Midtown Lunch

Coup de Taco opened over in University City last fall. Everyone loves a food truck, especially when the food they serve is unique. Coup de Taco had a good gimmick going, but it goes beyond that. The atypical taco fillings are very well done. The three original tacos were Sweet Thai Chicken, Indian Tikka Masala, and Southern BBQ, then the Caprese was added, and now they have Raul as a special.

According to their blog, the Thai chicken taco was the first experiment. This one happened to be my favorite.

I guess I am a sucker for sweet and savory together; the coconut chicken and marinated apple pieces had the most stand-out flavor for me.

The pulled pork and tikka masala were my next two favorites. The pulled pork, the most traditional of the fillings, would not disappoint a taco connoisseur with its crispy, bright jicama coleslaw and shreds of pork. The tikka masala, on the other hand, is totally out of place inside a taco- but I didn’t mind. Somehow the truck guys nailed the traditional flavors, though the rice was a bit undercooked.

The caprese comes with  mozzarella, tomato, and one surprising addition- edamame hummus. The high quality of the mozz and olive oil stand out. I liked eating it, but it seems best as an accompaniment to break up the intense flavors of the other tacos; their version of the side salad.

I love the sloppiness of ropa vieja (shredded beef) so that may be why Raul was not my favorite. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a great tasting taco.

Tacos are $3.50 each, three tacos make a nice sized lunch, the triple-play is $8.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• I like bold flavors and variety
• The tacos hold together well, making a nice portable lunch
• They have seitan options for vegetarians

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Its too cold right now to eat on a bench
• I prefer a platter with a knife and fork to a taco

Coup de Taco, 40th btw Locust and Spruce St, 917-817-4715