Siddharth Dasari

Traveler’s Cart, a Montrose-based restaurant that promises to introduce diners to cuisines from around the world

It’s been a long day, you get out of school, and your first thought is: Wow, I am hungry. With Carnegie’s proximity to major thoroughfares such as West Gray and Montrose, the sheer number of dining options can be overwhelming. Do you go for a classic burger at Barnaby’s? Or perhaps a plate of dumplings at Xialong? The choices seem endless.

But what if you didn’t have to choose just one? 

Enter Traveler’s Cart, a Montrose-based eatery that takes you on a global culinary adventure. From Latin America to the Middle East, this unique spot offers flavors from around the world, all in one place. Furthermore, for the vegetarians out there, there are plenty of food options which are clearly marked. Are you hungry? Without further ado, let’s get started with this review!

Appetizers: A Flavorful Start

For our appetizers, we’re starting off in Latin America! Pandebono is a type of Colombian bread that is made up of cassava starch, cheese, and eggs. The bread was in an ideal spherical shape (optimal for chewing!), with the crispy exterior being balanced by the soft, chewy interior. The subtle cheese undertones in this bread were delectable, but what truly elevated the dish was the tangy guava sauce on the side, an awesome complement to the mild flavor of the pandebono.

You can also head over to Asia by trying the Roti Canai with Curry Sauce, a classic street food dish enjoyed in Malaysia and Singapore. The roti is flaky and golden, paired beautifully with the rich, slightly spicy curry sauce. The curry sauce provides a familiar sense of comfort, with the Roti Canai being a warm dish that is perfect for a cold day!

Overall, I would give the appetizers a solid 8/10! The Pandebono was great, but the cheese taste was slightly underwhelming. The biggest drawback may be the Roti Canai, which could have been served with more curry sauce to match the price point of $8.

Mains: A Vegetarian’s Delight

We’re staying in Asia for our Main Courses! Specifically, the Mapo Tofu Noodles takes you to the Sichuan Region of China, famous for its spicy red chilis. Don’t be scared though…while this dish is rich in peppercorns, it is fairly easy to avoid them if you can’t tolerate too much spice! Furthermore the tofu, which is infused in a bland yet refreshing broth, serves as the perfect antidote to the spice. Finally, the noodle broth which was made of doubanjang (a Chinese bean sauce) was tangy but comforting at the same time. 

Pack your bags, because we’re headed off to the Middle East! For you sandwich lovers out there, the Falafel Sandwich is a must-try! The falafel is crisp on the outside and soft inside, packed with fresh herbs and spices. Served in warm pita with tangy tahini sauce and fresh veggies, it’s a filling and flavorful option that doesn’t compromise on authenticity. The fries on the side were crispy and had the right amount of salt in them. Definitely worth trying.

Overall, I’d rate the main courses a solid 9/10! The only area for improvement was the Mapo Tofu Noodles, which would have benefitted from a more generous serving of green onions and cilantro. As for the Falafel Sandwich…perfection. Nothing else to say. 

Dessert: A Sweet Ending

For dessert, we end by tasting the Mango with Purple Sticky Rice! The tropical sweetness of the mango pairs well with the slightly nutty, chewy texture of the sticky rice, all brought together by a drizzle of coconut milk. What I enjoyed the most was the purple sticky rice, which was oozing in ube (a purple yarn that is a staple in Philippino cuisine). 

I’d rate this dessert a solid 10/10! If you’re looking for an outstanding finish to what has been a great dining experience, definitely do order this desert. You won’t be left disappointed. 

Ambiance

The final thing we’ll be rating today is the ambiance. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful, and you do feel that you’re immersed in a street food setting. However, it is hard to escape the hustle and bustle if you’re seated outside on Montrose, and there could be more decorations and unique cultural items to indicate the restaurant’s theme as a “global street food market.” Overall, I’d give the ambiance a 7/10!