A very new addition to the Public Market's growing plethora of ethnic food options. I stumbled upon the Halal Grill food cart (not truck) 2 Saturdays ago when trying to find the Wafel Cart. They were parked outside the Market office (next to the guy hawking boxes after boxes of miscellaneous things ranging from bras to peelers). Their menu was fairly limited - they had the tawook pita or the beef pita - both $5ish. I got the tawook pita - extra spicy (obviously). It was chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked on a grill. Then they build the pita with lettuce, tomato, onions (tossed in tangy sumac), garlic sauce and a 'spicy' sauce. After rolling the pita, they put it on the grill to put some grill marks on the outside.
I couldn't believe how good it was. So, I did all the Yelpers a favour (yeah, right.) and went back yesterday. They were in the same-ish location and were giving away samples. Most people declined (who says no to free meat?!) but not me. I tried the beef and it was good - mildly spiced and flavourful. While I was waiting, a lady wanted the beef pita but without the pita. They obliged and made her a salad of sorts without the bread. I ordered 2 tawook pitas and chatted with the 2 guys manning the grill. They mentioned they were Iraqi and just started the food cart 3 weeks ago. They hope to open a brick and mortar location eventually.
My boyfriend was very lucky as I actually let him have one of the tawook pitas and he loved it as well. He described it as "flavourful and garlicky".
I hope they will eventually add to their menu and open a restaurant - we could use a good Middle Eastern place in Rochester! read more