Famed Shiso Crispy opens downtown food truck with gyoza, bang-bang chicken

One of our favorite food trucks in Tampa Bay (and let’s be honest – the entire country) announced that it is permanently setting up shop in downtown Tampa, and we couldn’t be more excited. Shiso Crispy food truck officially opens today at 796 North Tampa, dishing up incredible dumplings, Rangoon and sticky rice plates from 5 pm – 3 am.

Shiso Crispy has quickly become a favorite throughout the area since debuting its first truck, even being voted as Tampa Bay’s #1 food truck less than a year after opening. The always creative (and typically vegan-friendly) menu is celebrated for sticky rice bowls, bao buns, hand-folded gyoza, and made-to-order Rangoon (lobster or vegan). Owner Ronnica Whaley also rolls out regular specialty creations for occasions both special and random.

Whaley has also twice represented the concept on Guy Fieri’s Food Network competition show, Guy’s Grocery Games. The bang-bang chicken and rice plate is one of Shiso Crispy’s top sellers, but it’s her hand-rolled dumplings that truly steal the culinary show. The specialty wagyu gyoza was a borderline life-changing experience for us when it appeared on the menu. And never skip out on the Rangoon – available in vegan or lobster varieties, and absolutely a must-try in both styles.

Shiso Crispy joins Street Crust Pizza and The Blazed Buddha Kitchen in the lot at the corner of Tampa and Cass, and Whaley has constructed a new patio area with tables and chairs for guests to sit down and get dumplings in their mouths right away.

Shiso Crispy already operates two other food trucks in Tampa Bay, with two fixed locations at HOB Brewing in Dunedin and Unlimited Video Games in Pinellas Park, as well. The celebrated food truck is also opening its first-ever brick-and-mortar later this year with a 2,600-square-foot restaurant in the Tyrone Gardens area of St. Pete.

For now, Shiso Crispy’s Tampa location will be open for dinner and late-night eats only, though Whaley says they hope to be open for lunch in the future. Follow Shiso Crispy on Instagram for more.

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