Longwood Medical Area’s winter food truck series, a beloved fixture since 2019, has introduced two exciting new vendors this season: Lordya Gourmet and Tandoor and Curry. The series runs every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2 Blackfan Circle, with new additions appearing on January 14 and 29.
The series, originally created to offer more lunch options in the area, has expanded into the winter season for the first time. Its goal is to foster community and create vibrant outdoor spaces for Longwood employees and patients. The Longwood Collective, which manages the program, hopes to build a sense of joy and connection beyond the typical lunchroom.
Lordya Gourmet: Bringing Haitian Flavor to Longwood
Since January 14, Lordya Gourmet, a Haitian food truck, has been serving traditional Haitian dishes to the Longwood community. Founded by Marie Saint-Jean, who started the business in June 2023, Lordya Gourmet is the culmination of Saint-Jean’s passion for sharing Haitian culture through food.
Saint-Jean, who moved to the U.S. at 15, grew frustrated with the Haitian food options in Boston and decided to open her own truck. “I know our food is tasty and beautiful, and I think we can do better than what was available,” she said. After overcoming numerous challenges, including securing a commercial kitchen, Saint-Jean launched the truck in 2023 with help from her family.
Lordya Gourmet’s menu features a variety of dishes, including chicken, pork, fish, fried turkey, and goat. Saint-Jean emphasizes using authentic ingredients like garlic and cloves to create traditional Haitian flavors. Her cooking has quickly gained a loyal following, attracting locals eager to try something new.
“It’s great. Very friendly staff, and I’m excited to try the food,” said Nate Hodgson, a Boston Children’s Hospital research scientist, as he explored the food truck.
Tandoor and Curry: A Modern Take on Indian Cuisine
Joining the food truck lineup this year is Tandoor and Curry, offering North Indian dishes with a modern twist. Started by Jaswant Singh in 2017, the business has grown to include two food trucks and a take-out restaurant. The Longwood truck is operated by his son, Sukhi Singh.
Tandoor and Curry focuses on keeping their food as authentic as possible while also adding their own unique touches. “We try to connect with the Indian community by doing events with temples and staying involved,” Sukhi said. The truck is known for its vibrant Bollywood music videos and dishes like chicken tikka masala, kati rolls, and samosas.
“Our menu changes every few months to keep things exciting,” Sukhi Singh added. The food truck also encourages customers to sample dishes before purchasing, creating an educational experience around the flavors of Indian cuisine.
“I’ve learned so much about the food and the ingredients,” said Isom Graddy, a traffic controller at Boston Children’s Hospital. “It’s more than just eating; it’s about learning the history behind each dish.”
A Family Tradition
Tandoor and Curry’s success is deeply rooted in family tradition. Jaswant Singh, a chef for over 30 years, inspired his sons to join the family business. “My dad wanted to slow down from working in the restaurant, so we thought about starting food trucks as a way to keep the tradition alive without the long hours,” Sukhi explained.
Together, Lordya Gourmet and Tandoor and Curry are enriching the Longwood food truck series, bringing diverse flavors from Haiti and India to the community. With their authentic offerings and unique approaches, both trucks are sure to keep the area’s food scene vibrant.
Related topics: