Barbecue, also known as BBQ, refers to the cooking method of meat over an open fire or smoke at low temperatures for a prolonged period. This style of cooking imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the meat along with rendering out fats and collagen. BBQ has become a wildly popular cuisine, particularly in the United States, with numerous regional styles showcasing different woods, cuts of meat, sauces and side dishes. “What the Truck BBQ” brings this quintessential American cuisine directly to consumers through food trucks.
An Introduction to What the Truck BBQ
What the Truck BBQ is a Houston-based food truck specializing in barbecue classics and creative fusion dishes. Launched in 2011 by pitmaster Christina Lum and her husband Breck, What the Truck BBQ has earned acclaim for melding authentic Texas-style barbecue techniques with global flavors. Their rotating food truck locations across Houston provide hungry diners with crave-worthy brisket, pulled pork, ribs and more.
Beyond traditional smoked meats, What the Truck BBQ has become known for signature menu items like their Korean BBQ tacos, banh mi sandwiches and ramen bowls featuring char siu pork and smoked chicken. They also offer weekend barbecue brunch options like breakfast tacos and inventive takes on chicken and waffles.
Home cooks can bring the What the Truck BBQ experience to their own kitchens with the Lum’s cookbook “What the Truck BBQ Cookbook”. Featuring 75 recipes ranging from rubs and sauces to smoker tips and full barbecue menus, the book provides both classic and innovative flavors.
With their passion for creative barbecue flavors and commitment to smoker craft, What the Truck BBQ is reinventing Texas barbecue traditions for the 21st century.
The Origins of What the Truck BBQ
What the Truck BBQ was launched by Christina and Breck Lum in May of 2011 with the goal of bringing high-quality barbecue directly to Houston neighborhoods. The Lums were both experienced home cooks and barbecue enthusiasts who saw an opportunity to pursue their passion.
Christina Lum first began playing with barbecue recipes and techniques as a student at Rice University in Houston where she earned an engineering degree. On weekends, she would experiment with smoking different meats and making her own rubs and sauces. A college football tailgating group she started, dubbed “The Fumigators”, became locally renowned for Christina’s pulled pork, smokey wings and custom marinades.
After college, Christina worked as an engineer but continued to refine her barbecue skills through cookouts with friends and family. She and her husband Breck, who worked in finance, regularly discussed turning her hobby into a business. When they witnessed the popular rise of food trucks throughout Houston in 2010, they decided to take the plunge.
After months of preparation, What the Truck BBQ launched in May 2011, serving Houston office parks, breweries, events and neighborhoods from their custom food truck. Their menu focused on staples like brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage with Christina’s signature rubs and sauces. Customers responded enthusiastically, leading to rapid growth and expansion. What the Truck BBQ now operates 3 trucks across the Houston metro area.
What the Truck BBQ’s Signature Barbecue Style
While firmly rooted in traditional Texas barbecue techniques, What the Truck BBQ incorporates diverse flavors and fusions that set it apart. Some signature elements of their barbecue style include:
- Oak Smoking – What the Truck BBQ uses seasoned post oak wood in their smokers. Post oak is a quintessential Texas smoking wood, imparting a subtle, balanced smokiness.
- Custom Rubs – Christina Lum’s homemade dry rub recipes are central to the What the Truck flavor profile. She uses spices like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika and coffee grounds to create signature blends.
- Saucing at the End – As any Texas pitmaster will attest, barbecue sauce should be added only after smoking so it doesn’t burn or overpower the natural smoke flavor. What the Truck follows this best practice.
- Global Fusions – From Korean barbecue to banh mi sandwiches, What the Truck isn’t afraid to fuse international flavors with Texas barbecue traditions.
- House-made Sides – In addition to BBQ classics like coleslaw and beans, they create seasonal side dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Fresh-smoked Meats – What the Truck doesn’t take shortcuts with pre-cooked or reheated meats. Everything is smoked fresh daily on their trucks’ onboard smokers.
This blend of Texas tradition and inspiring twists makes for crave-worthy barbecue full of depth, surprises and amazing flavors. It’s a winning combination that sets What the Truck apart.
