Food Engine: Igniting flavours on wheels

Food trucks have surged in popularity over recent years, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to restaurants for a quick bite. Vagator Beach, a tourist hotspot, is home to one such gem—Food Engine. As you approach the beach, you can't miss this unique food truck adorned with graffiti, always surrounded by people munching on delectable burgers, fries, and more.

Local favourite

Started by Joel Moniz in 2017, Food Engine has quickly become a local favourite, known for serving delicious burgers at pocket-friendly prices.

Inception story

Reflecting on the journey behind Food Engine, Joel shared, "Back in 2014, during my third year at IHM in Kerala, we surveyed food trucks, which were trending at the time. That experience stuck with me as I started my career in food. When I was working at a hotel, it didn’t fit me, so a friend and I decided to act on our long-held idea of starting a food truck. Over time, the concept took shape, and by 2017, we launched Food Engine in Vagator, which was becoming a hot spot and was close to home."

Naming journey

The journey to naming ‘Food Engine’ began during the early stages of setting up the food truck. Joel and his friend brainstormed names while the truck was being fabricated. They went through various ideas, ultimately landing on ‘Food and Wraps.’ However, in a moment of inspiration, they decided to simplify it to ‘Food Engine.’

“We polished ideas back and forth, and at one point, we settled on 'Food and Wraps.' But then, randomly, we thought, 'Why not just call it Food Engine?' It felt fitting and energetic, so we went with that and pretty much stopped thinking about it after that," jokes Joel.

Culinary roots

Joel's passion for cooking began at an early age, inspired by his great-grandfather, a chef. "Cooking has always been a part of my life, ever since childhood. My great-grandfather was a chef in Rajasthan, and I think that passion was passed down to me. As a teenager, around 9th or 10th grade, we had a small restaurant at our guest house, and that’s where I slowly built up my skills," says Joel.

Unique burgers

Food Engine serves burgers that stand out from the regular offerings, as Joel uses the Goan bread 'Poi'. Diners are spoiled for choice with options like BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken Steak, Beef Chilly, Glazed Beef, and Honey Chilly Chicken among others. Each burger is stuffed ensuring every bite is packed with flavour.

Simplicity matters

Joel emphasises the simplicity of his burgers, saying, "My burgers are very simple. It's wholesome—just meat, a little bit of cabbage, and the buns. I source all the meats from our local vendors, so nothing fancy. The only exception is the salami, which we get from outside. Everything else is home-cooked. The marination for the meat is done by my mother, so it's a special mix that she prepares."

Local touch

Joel is committed to infusing a local touch into his menu, acknowledging that while not everything is distinctly Goan, some items celebrate Goa’s flavours. He draws inspiration from a head chef he worked with in Kerala, who advised that chefs should focus on delivering their own vision to guests rather than simply meeting expectations.

Personal favourites

When asked about his personal favourites, Joel quickly names the honey spice chicken and glazed beef as his top picks. Beyond burgers, Food Engine also serves wings and fries, with a special menu available on select weekends.

Challenges faced

However, running a food truck comes with its challenges, especially during rush hours. Joel explained, "When there's a rush, you need to have that speed. There are ups and downs." He added, "Sometimes I lose business during rush hours. There are a lot of orders, and it's not about just giving it fast—it has to be cooked properly. At times like that, I lose some business."

Personal approach

Interestingly, despite the temptation to join food delivery platforms, Joel prefers a more personal approach. “We like seeing people come over here. It’s about feeling the vibe,” he explains, cherishing the in-person experience that his food truck offers.

Healthy competition

Despite the surge of food trucks in the area, Joel sees the competition as healthy and is content with his business. “I'm happy with what I'm doing,” he said adding that his budget-friendly pricing and welcoming approach help make Food Engine a favourite among locals.

Passion project

The food truck scene in Goa may be booming, but for Joel, it’s not just about business—it’s about passion, heritage, and making connections.