If you're going to order one thing from the India Jones Chow Truck in LA make sure it's a Lamb Frankie – tender lamb with Cilantro Tamarind Chutney rolled up in a soft Roti wrap – ok, get two.
The Grubdown:
- juicy, tender, somehow-sour-cream-cheesy tasting Lamb Frankie with Cilantro Tamarind Chutney, Chopped Onions & Egg, all rolled up in a moist 'n flaky Roti
- creamy, not too spicy, Butter Chicken Curry on Basmati Rice
- tangy, spicy, Cilantro-powered Veggie Saag Curry on a bit under-seasoned Basmati Rice
This Food Truck Friday I'm continuing my Indian Love Affair – see Wednesday's Tanzore Indian Restaurant review – with a long awaited stop at the India Jones Chow Truck.
Thankfully – or maybe not, since it was sooo good – my hand model Evan could make it this time and decided to split the Lamb Frankie ($3.50) with me. After ordering from the very friendly servers and unrolling the cute blue & white checkered paper, at first glance, the Lamb Frankie looked extremely greasy. Fear not because it's just the tasty Lamb Juices & tangy Cilantro Tamarind Chutney oozing out. The Lamb itself is super tender, and the Roti is so soft, buttery, moist & flaky that I now declare all wraps should be rolled in one! While I could taste the chopped onion, I did not taste the chopped egg – perhaps that's where the sour-cream-cheesy flavor came from. However they did it, the flavors were definitely crave-worthy. The Frankie also comes in Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Paneer (vegetarian-friendly unaged cheese), and Mushroom & Cheese.
Instead of getting 1 curry for $7, we decided to get more bang for our 'buds and order 2 curries for $8. Always trying to get my veggies in every meal, I decided to go with the Veggie Saag (Spinach), while Evan chose the Butter Chicken (a popular dish). At first bite of the Veggie Saag, the Cilantro really hits you and imparts a spicy, tangy flavor with a hint of mint. I was a bit disappointed by the bland, under-seasoned Basmati Rice served under it – perhaps the Saag would've tasted better on its own. But the rice underneath the creamy Butter Chicken curry was much better, probably because the buttery flavor soaked its way into the rice. The curry is mild in flavor with a little bit of spice, and served with big strips of tender chicken.
While we liked the Butter Chicken over the Veggie Saag, the tangy Lamb Frankie stole the show and Ev & I definitely could have eaten a whole one to ourselves, even after splitting the curries.
India Jones also serves Aloo (Potato), Gobhi (Cauliflower), and Keema (Minced Beef) Parathas ($3.50) – kind of like quesadillas but with Roti wheat flatbread and Raita (Cucumber-Mint Yogurt Sauce) – as well as Samosa Spring Rolls ($3), Mango Pork Ribs ($7), and a Side of Grilled Naan ($1). To drink, there's a traditional Indian sweet yogurt-based Mango Lassi ($3) and other beverages ($1-2.50) including my favorite, Fanta.
Find your Frankie @IndiaJonesCT. And if you're lucky, grab a seat at one of the cute little black stools, complimentary of the truck.
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