On a gorgeous if humid Saturday this past weekend, the Vendy Awards crowned the best in mobile food vending, surrounded by the leafy trees and stately buildings of Governors Island. For the 13th year, the fundraiser for the Street Vendor Project has sought out the best in the city's robust group of food trucks, carts and sidewalk stands for the annual gathering to celebrate the diverse ways to dine on the street. If you weren't able to make it to the fest, feast your eyes on photos of all the delicious eats that were on hand, and track down the winners out and about in the wild.
The coveted Vendy Cup—the Award's top honors—went this year to DF Nigerian, a truck operated by Godshelter and Bisola Oluwalogbon, who served jollof rice, peppered goat stew, efo riro, puff puff, moi moi, and suya. The husband and wife team—who were assisted at the event by their three children—called the win a "beautiful thing for my family and for all Nigerians."
Of the four vendors competing in the special "Bad Hombres" category, El Toro Rojo took home a win for their Oaxacan tacos and fajitas, which won over the crowd. What's the Dillaz, who were serving thick slices of cheesy quesadillas, won the Best of Market category.
Pasang Thinlay of Momo Bros, who started his truck six months ago, took home the Rookie of the Year title for his jhol momos, dumplings in a sauce made from sesame, garlic, tomato and onion.
Finally, Dulcineria aced the dessert category with churros and churro ice cream sandwiches while Adel's #1 Halal took home the People's Choice award with halal chicken and falafel.
