This isn't just food. His own traditional home cooked meal from puerto rico served on a hot plate for you. This is by far the best puerto rican food i've ever had. i can't lie. I always go as much as i can when i know that it's open. read more

Lechonera La Piraña - arroz con guandules / rice with pigeon peas pernil/pork camarones/shrimp pulpo/octupus me faltó el guineo / green banana - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

La Piraña Lechonera is a small food trailer nestled at East 152nd Street and Wales Avenue in the South Bronx, New York. Serving up Puerto Rican cuisine. He is called the Lechon King and is an icon of the South Bronx. It's a place I've kept an eye on for some time, and I finally decided to give it a try. The truck operates only on Saturdays and Sundays, from around noon until six, or sometimes one. When we arrived, a line had already formed, which is a testament to how much people love this spot. Be prepared to wait about 2 hours--it's cash-only--but trust me, the experience is worth it. The most popular dishes are Lechon, Spanish Rice, and Octopus. The wait is long because the owner personally prepares each order, taking the time to chat with customers and even offer tastings. His warm personality and genuine customer service create a welcoming atmosphere. While my daughter and I waited in line, I noticed an older gentleman I'd seen in videos sharing wine with waiting customers. Seeing him there, pouring wine as we waited, made us feel part of a lively, friendly community. I had a cup of wine and couldn't help but feel like I was at a festive gathering. Everyone around us was talking and laughing like old friends, which made the wait more enjoyable than I expected. The owner's passion is evident -- he runs out of Lechon, gets it straight from the street-side oven, and takes time to take pictures, entertain customers, and share samples. I tried the Lechon at least twice before finally receiving my order, and it was well worth the patience. When it was our turn, the owner was still giving samples while he prepared our food. My daughter ordered Lechon and Spanish Rice, while I wanted to try everything. My order included Lechon, Spanish Rice, Octopus, Shrimp, Crabmeat, and garlic sauce. Although I don't eat seafood like shrimp or crabmeat, I was eager to try the Octopus. I ate around the other seafood, savoring each bite. The food was incredibly delicious -- the Lechon had a perfect balance of flavor, and the crispy skin was unforgettable. The plantain was tasty, cooked to perfection, and complemented beautifully by the garlic sauce's punch of flavor. The Octopus, prepared ceviche-style, was a new experience for me, and I'm glad I took the chance -- it was tasty. The rice was good, though I wished there was a bit more -- it seemed like a small portion. I would give this place a five-star rating for the incredible flavor and the warmth of the customer service. While cleanliness isn't perfect, the overall experience is truly heartwarming. If you find yourself there, I believe you'll leave feeling happy and satisfied. read more

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A truly unique and wild ride. Nothing could have prepared me for the hour plus we spent getting plates from the infamous Piraña de Lechonara food truck from Chef Jimenez. The line felt like a party with the guy on a scooter handing out 190 proof vodka to the guests. When you finally make your way into the truck be prepared to be greeted with warmth and a chunk of lechon right into your hand. Want to try the pulpo (octopus salad)? I hope you washed your hands because he will scoop a sample right into your palm. Chef Jimenez will tell you his life story while waving his machete and smoking a blunt. Nothing seems off limits here because you have somehow, in a matter of minutes, become nothing less than family. At $22 a plate, with rice and peas, a very generous serving of lechon and topped with a green banana, you'll walk away with a full stomach and a warmed heart. The unpredictable nature of this means you can't come wanting to control time or have an efficient food pickup. If you want that go to Cuchifritos in East Harlem. The rice and peas were a little burnt tasting but who cares? It was a party in the middle of the Bronx and more memorable than any food truck I've been to. read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Outside - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

i got here with my family we waited in line for about three hours. we got the plate of food and it was bland, as a puerto rican myself i was highly disappointed. we got pernil, arroz con gandules, and some guineos. the pernil wasn't as flavorful as we expected, the rice was extremely underwhelming in flavor and texture. the best part was meeting different people in the long line. meeting people from california and jersey. bonding and having a feeling of community was the best part. i wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, become friends with a puerto rican and have one of their family members cook you a delicious home cooked and FLAVORFUL meal. read more

