Truckloads of fun

Lal mirch ka paneer tikka, Murgh malai tikka, Cumberland sausages with mustard and onion salad

With their semi-open kitchen format and accessibility, food trucks, by nature, serve as community centres on wheels. At a time when we're gradually moving away from the idea of community participation, these on-the-go pop-up restaurants can help bring us all a little closer, offering a semblance of normalcy. Of course, with masks, sanitisers and physical distancing guidelines in place. It is in this spirit of community and accessibility, that Qmin, the year-old food delivery platform of Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), has launched Qmin Food Truck in the city.

Pesto grilled veg panini

"Last year, when the pandemic was at its roaring best, a lot of our clients told us that they miss the Taj experience. So, Qmin was launched to make that experience accessible at home. The food truck is an extension of that idea," shares Jehangir Press, commercial director, Qmin. Currently stationed at Powai, more trucks are on their way for the rest of the city, as well as India, he informs us. "We're also looking at a model where people can rent it for a personal pop-up, birthday party and other occasions. The times we're living in are sombre, and the idea is to make it a little more upbeat," he asserts.

Kheema pao

The concise menu is a blend of desi and global flavours, including everything from paneer tikka lababdar-paratha and dahi puri to Mediterranean couscous salad and Awadhi dum biryani. "When we were curating the menu, we kept in mind that it needs to travel well and be easy to handle. The price point is also a clincher; ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 250 for most meals," he adds.

While the Qmin Food Truck will be stationed at Powai for now, it rolled out at Express Tower, Nariman Point, last weekend. Pics/Bipin Kokate

True to his word, the sustainable packaging of pitch-board boxes seems spill-proof. Each dish comes with a tag stating the packaging date and time within which it should be consumed. As we soak in the smoky aroma of lal mirch ka paneer tikka and murgh malai tikka (Rs 150 for both with six generous pieces; plus taxes for all items), we like that the paneer pieces are tender and the bell peppers juicy, coated in a fiery marinade. The creamy malai chicken is succulent, with a rustic, tandoor-charred crust.

The Cumbria-inspired Cumberland sausages with mustard and onion salad (Rs 175) fails to hit the mark; it's disappointingly chewy, unappetising and lacks flavour. We make up for the miss by tucking into the buttery pesto grilled vegetables panini (Rs 125) - perfect for a quick on-the-go snack, although a little more pesto would help amp up the flavour.

Our favourite is the kheema pao (Rs 125); the pillow-y paos and the spicy, low-on-oil kheema are a delicious ode to aamchi Mumbai's street food, which we've been missing sorely. Light on the stomach and value for money, Qmin Food Truck's fare is easy on the pocket and perfect for a quick drive-out with the fam, or a date. But don't forget to keep your masks up and maintain a safe distance.

At: Prudential Building, Central Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai; weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm
Call: 18002667646