Summer is here and the food trucks are out! So are the locals and tourists. And when hunger strikes they're favoring the quality and convenience of food trucks over fast food.
Lucky for us—and those making their way to Harvard Square—the food truck scene at Harvard's Science Center Plaza is brimming with flavor.
Below is by no means a comprehensive list of food trucks in the plaza (view the full schedule is here.) Just a little something to inspire you and the family to go check it out.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese
Unlock your inner child by visiting Boston’s first food truck! From the Three Cheese with Vermont cheddar, Muenster and Fontina, to the Mighty Rib Melt with BBQ braised short rib and caramelized onions, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese offers a wide range of creative takes on the classic sandwich.
A local favorite is the Green Muenster with guacamole and North Country bacon. The sandwich is a real home run for fans of everything savory (and delicious.)
Also featured in Every Day Is National Grilled Cheese Day At Roxy's, and Four Food Truck Meals Worth Braving The Cold For.
Farm Girl
If the season has you craving a burger then Farm Girl is your truck. Owner Lorena tells us that The Chef Favorite Burger—topped with lettuce, cheddar, pickled jalapeño, bacon, black garlic aioli, smoked bacon jam, and a fried egg—is popular with the dining crowd in Cambridge.
But the Spicy Crispy Chicken Burger is also a real winner (winner, chicken dinner.) The spicy and crispy chicken, topped with creamy cilantro mayo and all the fixings, and served on a pretzel roll, is sweet, savory and very satisfying.
roaminghunger.com/farm-girl-bos
Bon Me
Bon Me started as a single food truck and has since grown into an army of trucks and brick and mortar locations. It comes as no surprise. They've put a lot of hard work into nurturing sustainable business practices. And their Asian-inspired cuisine offers healthy, affordable and delicious options for everyone.
A great place to start is The Namesake. The sandwich begins with a smear of spicy mayo on a toasted baguette. A healthy portion of char siu-prepared bbq pork follows, and topped with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, red onion, fresh cilantro and pork pate. Bon Me's take on the traditional Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich has become a local staple.
Tenoch
Tenoch is another local favorite now with many food truck and brick and mortar locations. Their tortas—Mexican sandwiches stuffed with colorful condiments and flavored meats—are also a staple. And their Vegetales Tortas—with roasted seasonal vegetables, beans, chipotle mayo, avocado, tomatoes, onions and Oaxaca cheese—makes the perfect summer sandwich.
The secret to a good tortas is the golden brown telera roll with mild notes of sourdough and just a touch of sweetness. It's delicious!
Also featured in Four Perfect Picnic Sandwiches You Can Find Around Boston, Five Spots For Cinco De Mayo Tacos, and Who Wants Horchata?!.
Zaaki
Zaakijoined Boston's food truck scene in 2018, and their delectable Egyptian food has already earned them a huge following. The menu includes Mediterranean staples like shawarma, basboosa, and a fattoush salad with pomegranate dressing. But Zaaki's specialty is koshari, an Egyptian dish made with rice, macaroni, lentils, tomatoes and chickpeas.
Koshari's origins are rich with leftover tradition. In Egypt, at the end of each month, families would cook a mix of the staples left in their pantries. The result? A healthy and delicious meal. Zaaki offers serveral types of koshari, including the chef's selection: butter chicken.
Science Center Plaza at Harvard; 1 Oxford St., Cambridge, commonspaces.harvard.edu/food-truck-schedule
One more thing...
Chess, ping pong, Tanner Fountain... Harvard Square is full of amazing activities, views, parks and spots to enjoy your food. And hey... you're standing within the oldest institution of higher education in the country. Don't forget to stop and take in your surroundings.
