium wings, were still delectable. Although the ruck is a bit far from Bethesda, the variety and complexity of the wing make the drive worth it.
INSTAGRAM: heavenlywingsdc
TAQUERIA EL JALAPENO: 4.4/5
Located on Wisconsin Avenue, this food truck has shaded tables covered for customers to enjoy their meals. With a variety of options from chorizo tacos to beef tongue, there’s a Mexican dish for everyone. The prices range from $3.50 for a taco to $10-13 for a burrito. I went with their most popular item: the carnitas taco. The service was excellent, with polite employees recommending what to order, and I received my meal within fifteen minutes. The taco consisted of an authentic corn tortilla shell, juicy pulled pork, cilantro and onion. It also came with three different types of dipping sauces — green, hot and mild — for customers to choose from. Upon taking the first bite, the rich and tangy flavor of the pork melted in my mouth, and combined with the subtle crunch of the shell, the taco introduced me to a new world of flavor. Dipping the taco into each of the sauces presented distinctly unique flavor profiles.
INSTAGRAM: Taqueriaeljalapenooficial
FACEBOOK: Taqueria El Jalapeño
BULLFROG BAGELS: 4.5/5
Located on Wisconsin Avenue, Bullfrog Bagels serves a variety of fresh bagels, including bagels made with smoked salmon and liverwurst. The unique spread of flavors of Bullfrog Bagels makes them stand out despite their steep prices. I decided to get the T.B.A with a salt bagel — which contains smoked turkey, bacon, avocado and sriracha mayo glazed on top — for the price of $9. The bagel was fairly small, but the inside was packed to the brim. The smoked turkey combined with the avocado and sriracha mayo was filled with a barrage of flavors. The bacon planted on top was crispy, adding a nice crunch to the bagel. Bullfrog Bagels, while a tad pricey, makes up for it with its distinctive and appetizing food.
INSTAGRAM: bullfrogbagels
PITA ON THE PLAZA: 5/5
Located just outside the Bethesda Metro Station, Pita on the Plaza is the perfect place for an afternoon bite. The prices range from an affordable $7.70 for a wrap to $12.95 for a gyro platter. I chose to get the Old G-town wrap, a drink and baklava for dessert. The employees working at the truck were especially kind, guiding me through the menu and requesting my thoughts on the meal afterward. Upon taking a bite of the Old G-town wrap, I was hit with a punch of smokey deliciousness. The grilled chicken kebab was incredibly juicy and tender, flavored with a salty, zesty marinade. Drizzled with tzatziki on top and complemented with fresh tomatoes, lettuce and onions, the wrap was perfect. After finishing my first wrap I craved another and decided to experiment with a new wrap, the POTP, which contained steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo and hot sauce. The wrap was perfectly tender, and the burst of juice and smoked taste reminded me of an original Philly cheese steak. Delving into the homemade baklava gave me a different sugary sensation, with the flaky sweet crust and its syrupy and nutty contents complementing each other perfectly. The truck has something for everyone, from addicting wraps to satiable bowls.
INSTAGRAM: pitaontheplaza
