Colorado Springs food truck serves barbecue dishes with an Asian twist | Culture & Leisure

That’s a mouthful when we’re talking about the Southern Pride Asian Fusion food truck. So calling it SPAF, while not as descriptive, is simpler to say since it is an easy to swallow food.

The menu consisted of the dish prepared when the SPAF crew competed on Season 15 of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” Even though he didn’t win, Colorado Springs food truck aficionados are the real winners.

I learned the hard way that it’s best to get to that truck early, no matter where it’s parked; the program is published every week on social networks. Items sell out quickly, especially the brisket egg rolls. This necessitated a subsequent visit which I am not complaining about.

Crispy, fried spring rolls ($8) were filled with slow-cooked brisket (the menu said 13+ hours on hickory and cherry wood) with shredded carrots and cabbage. The accompanying tangy “hot sauce” is sweet and sour with a bang. The spring rolls, according to the woman who takes orders, are the truck’s most popular item and for good reason. Each order includes two. They represented the Asian fusion theme well!

You could make a meal with the spring rolls, but don’t. Share them to enjoy a sandwich and/or a starter. We indulged a little, ordering the brisket sandwich ($15.50) and sweet chicken sandwich ($13.50), accompanied by mac and cheese ($12).

We didn’t skimp on the toppings on the two sandwiches we tried. To me, brisket is like bacon in that it’s hard to resist (the similarities end there, though). Slices of tender beef edged with caramelization are packed into buns sourced from Nature’s Start Bread Co. The buns for all the sandwiches are made here.

SPAF offered two types of chicken sandwiches, both made with double-fried chicken and Sriracha mayonnaise. The sweet chicken option had a spicy element just balanced with the addition of pickles and the same sweet hot sauce that accompanied the spring rolls. The other option, the Smackin’ SPAF ($13.50), conjured up cartoon images of smoke. coming out of a character’s ears. Besides Sriracha mayonnaise, this version included wasabi nori, Asian slaw, and homemade barbecue sauce. It was tempting, if only because the inclusion of nori (dried edible seaweed) was intriguing. However, the person who took my order confirmed that this sandwich was much tangier.

The sandwiches come with a choice of sides including fries, smoked beans and cabbage. The fries are wavy and nothing special, so opt for the beans or coleslaw.

The best macaroni and cheese should be creamy, rich with a taste surprise. Four cheeses (Havarti, pepper jack and smoked Gouda) provided a gooey coating for the pasta. Extra flavor came with homemade BBQ sauce and Sriracha. The result was a taste bud kick tempered by the cheese combination.

SPAF’s menu also included a pulled pork sandwich, gumbo, nachos and tacos. These are accompanied by a choice of brisket, pulled pork or adobo-style chicken.

Remember, if something is sold out, SPAF shows up in town regularly.

Southern Pride Asian Fusion Food Truck

Barbecue with Asian flavors to take away.

Location: variable, information on social networks

Contact: 1-719-534-3266

Prices: $7.50 to $15.50

Hours: variable, schedule on social networks.

Details: Credit cards accepted.

Favorite Food: Brisket egg rolls and mac and cheese.

Other: Gluten-free options available.