Let's start off by making it known he is world famous for a reason. The hospitality this man gives you and the service is unmatched. He is very energetic and has a very welcoming persona. He has been serving lechon for over 30 years and you can see why it's been a hit. He sells 3 items. Lechon(pork) with rice&beans. Coconut shrimp and chicken empanadas. He gives out samples of all his food so don't be afraid to try it before you buy it. Make sure you have cash and it is a cash only spot. Everything is $20 per plate expect the empanadas I believe those were $3 each. The pork itself was fall off the bone tender. For me I just couldn't eat it all. This was one of those dishes that I got tired of eating. Maybe it was the amount of garlic he adds over it was overwhelming. The shrimp had a great flavor but we're cold. Same with the chicken empanadas. For spending $70 the only item that was hot was the pork. Lechon(pork) 6/10 Shrimp 6/10 Empanadas 6/10 read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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The food is fresh with authentic flavors. Is all about the lechón for me, maybe a couple of green bananas. Long wait on line but everyone makes it fun and Matatan keeps everyone happy while waiting. read more

I truly had no idea what I was getting into when I stepped onto this line. And even thinking about it now I'm not sure I could explain it. Come early. Get on line and be comfortable with that. We got to know the couple next to us and it was a lovely experience, even waiting for ultimately about an hour on line. If you're interested, there is a man with a bottle of Smirnoff and an electric scooter bustling up and down the line offering free shots of vodka while you wait. At some point, you see the chef himself leave this ?caravan? of a restaurant to grab a machete. Don't question that. Then you see him leave again to walk down the street to grab the pork that has been cooking streetside in a cooker. The pictures don't do it justice (but there are tons). The service then starts. It can be a little slow, as each party is invited into the caravan to discuss the meal and try a taste of something (it differed each time) on the machete. And the friendliness of the chef is unparalleled-he truly loves what he does. Ultimately, though, the food is the reason people wait for the NYT #6 restaurant. And I get it. I don't love pork cooked this way so much, but even this made me a bit of a believer. We got it with the plantain, shrimp, and octopus. Was worried 2 portions (cash only, 30$ each) would be too much food, and I was right. But not the worst leftovers to have. Overall, this place is an experience. read more

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The pork is hella juicy and delicious. If you come by the hood do stop by... only Sat-Sun though ‍

Not bad a bit overrated he needs to be more attentive for the people standing online waiting for food, talks too much

Waited in line for almost 3 hours. By the time it was my turn, all that was left was roast pork. No rice, no octopus salad, no anything else. To make things worse, he was charging $20 for a few pieces of meat. I couldn't believe it!!! Also, if the health department paid him a visit, he'd be fined and closed down immediately. The way he handles the food is pretty disgusting. I won't be returning which is sad. You'd think that someone who is as popular as this guy is with the amount of ppl who show up, would hire help instead of doing it all by himself and putting his customers through hours and hours of wait. Business 101 is something he could benefit from. read more

This place is amazing and Mr. Piraña the best my wife and I went for the food on Saturday we got there early and we had a blast we loved his company and we will go again. If you love roast pork you are gonna love it.. The service was amazing he served ower food and we went home right after that to enjoy ower meal everything was on point.. The ambiance was the best we met lots of good people from Florida, Connecticut we where please with the food and the service we will be back to see Mr. Piraña.. read more

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This food is amazing the most incredible Pernil you would have in your life I'm telling you I been to Puerto Rico and no one has ever been even close to this guys pork oh Pernil, and he is an amazing person love him already, drove from Boston Massachusetts just for he's pork and boy it's amazing !!! Actually I'm going back Next weekend with my whole Family and that's all I'm saying !!! read more

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$30 is over priced for this plate I'm just saying and then he gave me a pork full of fat and blubber it was gross smh read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

It was so worth the wait!!! Hands down the best lechon I have ever had. My boyfriend and I made the trip up to the Bronx from Manhattan on a Saturday afternoon to get a taste of this iconic street food. We arrived around 12:30 and waited about an hour or so to get our food. People were very friendly in line and there are bodegas across the street to get drinks and snacks to enjoy while waiting. We got 2 lechon rice boxes: one with octopus salad and the other with shrimp. Both were equally delicious with an explosion of flavor with every bite and the freshest and crispiest lechon skin I've ever had. We watched the chef chop up the lechon in front of us and he even handed us a piping hot sampler piece right off of his machete. Everything was assembled by the chef and topped with fresh garlic and hot sauce. There's a park nearby with benches and tables to enjoy your food ASAP. Overall such a fun and unique dining experience, I highly recommend this spot for the tastiest lechon of your life. read more

