Have you ever been driving and been completely captivated by an incredible smell? That’s exactly what happened to me in High Point, North Carolina, at a Sunoco gas station of all places. While the Triad area boasts some fantastic “gas station food” spots, like Uptown Pizza & Wings in Greensboro and Taco Riendo 3 in Winston-Salem, it was the aroma emanating from Tasty Halal Food Truck that truly stopped me in my tracks.
I had just finished a hearty lunch – think tostada, taco, all the fixings – but as I pulled into the parking lot near South Main Street and Business 85, the intoxicating scent of seasoned meat and vibrant spices filled my car. Completely drawn in, I found myself parking haphazardly next to the tasty halal food truck, lunch forgotten.
The menu was a delightful mix, ranging from the highly recommended chicken biryani to a Philly cheesesteak, but my eye was immediately caught by the lamb gyro. Asking the friendly server inside for his top recommendation, he initially hesitated. However, when I mentioned the gyro, he enthusiastically agreed. Decision made. Spicy gyro it was, paired with a refreshing drink from the truck’s convenient cooler.
Two welcoming picnic tables sat beside the halal food truck, and yard signs proudly advertised Tasty Halal’s offerings to passersby at the gas station. While the Sunoco had its own convenience store, the truly irresistible smells were undoubtedly coming from this mobile kitchen.
Tasty Halal’s commitment to halal food is central to their identity. Halal, similar to kosher for Jewish dietary laws, signifies food permissible for consumption in Islam. The owners, with roots in Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim nation bordering Afghanistan and India, operate several halal food trucks, including locations in New York City. Their ambition is to expand, with a new pushcart planned for Greensboro, as a manager later shared.
This background clearly translates to the exceptional quality and execution of their lamb gyro. Despite having just eaten, I found myself savoring every bite, consciously slowing down to fully appreciate the flavors. Had the weather been warmer, I could have easily spent hours at those picnic tables, perhaps even ordering seconds.
The spicy sauce was a highlight, though surprisingly mild, adding a delightful kick without being overpowering. It was so good, in fact, that I unashamedly licked the sauce from my fingers, napkins momentarily forgotten. I knew I had to uncover the secrets of this amazing sauce.
My quest for the sauce recipe led me on a bit of a runaround, from a 919 area code to a New York area code, before I learned the truth: the recipe is a closely guarded secret, known only to the upper echelons of the tasty halal food truck business. The manager I spoke with admitted to being in the dark, and you know what? I respect that dedication to culinary mystery.
This High Point location marks the owners’ first venture in North Carolina, a strategic choice given its proximity to the Islamic Center of High Point and easy access from Business 85. Just a short drive from Greensboro (20 minutes) and Winston-Salem (30 minutes), it’s an accessible culinary destination. I highly recommend making the trip, or creating enough buzz to encourage Tasty Halal to bring their food truck to your area.
While my experience is limited to the lamb gyro, the sheer satisfaction I felt leaving that gas station parking lot makes me confident in recommending their falafel, biryani, and kabobs. The burger, cheesesteak, and hot dog options are also available, but for a truly authentic experience, I suggest exploring their Pakistani-inspired halal specialties.
Visit Tasty Halal food truck at 2010 S. Main St. (HP). Discover more at tastyhalalnc.com or find them on Facebook.
