Indian Explosion Goes Mobile

Photo by John Anderson

• Indian Explosion Goes Mobile

  Healthy late-night Downtown alternatives to pizza

• Naan Stop

  BY GRACIE SALEM

• Nomad Dosa

  BY GRACIE SALEM

Naan Stop

In India and Pakistan, highways are dotted with local restaurants known as dhabas, providing local cuisine and serving as stops for truck drivers. The husband and wife team behind Naan Stop, an Indian food truck parked at the corner of Seventh and Red River, invites late-night customers to their own version of a dhaba to nosh on some of the most-beloved paneer in town. With undoubtedly one of the cutest food truck names around, Naan Stop delivers a short, traditional menu of Indian dishes, including naan (which is made right inside the truck and is light and fluffy) samosas, and chicken tikka masala. Masala means "mixture of spices"; the chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, coriander, and cumin. Tikka masala is many peoples' first experience with Indian food, and it's one of Naan Stop's most popular dishes, served with rice and a sweet smile from the owner.

Much of the menu is geared to go, as one would expect, with varieties of naan wraps, including a spicy, vegetarian chickpea version (chana masala) that garnered raves. The keema naan wrap features spiced stewed meat and peas. Cilantro and tamarind chutneys accompany the handheld goodies. Prices run low, with the chicken tikka masala topping the range at $6.50, and a simple serving of the popular naan costs just $1.50. Open until 3am, Naan Stop clearly captures an audience looking for something besides pizza and sausage wraps. Rumors of lunchtime hours abound, but late night, Wednesday through Saturday, are the definite times to find the bright red truck in full swing.