Num Num

Num Num

Location : Granville Street & W 10th
$7 basic price, additional extras

For this cart and the one following, I embarked on a little journey. Feeling like an intrepid food writer, (I wish), I took two buses to one of  the smartest  areas of the city known as South Granville, just to visit these two carts. I was slightly disappointed at how quiet they both were during the lunchtime period, which was obvious when they showed their delight at seeing me, a customer. The first cart, Num Num (complete with the cutest little superhero graphics) is a definite healthy option among carts, apparent immediately as I looked through the menu. It brands itself as 'Vietnamese fusion for people on the go' and features two proteins; chicken or pork or the vegetarian tofu option. The next choice is regarding how you would like your protein and veggies (no choice) presented. On top of a rice bowl, (with optional fried egg), tucked inside a rice paper wrap, in a baguette or in a tortilla shell. I opted for the rice bowl without the egg and also chose the peanut sauce over the alternative chili vinaigrette. 

The peanut sauce was poured with a scant hand but enough to lend a sweetness and nuttiness that only peanuts can. The pork was curious. I was expecting thin strips, perhaps marinated in lemongrass sauce and grilled until slightly charred on the edges, reminiscent of my local Vietnamese restaurant, but what was served was more like pulled pork with no discernible taste other than of itself. The veggies common to all the dishes were beansprouts, shredded carrot, lettuce and cilantro, very fresh and crisp. The overall effect was indeed what the brand states: Fast, fresh, fusion, very healthy as I mentioned earlier.  Of course, sometimes healthy options unfortunately can be a hindrance to the taste, which can be lacking. Maybe opting for the additional extra of a fried egg on top would have been a good idea, adding an extra texture and possibly some creaminess.