News & Politics

Dirt Cheap Eats 2009: Fojol Bros. of Merlindia

Fojol Bros. of Merlindia (DC locations and hours change; visit fojol.com for details). Follow them on Twitter, and a Fojol Bros. tweet might read something like this: “dingo is feeling energized and kipoto feels like it is a franklin square day.” It’s cryptic, but it contains the essential info for fans of this zany traveling street cart’s Indian eats. Once you know the when and where, you’ll find a silvery truck blaring Louis Armstrong or MGMT, with some combo of the four owners—dressed in turbans and handlebar moustaches—dancing and dishing out a rotating lineup of offerings.

That could include spicy cauliflower and potatoes, a not-too-sweet pumpkin purée, and a wonderful chicken masala with hints of roasted red and green peppers. Meals come with basmati rice and cost $9 for a choice of three dishes, $6 for a choice of two, and $2 for a taste. Refreshing frozen lassi pops ($2 each) come in exotic flavors of ginger, mango, rose water, and coconut.

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Ann Limpert
Executive Food Editor/Critic

Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.