If you’ve ever grabbed lunch at Baruch College, you probably know about the black and white striped cart that everyone calls the “Zebra Cart.” Well, here’s something that might surprise you: It’s actually called Cube 55, and there’s a lot more to this popular lunch spot than most students know.
Standing right in front of Baruch’s former bookstore at 55 Lexington Avenue, this striped cart isn’t just another street food vendor – it’s a Japanese food cart, serving up dishes that most of us have been misunderstanding for years.
The chicken teriyaki or chicken cutlet you’ve been ordering is actually chicken katsu, a Japanese dish where chicken breast is sliced thin and fried in special Japanese breadcrumbs called Panko.
The sauces they drizzle on top aren’t just random condiments – one is spicy mayonnaise and the other is tonkatsu sauce, a Japanese-style BBQ sauce made from a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and other ingredients that give it that sweet-savory kick you can’t quite place.
While most Baruch students stick to the familiar chicken options, other options on the menu often go unnoticed, such as the Japanese curry. It’s a thick, rich brown stew packed with potatoes, carrots, and onions served over rice with iceberg lettuce on the side. Despite being a staple of Japanese comfort food, it remains one of the cart’s less-ordered items among students, who tend to play it safe with the chicken teriyaki.
Some students have noticed there have been some changes in the cart’s prices lately. Subhan Tariq, a senior CIS major and Secretary for Baruch Association for Information Systems, and Hunter Li, a Finance major and Head of Generalists at Baruch Alternative Investment Club, point out that prices for all menu items went up by $1 last year.
The chicken teriyaki that used to be a reliable $8 lunch is now $9 and the chicken cutlet jumped from $9 to $10. Even the beef options, which fewer students go for, are now $11 for teriyaki and $12 for curry.
Zayd Patel, a senior majoring in entrepreneurship, pointed out the B health rating displayed on the cart’s side. While Patel and many other students continue to frequent the cart despite this rating, it’s a concern that’s been openly discussed among students. Still, the cart’s popularity doesn’t seem to have taken much of a hit.
Jamyra Faulkner, a marketing major and the PR Director for the Good E.A.T.S. Club, frequents the cart during exam season. Faulkner mentions how hectic it gets during club hours and lunchtime. However, they’ve gotten more efficient – now that they have someone taking orders with pen and paper while you wait, things move faster than they used to.
Patel notes, even though the line gets long, it’s all Baruch students, which makes it feel like part of campus. He’s big on their cup noodle selection, especially the spicy Shin Ramyun and Soon Veggie options – perfect for a quick snack between classes.
The whole operation is basically a one-man show, cranking out Japanese dishes to hungry college students all day long. They take almost any payment method now, including tap-to-pay and even Zelle, with no extra charges – a refreshing change from other carts that usually tack on card fees.
Early birds might want to watch out – sometimes morning orders come with a surprise bone in the chicken, according to regulars. The plaza in close distance makes for a perfect lunch spot, which helps explain why this cart has become such a big part of campus life.
While some people mention that the food can be inconsistent sometimes, most students don’t seem to mind too much. Even with the higher prices and the B health rating, it’s still a popular choice for what you get.
So next time you’re standing in line at the “Zebra Cart,” remember its real name is Cube 55 and it is a major part of Baruch’s community and culture.
