All Hail the King!

With the busy corner of West Sacramento and Nord Avenue as the backdrop, we took our place in line at one of the newest food trucks in town, King’s Gyro & Kebab Corner. The brainchild of owner Ramzan Javeed, King’s Gyro brings a wholly different flavor to town from anything we’ve tried in recent years. A world traveler, Ramzan sampled cuisines internationally before starting his food truck business in Brazil which rapidly grew. Luckily for us, he moved to the Bay Area and eventually found his way to Chico, bringing those flavors with him. Not wanting to miss out, we opted for a variety of items, including a mixed platter and the Bomb Burger, to get a decent sampling.

We purchased drinks from the adjacent gas station and took a seat at the table; yes, one table, since most of the business is grab-and-go. The last thing I expected from King’s Gyro & Kebab Corner is one of the best burgers you can get your hands on in town. Packed full of quality ingredients, the thin sesame bun gently cradles the two seasoned patties and myriad goodies throughout—fried egg, caramelized onion, pickles, lettuce, and sauce. Each bite was tangy, savory, cheesy, and salty. Have you ever eaten something so delicious and given someone who’s trying the same item as you that awkward stare? That nod and exhale without words? Yeah, you know what I mean, and you should expect to do it here.

Moving on to the mixed platter with the lamb gyro and chicken, we wondered how something so thin could be grilled to such a degree and still be so tender and juicy. Under a dome of protein covered in a bright creamy Brazilian sauce was gorgeous, lofty, long-grain basmati rice. The Brazilian sauce on top is a tzatziki with what we believe to be cardamom. The rice itself is a meal, and the fact that it’s combined with so many other quality ingredients is something to marvel at. The gyro is an explosion of flavor, and the chicken is filled with spice and moisture. Finally, at the edge of the dish is a quick salad of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, perfectly complementing two wedges of fluffy pita bread.

King’s Gyro is something to bring home— or enjoy at their one table—that’s a little outside the norm. Take the time for lunch or dinner, even just to treat yourself, and see what your tastebuds have been missing. King’s Gyro & Corner Kebab is located at 952 Nord Avenue in Chico. They’re open from 11am-9pm every day of the week, but usually sell out by 7pm.