El Pollo Cartel is a bold, street-inspired food trailer serving up fire-grilled and rotisserie chicken with Latin fusion flavor in Tampa, Florida. We specialize in juicy pollo a la brasa, vibrant sides like yuca fries and tostones, and signature dishes like tallarines (noodles), sushi rolls, and house-made sauces. With over 17 years of culinary experience behind the flame, Chef Alex Cardenas brings a gritty passion to every plate. Now offering online ordering for pickup, El Pollo Cartel makes it easy to lock in your cravings and skip the line. This is where flavor, culture, and hustle meet.
Alex & Elizabeth Williams
Absolutely fantastic! This Peruvian fusion food truck is a hidden gem. We tried the lomo saltado, seafood fried rice, huancaina chicken, a unique homemade drink, and even some sushi rolls – and every single dish was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The lomo saltado was tender and savory with just the right seasoning, the fried rice was packed with seafood and had that delicious wok flavor, and the huancaina chicken had a creamy, zesty kick that really stood out. Even the sushi rolls were unique and a great surprise from a food truck. Portions were very generous, service was extra friendly, and you can really taste the love they put into the food. We’ve spent an extended amount of time in Peru and this an authentic recreation of some dishes we had while there. Definitely one of the best food truck experiences we’ve had – can’t wait to come back!
… moreJesus Rios
As a Chef myself it makes me really happy to find places like this, that care about the food and what they’re serving. We just ordered through DoorDash, and even though it was a delivery order the food was extremely fresh and hot, lomo saltado was fantastic, the seafood chaufa is a huge portion which made us happy because we will have the leftover for dinner lol, the sweet plantains with the Aji Amarillo sauce were the perfect side for this amazing food. We will definitely go visit in person soon. 10/10 !
… moreKhadeem Sealey
This was some of the best Peruvian food I’ve ever had in my life. Genuine authentic even the sushi style Peruvian dishes were 10 out of 10. I had a normal Salado. Everything was seasoned to perfection. This place is definitely hiding in the cut with some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. Well seasoned the customer service was great very authentic. I will definitely be back very soon.
… moreHollyann Laws
Omg! So very good, I am pregnant and can’t have sushi This was the best number one replacement! I got the chicken katsu roll sooo goood!!! I got my sushi fix.My daughter loves chow mein and is a peaky eater, and both of my children absolutely love the steak chow mein!!! So good I had to go back a second round 2 days in a row!!
… moreJessica
10000/10! The food is absolutely amazing from their lomo to the sushi, everything is delicious!! The Chicha Morada tastes just like home. You can really tell they put love into their food. Highly recommend this spot!
… moreesteban rodriguez
El Pollo Cartel serves some of the best Peruvian cuisine you’ll find and the crazy part is, it’s all coming out of a food truck. This husband-and-wife team has freshness and flavor mastered. The ceviche tastes like it came straight from Lima — bright, clean, and unforgettable.
The sushi? The chef had to have trained at Nobu, because the texture, finesse, and Japanese–Peruvian fusion are absolutely on point.
And the Chaufa fried rice? Unreal. Smoky, savory, perfectly seasoned the kind of dish you think about long after your plate is empty.
The half chicken is marinated for 24 hours, and every bite feels like an adventure through Machu Picchu juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor. Wash everything down with their chicha morada and suddenly you’re transported to the Andes mountains.
Chef’s kiss.
When you’re in Tampa, this place is a must. Their service and quality are second to none and again, it’s all from a food truck.
I’m a foodie who eats at all the top restaurants in Miami, and I can confidently say: a brick-and-mortar is in their future. Talent like this doesn’t stay in a truck for long
… moreJessica Rendon
We’ve already been to this new Peruvian food truck twice in one week that’s how good it is! The Lomo Saltado is absolutely delicious, full of flavor and perfectly cooked. We also tried the sushi, Pollo a la Brasa, and ceviche, and every single dish was amazing. You can tell everything is made fresh with great quality ingredients. This is definitely a must-try spot in Brandon highly recommend checking them out before the word gets out!
… moreOlavo Aleman (O-Vlogo)
El Pollo Cartel is the ultimate destination for authentic Peruvian cuisine! If you’re craving genuine flavors, this is the place to be. The generous portions match their amazing prices I’m someone who loves to eat, and their chaufa was so delicious I had to take leftovers home for breakfast! The chef and his wife are incredibly welcoming and make you feel right at home. My wife, who is Peruvian, says this food truly transports her back to her homeland. Don’t miss out on this amazing culinary experience!
… moreJaison Morel
Amazing food! I tried the El Mar y Tierra roll and the Chicken Katsu roll, both packed with flavor. The Aji Verde and Aji Amarillo mayo sauces took it to another level. Easy 10/10 — definitely coming back!
… moreNicole Johnson
Went to El Pollo Cartel with my husband and some friends and the food was amazing.
The pollo a la brasa was delicious and juicy, the arroz chaufa was very tasty, and the sushi makis acevichados were great too!
Chef Alex and his wife were very kind and friendly.
We will definitely be back!
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