After years of serving up authentic Indian cuisine to the community of Laramie, Wyoming, Curry Time Food Truck is preparing to bid farewell. Tripti, the owner, shared the journey of Curry Time, from its humble beginnings to its bittersweet conclusion.
“It all started many years ago, in 2015,” Tripti reminisced. “I moved to Laramie and saw an ad on Facebook for vendors at the farmers market. I wanted to help a professor who used to fundraise for an orphanage in India. I offered to cook Indian food and donate the proceeds. That’s how it all began.”
From a small booth at the farmers market, Curry Time quickly gained popularity. “My first day, I sold 40 samosas and a pot of chickpea curry in just two hours,” Tripti recalled. “People didn’t know what samosas or curry were, but once they tasted them, they kept coming back for more.”
Encouraged by the community’s support, Tripti and her team decided to expand. “People requested a storefront, we looked at all the options and we decided on a food truck,” she explained. With support from the community and the generous encouragement from Trent Weitzel, the owner of Double Dubs, Curry Time Food Truck became a reality in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“I was like, you know, I’m making a mistake. Should we like, forego the deposit? And Trent was like, No, you’re gonna be fine. You know, it’s gonna be takeout anyway, everywhere. Just just trust the process and trust in your product.” Tripti recalls.
“The opening day was a huge success,” Tripti said with a smile. “But it wasn’t without challenges.” Sourcing ingredients proved to be difficult, often requiring trips to Colorado or online orders. Despite the challenges, Curry Time became a beloved fixture in the Laramie community.
As Tripti prepares to sell Curry Time, she reflects on the journey with mixed emotions. “It’s sad,” she admitted. “Some days, I don’t want to let it go. But I’m also excited about the future and what I can do with my passion for cooking.”
When asked about memorable interactions with customers, Tripti recalled the overwhelming support they received on the food truck’s opening day. “The lines were long, and we sold out in just two hours,” she said. “No matter where we parked, rain or shine, people showed up. It was incredible.”
Despite the sadness of saying goodbye, Tripti hopes Curry Time’s legacy will live on in the Laramie community. “I hope people understand that Indian food is more than just butter chicken and tikka masala,” she explained. “I hope I’ve introduced them to authentic Indian cuisine, the way it’s cooked at home. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.”
As Curry Time Food Truck prepares to move on, the community of Laramie says goodbye to a beloved icon. But the memories, the flavors, and the legacy of Curry Time will always have a special place in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience it.
For those interested in carrying on the legacy of Curry Time, the food truck is now for sale. For inquiries, please contact Tripti at anandan.tripti@gmail.com or by phone: 313-401-7916
Photos by Shyam Mahesh.