NYCReview
photo credit: Kenny Yang
Cheong Fun Cart
Every morning on the corner of Hester and Elizabeth, you’ll find a quick-moving line in front of a big silver box on wheels containing two friendly ladies. The ladies make simple, springy, and pleasantly chewy meat-filled rice rolls, and orders start at $1.50.
Here’s what you need to know before heading over:
They only take cash, and the most expensive thing costs $6.
It’s unclear when this place closes, but it’s probably whenever they sell out of everything. To be safe, come before 10am.
You can scarf down your food right there on the sidewalk, but Sara D. Roosevelt Park is only two blocks away.
The cart is parked right in front of Hong Kong Supermarket, so pick up some frozen scallion pancakes, chocolate Pocky, and a jar of chili crisp while you’re there.
photo credit: Kenny Yang
The rice rolls don’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, and it’s nice to not have to think about which combination of 15 different ingredients you want to toss in. You choose a protein, specify small or large, and decide if you want to add extra meat for $0.50 or an egg for $0.75. (Always add an egg.) Every order automatically comes with a soy-based sauce, scallions, cilantro, and hot sauce—and that’s it. Our favorites are the fresh shrimp and the ham (i.e., Spam) varieties, with the dried shrimp coming in a close third because of the subtle crunch it provides.
The next time you’re too lazy to fix breakfast for yourself, skip that $14 avocado toast and head to this rice roll cart. It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive, and as a bonus, you’ll get to eat outside. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on a large $3 order. You’ll probably have enough leftovers for lunch.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Kenny Yang
Fresh Shrimp
photo credit: Kenny Yang
Ham
photo credit: Kenny Yang
Dried Shrimp
photo credit: Kenny Yang
Roast Pork
photo credit: Kenny Yang