New York is known for its street food, and the area around Columbia is full of delectable options from a variety of food trucks. Prices range, as do times and locations, but most trucks have a vibrant social media presence to keep their fans well informed about their next delicious stop.
1. Kimchi Taco Truck
Where: Near West 114th Street and Broadway or West 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
When: Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Must Try: The BBQ grilled short rib tacos, 3 for $7.
Specialty menu items: Every dish has kimchi in it. Check out their vegetarian options, including the falafel taco with edamame, or a more carnivore-friendly option, such as the kimchi cheesesteak.
Least expensive menu item: All sides are $3, including rice cakes, nachos and straight-up kimchi.
Most expensive menu item: The fresh kimchi bowl — like a burrito bowl with Korean flare — costs $8.
2. Wafels & Dinges
Where: Around 115th and Broadway
When: Tuesday - Saturday, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Must Try: Anything with Nutella.
Specialty menu items: Savory waffles, including the chili con corne waffle or one with bacon and syrup.
Least expensive menu item: The mini wafelini (waffle) costs either $3 or $4, depending upon if you order it plain or “choco-dipped.” Also, the first topping is free.
Most expensive menu items: The BBQ pulled pork waffle costs $8.50.
3. Korilla BBQ
Where: The truck moves around the city, but regularly visits the area near Columbia.
When: For the most up-to-date location information, check out the truck's Twitter feed.
Must try: The Porkinator, which can be served as a burrito or tacos and is made with pulled pork, bacon and kimchi fried rice.
Specialty menu items: Kimchi Time, a bowl that includes all the special kimchi the truck offers, ranging from cucumber kimchi to kimchi slaw.
Least expensive menu item: Burritos and tacos cost $7.
Most expensive menu item: Chosun bowls cost $8.
4. Nut Cart
Where and when: Just outside the front gates on West 116th Street and Broadway; Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Must try: Roasted almonds
Specialty menu items: Nuts. This cart sells purely roasted nuts, which are great for a mid-winter snack or a pick-me-up on your way to class. The smell alone can be intoxicating.
Least expensive menu item: Roasted peanuts, $1.50 a bag.
Most expensive menu item: Bag of mixed nuts, $4.
5. Halal Carts
Where and when: There are five Halal trucks that regularly hang out around Columbia, serving up the staples of New York City street food. Two can be found near the Law School. Two park on West 120th Street and one sets up across from the front gates of Barnard. They all run until late.
Prices: Range from $1 for to $5 for a chicken & rice platter.