What the Truck BBQ’s Famous Menu Items
Beyond everyday classics like juicy brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs, What the Truck BBQ has become renowned for signature menu creations that fuse authentic barbecue with global flavors. Some of their most popular menu items include:
Korean BBQ Tacos
Taking South Korean and Mexican flavors to Texas barbecue, these fusion tacos have reached signature status. Smoked brisket or spicy pulled pork gets topped with kimchi, sesame slaw and gochujang sauce in double corn tortillas. A crunchy, tangy and indulgent barbecue taco lover’s dream.
Smoked Chicken Banh Mi
Their weekend special banh mi sandwich piles 24-hour hickory smoked chicken, pickled daikon radishes, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño and mayo onto a toasted Vietnamese baguette. Bringing together the smoked meats of Texas and the bright flavors of Vietnam.
Brisket Ramen
Rich Texas-style brisket broth with smoked onions and mushrooms serves as the flavorful base for this inventive ramen. It’s loaded with slices of tender brisket along with ramen noodles, a sous vide egg and kimchi for heat.
The Bucking Pig
Ever had smoked burgers before? This signature item features a blend of ground brisket, pulled pork, bacon and spices for the ultimate smoked patty. It gets stacked with cheddar, coleslaw, What the Truck’s barbecue sauce and crispy onion rings on a pretzel bun.
The Texican
They smoke corn tortillas before layering on refried beans, tender brisket, pico de gallo, avocado crema and queso fresco for an inspired Tex-Mex barbecue platter.
These fusion dishes display how What the Truck BBQ combines bold flavors with smoked meat mastery. They’ve got both classics and creativity covered.
The What the Truck BBQ Dining Experience
Part of What the Truck’s appeal comes from the fun, relaxed outdoor eating experience at their truck locations across Houston. Some elements that make dining at What the Truck BBQ a great experience include:
- Local Neighborhood Stops – From downtown office parks to breweries to apartment communities, What the Truck’s rotating schedule hits up locally popular spots.
- Pet and Family Friendly – Well-behaved pets and kids are welcome guests at the What the Truck dining areas. They aim to create a casual, comfortable vibe.
- Seasonal Specials – Taking advantage of the best local ingredients, What the Truck’s menu evolves throughout the year with creative seasonal specials.
- Reasonable Prices – Considering the high-quality smoked meats and housemade sides, their menu remains fairly priced for a satisfying lunch or dinner that won’t break the bank.
- Order Ahead Option – Customers can order online or call ahead to avoid long lines at busier times. Ordered food will be fresh and ready upon arrival.
- Relaxed Seating – Many truck stops offer outdoor picnic tables, seating areas and covered pavilions so customers can dine comfortably.
- Live Music – What the Truck hosts live local musicians at many of their truck stops, making for a festive, lively atmosphere.
The What the Truck BBQ trucks offer a laidback, welcoming setting where guests can enjoy finger-lickin’ good barbecue among neighbors and friends. It makes for a great casual dining experience.
Key Players on the What the Truck BBQ Team
While founders Christina and Breck Lum remain actively involved, What the Truck BBQ has grown to a small team of passionate barbecue experts over the past decade. Some of the key players include:
Ben Thompson, Pitmaster – Ben entered the bbq business working for legendary Austin pitmaster Aaron Franklin. He brings elite-level smoking skills.
Rey Andrade, Kitchen Manager – With 20+ years in Houston restaurant kitchens, Rey keeps the complex What the Truck operation running smoothly.
Tanya Brooks, Head Chef – Tanya develops innovative fusion dishes and seasonal specials in collaboration with Christina. She also leads catering menus.
Nick Castro, Lead Truck Driver – Nick has been with the company since 2014. He oversees truck maintenance, transport and manages truck stop logistics.
Lindsay Watts, Marketing Director – Lindsay handles branding, social media, merchandising and partnerships to spread the word about What the Truck.
This talented leadership team combines decades of hospitality experience with passion for high-quality, inventive barbecue. They’ve helped the Lum’s vision thrive and grow beyond just a food truck.
Giving Back to the Community
In addition to serving up incredible barbecue across Houston, What the Truck BBQ makes community service a core part of their mission. Some of their initiatives include:
- Partnering with local schools and nonprofits to provide meals, catering services and sponsorship at fundraising events.
- Working with Houston Food Bank and area food pantries to donate unsold food at the end of service days. Their trucks can serve as mobile food banks.