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the best place to get Puerto Rican food from a real Boricua!! He literally does everything himself assuring that you will get real great food highly recommend this place to anybody who wants real fantastic tasting Puerto Rican food read more

Lechonera La Piraña - This is everything in one plate. It was delicious. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

I saw them featured on both IG and TT. There are no authentic RICAN food in the DMV, they claim to be but lemme tell ya, it's not it. Flavors don't come close. So when I was here in NY, I had to stop in Boogie Down. Growing up Sunday night meals would always consist of something hearty. Holidays would consist of Pernil, and Peking Duck etc. Now prepare to wait, but it will be worth it! I rarely get to eat a good Lechon or pernil is my fam stop eating pork etc, dietary and religious reasons. So coming here I was famished. The pernil was seasoned to perfection. The rice on point. It tasted better than how my mom made it. The crispy skin, and meat was soft and tender. Empanadas are good!! Bring containers cuz its a of food and you don't want it to spill. Service was great. Definitely coming back with more friends. This place is a gem! read more

First a warning for the faint of heart- if you are really a stickler for cleanliness and hygiene this place is NOT for you. No sink on site, he walks up the block to a lock box for the cooked pig (lechon) and he smokes while serving. The other MAJOR downside is the service is SUPER SLOW. I waited an hour and a half on a long line where all the owner Angel did was serve food and talk, and talk, and talk... He posed a lot for pictures as well. Having written all of the above I will STILL give them 5 stars. The food is THAT GOOD. All he sells is lechon with rice and peas (arroz con gandules), octopus ceviche and what he called shrimp ceviche but it is clearly cooked... He would be a rich man if he sold drinks, desert, other sides... But DAMN is what he sells AMAZINGLY delicious! He is only open on the weekends from 11 until he sells out. I was told to get there at noon if I want fast-ish service. read more

Lechonera La Piraña - LONG line - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Was in line for OVER TWO hours!!!! This is crazy!!! It shouldn't take this long to get food. Wouldn't come back for the simple fact that you have to wait in line for 2-3 hours for a plate. read more

Great Puerto Rican Food! Mouth watering and well seasoned and thoughtfully prepared dinners. Just what you would expect if you were in Puerto Rico! read more

This how we do in the (South) Bronx!!! Nothing quite encapsulates the Bronx like a visit to Lechonera La Piraña.. a man full of Puerto Rican/Bronx pride, endless energy, love, and unsolicited kindness. From a food truck and an age old oven he is producing some of the best food in all of NYC. Beer in one hand, machete in the other, he is happy to feed new and old faces! In need of his special Mofongo with chicharron pieces mashed in again read more

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Visited recently..waited on line about 30mi..Paid 44.00 for 2 meals...verdict:The pernil was both crunchy and a bit rubbery ..in side the trailer could have been a little more tidy..This spot I still say is worth the trip ..Juat for the experience ... read more

From all of the reviews I expected so much better from the restaurant. I grew up on Latin food and have never has pastellios that were so dry and cold. I asked for sancocho and I got chicken soup with tripe in it. I went back before I headed home to see if they were having an off day but no it was the same thing. On the upside the service was good read more

Pirana is a staple in the neighborhood.... Since moving out of the city, my family travels 1 hr 1/2 to for the "Pirana experience" Great service , delicious food; good music WE LOVE this spot!!! It's a MUST TRY read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Pirana taking a sec to pose for a pic while serving Delicious dishes!!! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

