Mealma Halal Afghan Food — Restaurant in Pflugerville

You have to try this place! What an amazing find! We found this place off of DoorDash, we had never tried Afghani food before and wanted to branch out. I picked up under my husband’s name which led to a lovely conversation with Armand who I believe owns the truck. He was so unbelievably kind and hospitable. We just moved here, the moving process was horrible and it was so nice to meet such a kind person the first day. The entire interaction really did turn a terrible week around; it just shows how kindness between strangers can truly go a long way.

As if the atmosphere and the customer service alone wasn’t enough, THE FOOD WAS HEAVENLY! I got three items for 2 people which I assumed would leave a little extra for my lunch the next day….. that was wishful thinking. It was demolished within 30 minutes 😂😂 I let Armand know when I picked up the food that we loved spicy food so he included additional spicy sauce for us and that really took it over the top. When we order again we will get more of all the sauces since they were so good. We did not try anything other than their dumplings, lamb shank, and the chicken kebabs, which are all speciality dishes. There are other foods that they sell here but if you come here and only get a burger and fries you would be missing out.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better first Austin food truck experience nor a better first Afghani food experience. I highly recommend this place and will...

Food ratings. Chicken Mantu - 4/5 Beef Mantu - 4/5 Chicken chapli smash - 2.5/5 Beef chapli smash - 2.5/5 Qabuli pulao - 3.5/5 French fries - 5/5 Service - 3/5 Total score = 3.5/5 experience

Let’s start with the good. The French fries which are complimentary are hand cut and very good! It’s actually some of the best French fries I’ve had and I appreciate that it’s complimentary. The dumplings are along pretty good. Good prep, nice texture. Taste is slightly dry and bland but overall I really enjoyed the presentation and flavors.

The medium is the qabuli pulao. I was really excited to try it but my personal preference is that pulao is best with lamb and not beef. I also thought that the almonds changed the flavors a bit. But overall a 3.5/5 experience.

The bad - both the smash burgers. The buns, cheese are just poor quality. The burgers itself are not in smash or crispy form. It tastes good but it’s not even close to a smash burger in terms of the patty. My suggestion is also to improve the quality of the buns and cheese.

Service was okay. Very nice people but both times I’ve been here they have been sold out of items by 6pm which is a little frustrating.

Overall a 3.5...

Update: Second round and damn, did that food hit the spot. These guys are doing justice to Afghani NYC street food. The beef mantus are just spectacular. The Qabuli Paluw was one of the best I've had recently. Pics don't tell the whole truth, there's a lamb shank hiding in the middle and it's cooked to perfection. I don't care who's watching, I'm sucking that bone marrow dry outta that shank.

Skewers still not available but the chapli kabab plates with the delicious sauces, wraps, and burger ought to keep me busy the next few times.

Service was excellent this time around. There's a small shaded seating arrangement as well.

Old review: I came for the combo skewer kabab and they were not available that day. So got beef mantus (dumplings) instead. They were some damn good beef mantus!! Probably the best I have had recently. Order comes with a soft drink and fries. The fries have some kind of sweet and spicy sauce on them. Personally I liked them a lot.

Very pricey and service is just okay. Some seating available by the food trailer. But I'll be back for the qabuli paluw, combo chapli kabab, and combo skewers...