- Providing meals to first responders after crises like Hurricane Harvey. Their mobile operation can serve relief workers anywhere needed.
- Hosting and sponsoring community events such as youth sports tournaments, block parties, charity galas and holiday celebrations.
- Participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks, donating a portion of sales to the Houston Food Bank during the annual event.
- Working with Houston pitmasters and restaurants to host citywide philanthropic barbecue and grilling events.
The What the Truck BBQ team views serving their community as a core part of success. They plan to continue finding impactful ways to give back as the business grows.
What the Future Holds for What the Truck BBQ
Whilehonoring their food truck roots, What the Truck BBQ has grown to a multi-faceted barbecue brand over the past decade. Some plans for their future include:
More Truck Locations & Events
As their fanbase expands, What the Truck aims to bring their trucks to new Houston communities and neighborhoods to reach an ever-wider audience. They also plan to participate in more local festivals, concerts, fairs and events as special vendors.
Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant
The Lums plan to establish at least one permanent What the Truck BBQ joint. This will allow them to offer expanded dining space, more menu options and more consistent hours.
More Catering & Events
With Head Chef Tanya Brooks at the helm, What the Truck intends to grow their sought-after catering services for private parties, weddings, corporate events and more. Their team can bring the food truck experience anywhere.
Continued Community Service
Giving back will remain at the core of the What the Truck BBQ mission. They aim to create innovative new initiatives to serve their hometown of Houston.
Beyond Houston
While Houston will always be home, the Lums envision eventually expanding What the Truck BBQ to other Texas metro areas. Carefully replicating their success in new markets.
No matter how much they grow, What the Truck BBQ will stay true to the Lum’s passion for genuine Texas-style barbecue served from the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions About What the Truck BBQ
Here are answers to some common questions people have about the What the Truck BBQ experience:
Where can I find the What the Truck BBQ food trucks?
What the Truck BBQ currently operates 3 trucks across the Houston metro area with rotating locations. Their website has a full schedule and locations are also posted on their social media pages. Popular stops include breweries, office parks, apartment communities and more.
Do the trucks take walk-up ordering or is pre-ordering required?
Walk-ups are always welcome but lines can get long during peak lunch and dinner hours. Pre-ordering online or by phone is recommended for quicker pickup if you want to avoid a wait.
How far in advance should I pre-order for pickup?
You can pre-order up until midnight the day before your desired pickup date. Pre-orders made before 9 am day-of are also accepted but may sell out.
Can I customize or modify menu items?
Small modifications are welcomed, just ask when you order! Custom smoking times and temperatures aren’t possible due to high volume but feel free to request sauce on the side or extra pickles for example.
Do you offer vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options?
The menu focuses on traditional barbecue meats but we try to accommodate dietary restrictions where possible. Some sides are veggie, gluten free or vegan. Ask about current options.
Are leftovers from the trucks safe to eat later?
Absolutely! Our meats hold up beautifully for leftover meals. Refrigerate within 2 hours and consume within 5 days for optimal freshness. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture.
Do you sell your rubs and sauces so I can barbecue What the Truck style at home?
We don’t sell our signature rub and sauce recipes directly due to proprietary secrets but our cookbook shares similar blends and flavors you can recreate!
Does What the Truck BBQ offer catering?
Yes! Our team provides full-service catering for events and parties of all sizes. Visit our website to see catering menus and pricing. We can bring the What the Truck barbecue experience anywhere in Houston.
Do you have any job openings?
We are always looking for passionate barbecue lovers to join our team! Open positions are posted on our website. Positions range from truck staff to catering crew.
Conclusion
For over a decade, What the Truck BBQ has made Houston neighborhoods even more flavorful with their mobile operation bringing crave-worthy barbecue straight to the people. Their special fusion of perfectly smoked Texas-style meats layered with international flavors sets them apart. Beyond serving up amazing brisket, ribs, pulled pork and signature creations, the What the Truck team generously gives back to the Houston community they love. With plans to expand their reach while staying true to their BBQ roots, the future looks bright and smoky for What the Truck. For Texas-inspired barbecue with an inventive twist, make the search for Houston’s best new spots easy by just chasing the sweet smell of smoke from What the Truck BBQ.