These fun and neighborly eateries celebrate immigrant cultures, foster American dreams, and are easy on the wallet.
Bethesdans saw a slice of their hometown on the Food Network last summer.
Taiwanese ghost kitchen Bao Bei was a competitor on the The Great Food Truck Race, and the eatery’s chef and founder Kevin Hsieh tells us his food truck is full steam ahead at their location in Parklawn Center.
“The show has caused a significant spike in our business and interest for our brand. It's been a non-stop grind in our kitchen to fulfill orders for all the new customers,” Hsieh explains. “The coolest part is having people from across the nation order some of our merchandise and represent our brand from thousands of miles away.”
Bao Bei’s most popular staple is their Bao Bei Bao, a slow-braised pork belly inside of a handmade bun, topped with pickled mustard, peanut sugar and cilantro, a recipe Hsieh learned from his family, and has “perfected with every repetition.”
Bao Bei has recently upgraded their menu with an almond tofu, which Hsieh calls a “nostalgic dessert.” More offerings are in the works to satisfy the demand of curious newcomers and devoted fans, who appreciate an unstuffy approach to modern day dining.
“Food trucks also tend to be very comfort based, without all the complications of regular restaurant life,” he says. ”We’rer simply spreading cuisine around to various locations.”
Bao Bei has a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the works in Montrose Crossing, but Hsieh says that the brand’s homegrown simplicity and accessibility will always be on the menu.
Renowned foodie and humanitarian José Andrés marries his love for cooking with a love for his homeland with Pepe Spanish Diner food truck on Woodmont Avenue. The truck brings diners his favorites from Spain including flauta sandwiches- fresh-baked bread, long and thin like a flute, containing pollo frito (fried chicken), or Jamón Serrano y queso Manchego (the classic Spanish ham and cheese). You can also indulge in seasonal soups like gazpacho and lighter bites like Croquetas and Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes). A delectable drinks menu features sangria by the glass, half pitcher, and pitcher, and the Clara, their Spanish cocktail of Mahou Lager and Kas Limón, will help wash down your meal.
Pita on the Plaza, right by Bethesda Metro, takes you on a culinary Mediterranean cruise with snacks like hummus dip and pita, falafel, and fresh crisp salads with mint leaves tossed in olive oil dressing. Open every day for midday diners from 11 am to 3 pm, Pita on the Plaza offers protein power lunches of chicken and lamb kebabs and bowls, wraps, burritos, and, of course, no stop there would be complete without an order of baklava.