Ruth Kosher Food Truck

A new kosher food truck named Ruth has opened in Burlington, Vermont, bringing a fully kosher culinary experience to a region with limited options. Operated by chef Menachem Cohen, the truck is stationed at the Chabad of Burlington parking lot and represents what he calls the culmination of his journey as both a professional chef and observant Jew. Cohen previously worked in Manhattan restaurant kitchens and later ran a food truck in Vermont before fully committing to kosher cuisine. The launch of Ruth was announced as Vermont’s first kosher food truck, marking an important development for both locals and kosher travelers.

Ruth’s outside the local Chabad

Chef and Concept

Cohen describes his approach as delivering “world food from a kosher lens.” He brings broad culinary influences and professional training to his dishes, emphasizing that keeping kosher has enhanced his creativity. His menu is fully meat-based, with no dairy served. Cohen rebuilt the truck to meet kosher standards, preparing everything from scratch and integrating seasonal flavors. Early response from the community has been enthusiastic, noting both the quality and freshness of the food.

Menu Highlights

The menu features scratch-made burgers, Middle Eastern dishes, and artisanal sandwiches. Current highlights include:

  • The Mushroom HaMelech: Quarter-pound burger topped with crispy beef bacon, caramelized mushrooms, greens, and herbed garlic aioli on a house-made bun
  • Double Pastrami Burger: Two quarter-pound beef patties with griddled pastrami, house-made pickles, horseradish mustard, crispy fried onions, and lettuce
  • Ruth Burger: Smash burger with caramelized onions, shredded lettuce, crispy beef bacon, mayo, and house-made pickles
  • First-Cut Brisket Pastrami Sandwich: Brisket pastrami with banana peppers, crispy fried onions, mustard, and mayo on griddled sourdough
  • Pastrami Mushroom Ensemble: Brisket pastrami with caramelized mushrooms, fresh dill, shredded lettuce, and mayo on sourdough
  • Falafel Platter: Falafel served over yellow rice with salad, tahina, and house hot sauce
  • Hummus Sabich: Fried eggplant with house hummus, tahina, cucumber salad, and mixed herbs on sourdough
  • Shoestring French Fries: Triple-cooked, hand-cut russet potatoes
  • Kids Simcha Meal: Kids burger or hot dog on a house-made bun with two sides, including options like fries, rice, or salad

Community Response

The food truck has quickly drawn interest from both Jewish and general Burlington residents. Comments from community members have described Ruth as one of the most exciting additions to the local food scene. Seating is available inside the Chabad Café building adjacent to the truck, allowing customers to enjoy meals indoors during colder months. Cohen notes that while the truck is located at Chabad, his food is intended for everyone.

Location and Operational Details

Ruth operates on weekdays during lunch and early evening hours. The truck is situated in a central Burlington location and caters to students, families, professionals, and travelers seeking kosher meals prepared with quality ingredients.

  • Address: 57 South Williams Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (unless Shabbat is earlier)
  • Kosher Certification: Under the supervision of Chabad of Burlington