One of our favorite food trucks in Tampa Bay (and let’s be honest – the entire country) is permanently setting up shop in St. Pete’s EDGE District, and we couldn’t be more excited. Shiso Crispy is officially opening its long-awaited storefront this Saturday, April 27 at 1431 Central Avenue, bringing their famed dumplings, rangoon, and dirty rice to the bustling neighborhood. Service is set to begin at 5 pm.
The sparkling indoor retail and dining space is complimented by a lush, covered patio area in the back, where the iconic and colorful food truck can be found, pumping out delicious eats for the masses. Guests can order indoors at the kiosk or outside at the truck, and like all of the Shiso Crispy locations in Tampa Bay, diners will pick up their food at the truck, which they can then enjoy on site or take with them on the go.
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The menu will include all the staples Shiso Crispy has become so famous for, as well as an expanded list of hand-rolled dumplings, and some new dirty rice and bao bun features, as well. The restaurant will also soon offer boba tea, coffee drinks, and other specialty beverages. Ownership also plans to have regular live music on site, complimenting the beautiful courtyard overlooking Booker Creek.
Shiso Crispy has quickly become a favorite throughout the area since debuting its first truck several years ago, even being voted as Tampa Bay’s #1 food truck less than a year after opening (an honor it won again in 2023). The always creative (and typically vegan-friendly) menu is celebrated for sticky rice bowls, bao buns, hand-folded gyoza, and made-to-order Rangoon (lobster or vegan). Owner Ronnica Whaley also rolls out regular specialty creations for occasions both special and random.
Whaley has also twice represented the concept on Guy Fieri’s Food Network competition show, Guy’s Grocery Games. The bang-bang chicken and rice plate is one of Shiso Crispy’s top sellers, but it’s her hand-rolled dumplings that truly steal the culinary show. The specialty wagyu gyoza was a borderline life-changing experience for us when it appeared on the menu. And never skip out on the Rangoon – available in vegan or lobster varieties, and absolutely a must-try in both styles.
The fast-order concept has reached cult status among its regulars, and Whaley has eventual plans of expanding all across the country. In fact, the first Shiso Crispy in Miami recently opened, the first Florida location outside of the Tampa Bay Area.
Shiso Crispy already operates two other permanent food truck sites in Tampa Bay, with fixed locations at HOB Brewing in Dunedin and in downtown Tampa at 796 North Tampa Street. The celebrated food truck is also opening its first-ever brick-and-mortar later this year with a 2,600-square-foot restaurant in the Tyrone Gardens area of St. Pete.
Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to follow Shiso Crispy on Instagram for the latest.
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