Beauty in Breaking Tradition with Cucina Zapata

Cucina Zapata

On Drexel University’s campus behind Main Building is a street lined with food trucks referred to as Food Truck Alley by students and teachers alike. Cucina Zapata, a colorful graffitied food truck located at the very end of the line as it is the newest addition, tends to bring over the locals and visitors in Philadelphia to the student-populated region. Robert Zapata, co-owner of Cucina Zapata and 2002 graduate of Drexel University, offers flavorful dishes with fresh ingredients prepared each morning from a menu inspired by Asian and Mexican influences.

The beauty of Cucina Zapata resonates from the food and husband-and-wife team behind it, Rob and Ruk Zapata. In 2011, both moved from Thailand where they met back to the US and decided it was the right time to buy and endeavor into the food truck world. Little did they know that doing something different and breaking tradition while combining Asian and Mexican recipes would result in such positive hype. Robert’s favorite aspect about working in a food truck is his customers. He said, It's inspiring to be in University City, and to meet so many different people. You feel the potential everywhere and it makes me want to keep going,” according to a post on Drexel’s website.

Last Thursday, I was one of many standing outside of Cucina Zapata in frigid 40-degree weather to have a taste of Zapata’s cuisine. I ordered three spicy short rib tacos for only $8, which took only 10 minutes to come out (I was surprised at how quickly the turnover was with the large crowd waiting outside during the lunchtime rush!). At first bite, I was totally amazed at how wonderful it tasted. The short rib was cut into chunks, but very tender and flavorful sitting on a bed of lettuce with garnishes such as purple cabbage, ripe tomatoes, and sliced avocadoes. The spicy drizzle on top was the perfect amount of heat- not too spicy just like the employee at the window promised.

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Feedback from online reviews backs up my claim as one of the best food trucks around town, especially for the price! Jinsol L. from Yelp tells readers, “Cucina Zapata. No dispute about it – the best food truck in Philly. I could eat here every single day (if only it was closer to Penn!).” Glenn B, a visitor to Philadelphia commented on Tripadvisor, “I honestly have nothing bad to say about this place. We ordered the Short Rib taco, Tilapia burrito, and a Pad Thai dish. All three were delicious, probably some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. Way better quality and value than I’m used to in most restaurants, and the staff are very friendly. Worth waiting in the long lineups.” Check out the truck for yourself for lunch or dinner. It’s worth the detour into University City!