Hot chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, toast, mac n’ cheese and even pudding are rolled out fresh from a new food truck 13 minutes walking distance from the Tower. Local to Austin, Bussin’ Buns is a new Halal spot that specializes in “Nashville Style Hot Chicken,” with a range of spice levels from mild to xx-hot.
The first Austin Bussin’ Buns location opened in 2023 after three brothers went on a food tour around the United States to find the best fried chicken recipe and make it even better. Now, with their newest food truck located at 2718 Guadalupe St., the co-founders kept the same menu, recipes and popular combos.
“I always recommend the number three,” said Jayden Belvin, a cashier at Bussin’ Buns. “It comes with a sandwich, (a) tender, toast (and) fries. So, you get everything on the menu except (the) mac n’ cheese.”
Bussin’ Buns prides itself on being Halal friendly, sourcing and serving fresh made-to-order chicken. Belvin said they also take their slogan “Nashville Style Hot Chicken” seriously while adding an Austin twist.
“It’s more like our take on Nashville Hot Chicken,” Belvin said. “So, the flavor profile is a little different, but in my opinion, it’s even better than (Nashville Hot Chicken).”
Leslie Pho and Nadia Islam, public health freshmen, visited the food truck two weekends ago and paid $16 each for their meals. Despite the price, they said that it was worth it.
“It was expensive but the serving size is really big,” Islam said. “It’s very filling.”
Pho agreed with the portions being filling, as they indulged in two chicken tenders, toast, crispy french fries and an add-on of mac n’ cheese, all with their signature homemade bussin’ sauce.
“Nobody has our sauce,” Belvin said. “If anything, it’s like the Canes sauce without the pepper, so it’s very soothing.”
Belvin said the soothing helps with the surprising heat that comes from the chicken and some customers are even afraid to try their medium hot. Pho, who ordered the extra hot, said she was not prepared.
“The flavor was really good,” Pho said. “It was really spicy which I didn’t expect. I underestimated (the heat).”
Along with the large portions and consistent flavors, Bussin’ Buns provides a place for students to hang out and catch up, with tables set in front of the food truck. Mobile orders and delivery apps can also be used when customers don’t wish to eat there.
“(The customers) are usually friends,” Belvin said. “They usually want to try it together, and if they come by themselves it’s like, ‘Oh, I just want a sandwich to try and (then tell my friends).’”
