(Dined 07/16/23 SU @ 3:00pm): What did the "twelve" represent with this food truck?…read more
My friend, the lil' black beast, and I were at Corgi Spirits when I noticed Twelve (Food) Truck. As I approached, I was ecstatic to see that it was a Filipino food truck and proudly wanted to support them and my heritage! I've tried a few back in Los Angeles, but they were very few and far between. Plus, we needed something to soak up all of the spirits we were consuming on this lovely afternoon. Would their truck represent and serve the Filipino community well!?
QUICK BIO
"You can get an authentic taste of the Philippines from Twelve in New Jersey! They are the first and only Filipino food truck in North east New Jersey. Their brightly colored, Jeepney looking Filipino food truck is affordable, delicious and always popular. They serve freshly fried lumpia (mini pork egg rolls), pancit (chicken with veggie stir fry noodles), BBQ skewer (chicken or pork on a stick) and other traditional Filipino recipes, plus some really innovative/fusion entrees & desserts. Folks can also get their fill with the help of their Catering Service. They'll bring the food, and some friendly staff along too. They promise that Twelve will leave everyone saying 'Salamat!'"
PURCHASE
8pc Pork Lumpia ($9.00): Savory snack rolls made of thin crepe pastry skin called "lumpia wrapper" enveloping a mixture of savory fillings such as chopped vegetables and minced pork meat served with a side of sweet & sour chili sauce, these fat finger-shaped morsels were packed with stuffing and flavor and could've eaten more! The only knock was the average price of over $1.00/piece. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1lYIn7qk0FN9sCpO0o7Okw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Ube Macapuno Pudding ($10.00): The pudding was creamy and thick while the sweet macapuno strings and crumbled goodness added more texture and flavor contrast. A yummy treat indeed, but again a tad on the pricey side. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xLDBWnmTOwxjB-67Ti7Apw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
A friendly man greeted me as I approached the truck, he quickly took my order, and I patiently waited around for about 10 minutes before my order was ready. All was straightforward and greatly appreciated - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
Being a food truck, they were at the beck and call wherever the event was held. In this case, the event took place at Corgi Spirits with plenty of free onsite parking and spots seemingly along the main drag of Distillery Dr. and all nearby streets. Another option was a driving service like a bus, taxi, Lyft (we did this), Uber, or train (the closest light rail station was at Garfield Ave.) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your standard self-sufficient food truck with an exterior food menu, separate order and pick up windows, a small area for condiments, napkins, and utensils, no designated seating area except for the distillery itself, and natural lighting was prevalent during the daytime while minimal electric street and truck lighting glowed at night. There were no TVs nor any background music except what was playing inside the distillery. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5Pj-V41BcL-hgmJah1Rc9w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I enjoyed Twelve (Food) Truck who provided me with "a taste of the Philippines". My concerns would be their extremely limited menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Yj1siAc3UdV52PFP7NzCNQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and the relatively elevated prices. They covered the basics, but I felt it would be nice if they got a bit more creative and with a fusion spin on it like lechon street tacos, sisig burritos, or simply expanding the menu if the finances allowed for it. I appreciated that Corgi Spirits created a drink https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=uqVKaX8w442My1UezurG2g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw to complement their ube macapuno pudding dish. The food and portion sizes were good, and the service was easy and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $19.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS
