Memphis, a city celebrated for its blues music and barbecue, holds culinary secrets beyond the expected. Venturing beyond the well-trodden paths, food enthusiasts can uncover vibrant and authentic flavors, particularly in the realm of Asian Street Food. My latest gastronomic exploration led me to Cooper Young, a neighborhood known for its eclectic charm, and to a food truck that’s as colorful as its cuisine: Quasi Halal Asian Street Food.
This brightly painted truck is hard to miss, a beacon of culinary adventure against the Memphis skyline. Positioned at the Cooper Young farmers market, Quasi Halal presents a menu that, while initially a little cryptic, quickly becomes navigable thanks to helpful pictures. For visual diners like myself, these images are invaluable, offering a tantalizing preview of the asian street food delights on offer.
Drawn in by the promise of unique flavors, I opted for the Chicken Satay combo, a classic of asian street food. Chicken satay, for the uninitiated, features grilled chicken skewers paired with a rich peanut sauce. It’s worth noting for those with allergies that peanut sauce is a key component – but the staff at Quasi Halal are commendably vigilant, proactively asking about peanut allergies before taking orders, a testament to their customer care. The combo also included a generous serving of fried rice, rounding out the meal.
Alongside the satay, I couldn’t resist trying the coconut shrimp, another enticing offering from their diverse asian street food menu.
Upon arrival, the chicken satay’s appearance might be initially surprising. It challenges conventional visual expectations, urging diners to look beyond aesthetics and trust in the flavors. While visual appeal is often a factor in enjoying food, in this case, the taste experience quickly overrides any initial hesitation.
And the taste did not disappoint. The chicken itself was expertly grilled and flavorful. The peanut sauce, however, was a revelation. Texturally reminiscent of crunchy peanut butter, its flavor profile leaned towards a nuanced teriyaki, infused with the distinct taste of peanuts. This unique sauce was so compelling it sparked a wish for it to be served on the side, imagining it as an exceptional dipping sauce – a nod to the Southern tradition of enjoying flavorful gravies and sauces.
The fried rice served with the combo was equally noteworthy. Distinctly sweeter than typical fried rice, it was packed with fresh greens and onions, adding a delightful dimension to the savory dishes. This unexpectedly sweet and savory rice was a highlight, a must-try element of Quasi Halal’s asian street food repertoire.
The coconut shrimp were a true treat for coconut lovers. Generously coated and cooked to perfection, they showcased a delightful coconut flavor that isn’t commonly found on menus. Quasi Halal distinguishes itself by offering such unique and less ubiquitous asian street food options.
For those seeking an authentic and diverse asian street food experience in Memphis, Quasi Halal is undoubtedly worth a visit. It offers a culinary departure from the familiar, introducing flavors and dishes that expand palates and cultural understanding. The prices are reasonable, making it an accessible option for exploring new culinary horizons. Trying food from different cultures is an enriching experience, and Quasi Halal provides a delicious and approachable entry point into the world of asian street food.
To track down Quasi Halal and embark on your own asian street food adventure, their Facebook page offers up-to-date location information. Discover a vibrant and flavorful side of Memphis’s food scene with this unique food truck.
