By Andi Berlin | Tucson.com
It was only a matter of time until the banh mi sandwich — the famous culinary crossbread of Vietnam — became a taco. The fresh cilantro, the jalapeños, the shredded daikon and the carrots? Right at home on a taco bar … And the Sriracha sauce? Destiny …
But just so we know where Lucky Girl Cafe‘s coming from: The food truck is run by Mary Nguyen Hodges, who is of both Vietnamese and Lao descent. In addition to these Asian street tacos, she also does an East Asian cucumber and carrot slaw burger that she calls a Lucky Bun.
But back to the tacos, so fresh and flavorful they are! She braises the chicken in coriander and cumin, then throws it on a corn tortilla with English cucumber, cilantro and basil. A nice Southwestern touch: Instead of pickled daikon in the slaw, she uses jicama.
Weird fact: The truck was inspired by a story called “Lucky Girl” that Mary wrote during a creative writing class at ASU. Mary’s mother-in-law, an English teacher, loved the idea of the Lucky Bun in her story and decided to recreate it. The rest is history …
Hours and Location: Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays at Borderlands Brewing Co.
Dinner: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, jumps between Borderlands and Dragoon Brewing Co..
Brunch: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Exo Roast Co. Check luckygirlcafe.com for complete schedule.
Phone: 465-3902
Payment: accepts debit and credit