Amazing. First visit got half pulpo / half lechon, with a shrimp empanada on the side, and it was all excellent. I'd probably get more empanadas next time, and sub out the pulpo for the simpler lechon with rice. Also, we came later in the day and the line was short, which was a nice surprise. read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Half pulpo / half lechon - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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I. Food II Ambience III Predictability I. Food Slow roasted pork - most excellent. Most excellent. Rice with beans - very nice. Octopus salad - great dressing and bits of salad, and I think I had mistaken expectations. I've only had grilled octopus in the past, at white table cloth restaurants, and I'm guessing that those octopus samples were massaged and massaged and massaged. (Remember the great movie, Jiro Dreams of Sushi? One of the sous chefs had to massage each octopus for 45 minutes before it was considered ready to be presented.) The flavor, by way of the dressing, was great. The octopus itself was tough, maybe because it was marinated and not grilled. How tough? It took me a couple of tries to spear a piece with a metal fork and longer than that to fully chew it. If you're good with that, then it's a must have. II Ambience Yes, it's a food truck by a school playground with no seating. Puerto Rican (?), Mexican (?), Latin X (?) music at a strong but not conversation-killing volume spills out of a speaker, all upbeat, great arrangements: horns, strings, and of course percussion. It'd be great music for a party or festival. Which Lechonera basically is. III Predictability So. Google has it opening at noon, and a 2015 GrubStreet review (https://www.grubstreet.com/2015/07/la-pirana-day.html) has the pork coming out in batches at noon, 1:00, 1:30, 2:30, and 4 p.m. Today, 4/28/2024) we got there at 12:45, and there was a line of about 50 people. No movement on the line. I asked people at the front what time they'd gotten there and they said 11:30 and that people had started lining up at noon. The first batch came out at 1:20 and the people in the front of the line went in at 1:32. We ordered and got served around 3:20, though they didn't have the shrimp pastillos or the mofongo. So, overall: fun party atmosphere, excellent slow roasted pork, and leisurely service, at least today. It took 2 hours for 50 people to be served, which isn't crazy slow, and if the first batches had come out at noon, as advertised, instead of 1:20, our wait would have probably been one hour instead of two. I'm glad we went. The vibe is great, the pork is succulent with a beautifully crisp skin. But it'll probably be a while before going again, and if the food is slow to come out and the offerings spotty, we'll probably move on immediately instead of waiting. And waiting. And waiting. read more

Long line on Puerto Rican day parade, clearly full of new and old customers. He gives everyone a sample of chicharrón, poses for photos and chats up the regulars. A staple of the community. Generous serving, worth the wait and $20/plate. I wanted to try mofongo y ensalada de pulpo but he has to keep the line moving on a day like this. Much love! Please bring your most patient self and try not to ruin the experience for others Bayamón in the house, still loving all the Ponce and Aguadilla decor/ambiance read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Inside the truck is a bench and waiting area, blasting classic PR salsa - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Angel Jimminez (aka La Piraña) is still chopping roast pork in the Lechonera his parents started last century. Ambience? It's trailer set on concrete blocks. But there's a bench where you're welcome to sit and the atmosphere couldn't be warmer. Enjoy sitting next to the picture of Justice Sotomayor in the same spot. She looks very happy, and it's easy to see why. You haven't lived til you've tasted the crispy skin from his chicharron -- pork shoulder roasted until it has shed most of its fat, with a crisp mouth-watering skin. He also has memorable octopus, served in a salad or a ceviche. Prices are very reasonable; in fact Angel will take what you offer. read more

he has to wear gloves at all times. or he will b reported. make sure to clean all utensils and use clean towels. also....wash those nails bro. really. read more

I'm Filipino and our national dish is lechon. My Uncle's lechon will always be number one. But this dude I met today is definitely a close second! The best food I've tasted in NYC since we moved here 4 years ago. Been to all sorts of places, but nothing hit home harder than this! I was definitely able to get the full authentic Puerto Rican experience Going here every weekend that I possibly can! read more

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Found out about this place during Covid 2020 and finally went. Crispy pork skin, garlicky mojo drizzled ontop of everything, octopus salad and rice with gandules was my order. Plus the owner is a sweet heart. Delicious and will be back! read more

Lechonera La Piraña - Shrimp, octopus salad and pork combo with arroz and gandules - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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My friend and I came in from Manhattan to visit Angel's Puerto Rican food truck in the South Bronx. My kosher-keeping wife was out of town so we decided to indulge in some pork and check out the Bronx, as neither of us had spent much time there. Suffice to say that going to Lechonera La Piraña is not like a typical Manhattan Halal cart, it's more of an "immersive" experience because he welcomes you into his food truck, both literally (you climb up a rickety black metal staircase to enter into the truck) and figuratively (he treats his customers like family). He clearly has a bit of a following, because even on a cold winter day he had a small line of people... but luckily we didn't have to wait long before we were welcomed inside. I was a bit intimidated as I didn't know the ordering protocol but Angel put me at ease, behind the counter, expertly cutting up pork with a large machete... He quickly offered us a sample of the pork and also a little plastic cups of his split pea soup which was delicious. Maybe we looked like out-of-towners because he asked us how we heard about him and we told him about the Vice article and he said that people come from all over to try his lechón. He delivered heaping piles of food to us in take-out containers. Angel himself, as well as other people leaned in to take photos of our food 'cuz it looked so tasty and the other guests said they had already eaten their food and wanted photos. Note that Portion sizes were EXTREMELY large. There was a tasty garlic sauce and also hot sauces available. One was a home-made Puerto Rican hot sauce in an orange juice container that was very tasty. My friend ordered shrimp sauce over rice + pork on the side. I ordered just the pork. I asked for salad but he didn't have any so I got only pork. He did not have soda. We paid $27.00 for everything. Would go back again in the future. read more

