When Macky Mendoza was creating the menu for Swabe, his Elmhurst food truck, he knew he had to include chao long, a Filipino noodle soup. It’s a dish that has deep roots, tracing back to Puerto Princesa, a city that once housed refugees from the Vietnam War. Many of these refugees opened noodle shops, and locals began to call their dish chao long, inspired by the Vietnamese pho.
Macky used to dislike chao long. “Filipino dishes aren’t typically spiced with cinnamon and clove,” he said. But his opinion changed when he tasted a version made richer and sweeter with tomato sauce and beef stew, turning it into his favorite dish.
At Swabe, chao long bowls are filled with fresh bean sprouts, mint, scallions, rice noodles, and tender beef shoulder. The broth is crafted to be sweet and rich, simmered to perfection. The truck parks on Queens Boulevard near a church, offering a cozy spot that feels less like a food truck and more like a street-side restaurant.
Macky isn’t alone in running Swabe. His team includes his cousin, Alexander – the social media expert, his nephew, Jericho, and John Fuentes, a fellow chef from a Chelsea wine bar. Each of them brings unique experience to the table. Macky also worked at P.F. Chang’s, where he mastered the wok, and helped launch Naks, a popular eatery.
The idea for Swabe came from relaxed backyard gatherings filled with barbecues and laughter. A traditional restaurant felt too costly, so a food truck became the ideal solution. They found a used truck last year and got to work.
Swabe’s menu features just eight items, focused on simple, honest Filipino flavors. “We need more Filipino restaurants like this,” said Eric Valdez, a chef who helped Macky at Naks. He praised the pares mami, another delightful soup made with egg noodles, garlic, and spices.
Of course, fried pork belly and lumpia are also on the menu. The beef tapa, crafted by John, took him 20 attempts to perfect, marinated to give it a fragrant, caramelized finish. He serves it traditionally or as a hearty sandwich for a pick-me-up.
For John, working at Swabe has been a chance for redemption after losing his restaurant job during the pandemic. “I’m grateful to Macky and Alexander for giving me the chance to cook again,” he said. The joy that comes from serving delicious food and seeing happy customers motivates them all, especially when someone savors their chao long.
Recent surveys indicate that food trucks are growing in popularity, especially as the demand for diverse culinary experiences increases. According to the National Food Truck Association, 81% of consumers say they prefer food trucks for their unique offerings. Swabe is a perfect example of this trend, bringing authentic Filipino flavors to the streets of New York.
For a closer look at Filipino cuisine or to explore more food truck trends, check out the National Food Truck Association.
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