This is a lengthy review. If you want to skip my experience and move straight to reading about just the food, find the asterisks. (***)
It's been awhile since I've yelped but THIS PLACE is definitely WORTHY of a review. My taste buds haven't been this excited in quite some time!!!
Muiishi Makirritos is one of Houston's newest food trucks that KNOWS flavor. Its twist on Jap-Mex cuisine surely sets it apart from other food trucks.
For my very first experience at Muiishi Makirritos, my friend and I spotted the truck over by Soundwaves during late lunch hours. (See... You can still catch food trucks outside of the clubbing hours. My palette had not been skewed on this occasion so you can take this review for face value :P) Parking at this particular location was very easy as the lot was rather spacious. Everything is catchy in presentation including the bright blue truck.
I guess we were lucky enough to catch them right before they had closed. They extended the hour for us and the mini wave of people we brought on. For a fact, that won me over already. I've gone out of my way trying to find some food trucks in the past and when they're closed/shutting down, they make no exceptions. This isn't always because they're out of food either. Though I understand that, it makes Muiishi Makirritos stand out so much more for making the exception. [round of applause]
Chef Matt Mui was very helpful in describing the menu to us. He's very knowledgeable and charming in character. His staff is very efficient and friendly as well. Everyone seems personable even when they're busy. Genuine friendliness is something that I feel is noteworthy. In my opinion, that is what would usually wow me about an establishment and bring me back. Based on that solely, I would've already given this place five stars; HOWEVER, I have yet to talk about the food, so here we go...
Oh my Gouda! THIS FOOD ROCKS! My friend and I wanted to tackle the whole menu. We actually tried everything BUT the Makirritos. (It's unfortunate how full one can become.) If I were to rank the food on another scale, I'd give it another 5 stars. This place is so deserving of more!
***The Chicken Karaage with Tempura Corn....
[drools] ORGASMIC! (That's my adjective of choice that I reserve only for the most pleasing foods.) The texture and flavor and the fact that it has CORN... Sold! This is going to be THE dish I will ALWAYS order. The breading on the Karaage and corn makes it oh so crunchy. (Not like a rock either.) The chicken is still juicy. The sauces give the dish just the right amount of kick while the corn gives the dish just a little bit of sweetness. Chef Matt knows what he's doing :)
Pork Bunz
This come in a set of two. Surprisingly, these are not greasy though they're fried. I'm usually turned off by pork belly because of the fat, but these were prepared so well that I'll retract my dislike for pork belly (Chef Matt sous vides the pork belly... Fancy stuff there ;D) I really didn't get that unpleasant hit of greasiness I thought I would. The sweet Japanese BBQ sauce (maybe Hoisin?) offers this balanced sweetness. The pickles aren't what you would think of either. They are well balanced, light, and not overly tart. It makes a wonderful component to this dish. My complaint would be: needs more pickles. They are just so tasty.
Mac 'N Cheese Eggrolls
Hello... ;) These guys are creamy and cheesy on the inside yet light and crispy on the outside. Oh yes, and Bacon! There's bacon inside! :) Delicious!
Bacon Jammin' Karaage Biscuits
Yes Yes Yes!!! [growl] These are delicious! One order comes with these three mini skewers of heavenly goodness. The honey cheddar biscuits are crunchy and sweet on the outside yet somehow fluffy on the inside. I just don't know how Chef Matt does it! Of course the chicken karaage is still juicy as mentioned above, and that bacon jam is wonderful. It fits so well in this dish.
Shrimp 'N Grits
Where... I mean WHERE can you find a perfectly poached egg at a food truck?!?! The answer is simple. Muiishi Makirritos! Every ingredient is cooked well in this dish and you get a LOT of bang for your buck. This dish is not only filling but it's flavorful as well. The shrimp tempura is delicate yet it still holds its crunch in the grits. These grits are extraordinary! The egg adds additional creaminess and there is pork belly in there as well! There are oyster mushrooms that sets a bit of earthiness to this dish. Yum! Definitely worth the buy. This dish is probably what did us in.
Overall I was blown away by this experience. I kinda wish our tummy's elasticity did not give out on us... for we would've attacked the signature Makirritos as well. I heard that Kakuni is divine!!! They will be next on my list! :D
Oh yes... Knock back a mandarin jarritos!!! It's totally sensational! You'll thank me ;D read more