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Wow, wow, wow. Hands down the best puerto rican food I've ever had, and the best pernil in NYC. Angel (La Pirana) is truly and angel. I stopped by late in the day, and was too late but Angel invited me into the truck to try some costillas he had left over and chicharron he set aside for himself. I tried some of his ceviche, and shrimp stew, and all of it was to die for. He even gave me a taste of some moonshine he had for the weekend. The hospitality, the flavors, and the culture are everything we love about lechonera. If you are in the BX and you haven't been here you're really playing yourself. Make that all of NYC, actually. read more

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I have given this review some thought before posting. Only because as a fellow "boricua " I'm not out to hurt anyone that wants to turn out some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. So here goes , the place has its multitude of 5 star ratings. For good reason , the food is definitely authentic. Even the owner is as authentic a puerto rican can be. He was friendly and spirited. Gleeful and talkative. A rather nice person catering to the multitude of people waiting nearly an hour or more to serve. Now , the side that unfortunately I was not a fan of ; the place and the hygiene of same does not meet the standards of the NYC FOOD SERVICE. It's quite difficult to see the person serving your food has no gloves , accepts cash ( only ) with the same hands he will cut your pork , and go right ahead to serve your food . I know he means well. And given the amount of people waiting, perhaps ; because he does everything alone , he does not have time to be sanitary and pleasing to all. So if your queasy and anal about cleanliness, then this might deter you. The food was great regardless. Yes , I know , I prayed that an E.coli or Staph would not be part of my meal. Also , quite pricy for a food truck , $20 per plate. Quick note , there is no refrigeration for the octopus salad. And no sinks for the cleaning of cutting and serving utensils. Not to mention his ovens are half a block away on the street ! So who cleans them when he's closed ? Altogether this was lengthy and I apologize. I do , from the bottom of my heart , hope that the gentleman will take this as a positive move to a well established community icon. read more

Its' all true about Angel and his Food Truck! The food is on point all 100% skip all the fancy spots in the city and head to the boogie Down Bronx for the Food worth more then you will pay. read more

The pork is absolutely incredible no question some of the best roast pork I've ever had.

Yooooooooooo get your delicious lechon cravings met here. Saw this place on the youtube video and have been meaning to go. FINALLY. FYI/PSA: For the next 1 or 2 saturdays, he will be at Park Ave and 112th in Manhattan (not in the usual bronx location). But Sundays are normal. So my friend and I got super lucky cuz we got there around 11:50am not realizing he had already packed up to go to his Manhattan location, but he still was super nice and fixed us up a few platters on the spot. He also hooked us up with a few free pieces for free while we waited for him to chop up the pork on the back of his pickup truck. Pork and rice +/- plantain =$10 Pork, rice, octopus salad = $15 The lechon was juicy and tasty. The skin was crisp and fatty and salty and you know it's not good for you but you don't care cuz it's delicious. My friend who has had lots of lechon said it's one of the best he's had. The octopus salad was great too. The olive-ness and acidity helps even out the fat. read more

$25.00 for a plate of pernil, octopus, arroz con gandules, ample portion and well worth it. The guy has magical cooking skills. Lechon is falling off the bone, everyhing is delicious, tasty. It's in the Bronx, well worth the trip. He is leaving for Aguadilla, Puerto Rico soon to open a Lechonera there. What a loss. The guy is so charming, really nice man. Food is just amazing. read more

Lechon is great. Ambiance terrific Owner and operator very polite and portions are great read more

I did visit the Lechonera but the line was too long and not moving..the owner left twice to pick up more food..I left because I wasn't sure he would have any food left by my turn on the line..very popular has excellent reviews but you need to get there early to stand on line.... read more

La mejor comida boricua en NYC. Como en familia. Parece que estás en PR. Esta es la comida más auténtica y el ambiente más cercano a lo que es Puerto Rico read more

Lechonera La Piraña - El jefe sirviendo - Puerto Rican Near Me - Bronx, New York

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