Cheer on Filipino American food truck on 'Great Food Truck Race'

FOOD NETWORK

Lia's Lumpia food truck is crewed by, from left, Spencer Hunter, mother Benelia Santos-Hunter and Tania Garcia.

The Food Network’s newest season of The Great Food Truck Race features a Filipino American food truck, Lia's Lumpia.

Unlike earlier seasons that took place in warmer climes, this four-episode season was filmed last winter across several states in New England.

Among the five teams competing for the ultimate prize — the last truck standing wins $50,000 — is ta crew from San Diego, Lia’s Lumpia, led by executive chef Spencer Hunter.

Hunter is an executive chef who specializes in Filipino food and started a catering company, Hunter’s Home Kitchen, with his mother Benelia Santos-Hunter. Joined by their friend Tania Garcia, their truck concept serves up the traditional Filipino dish Lumpia, a delicious cousin of the egg roll. With Spencer’s cooking skills, Benelia’s big personality and Tania’s hands-on help, this team is ready to deliver their delicious dishes on the go

RELATED: Sigsig is the gateway dish to Filipino cuisine, said Anthony Bourdain.

Hosted by celeb chef Tyler Florence, the show tests the truck teams’ cooking business and marketing skills.

In the first episode on Nov. 27, Lia's Lumpia earned the most sales and will continue into the next episode on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Besides the traditional lumpia, the truck serves several new versions from apple pie, mac and cheese and pork belly ramen.

Hunter, told the San Diego Union Tribune, The Great Food Truck Race experience has inspired his team to purchase their own food truck or food trailer as the next stage of his catering company; the mobile kitchen should hit the streets in early 2020 with regular stops at breweries, festivals, and other special events.

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