Food Truck Spotlight

Desi Food Truck delivers food from across Indian subcontinent

The Desi Food Truck supplies food from the entire Indian subcontinent, including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Photo: Desi Food Truck

September 18, 2024 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

The Desi Food Truck in New York City takes a different approach to Indian food. Rather than just focusing on India, it supplies food from the entire Indian subcontinent, including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Learn more about it below.

Food Truck Name

Desi Food Truck

Owners

Al and Tony Elahi

Date Founded

10/2010

Location

New York City

How many trucks do you operate under this brand?

One

Do you operate brick-and-mortar locations under this brand as well? How many?

None

How did you come up with the name?

Desi means people and things of countries of the Indian subcontinent like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. We were making foods commonly found in these countries and wanted to reach out to all of them along with non-Desi folks who like South Asian foods.

What prompted you to start a food truck?

Lack of popular street foods of Desi countries in U.S., especially New York City.

What's on your food truck menu? Why did you choose this cuisine?

We have an eclectic menu of Kati rolls(wraps), puri-bhaji(tacos), biryani, dal and rice and veg / haleem soup. This cuisine has withstood the test of time and is very popular to date.

Do you make all the food on the truck, or do you use home-based kitchen or commissary space?

Yes, everything is prepared on the truck

What's the best part of being a food truck operator?

Being your own boss.

What's the worst part of operating a food truck?

You are responsible for everything, both good and bad.

What lessons have you learned since launching the truck?

You must get a good partner.

Is there anything you would have done differently at the start?

Find the right partner.

Any tips/advice to others thinking of launching a food truck?

Find the right partners/workers/investors.

Do you have any anecdotes about running a food truck — any unique interactions or special events you've been booked at?

We have good honest reviews. Check out a video below:

About Bradley Cooper

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Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. He was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

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