Forsyth Fire Escape, an iconic NYC cult classic that originated during the COVID-19 lockdown will be the newest international collab to take residency at Truffle Burger’s pop up series part of Truffle Burger & Friends at London’s Southbank Centre on Friday 27th June. Once a viral sensation serving the community from a New York apartment, Forsyth Fire Escape has stepped foot into the capital in true bodega-style, boasting burritos infused with Dominican, Chinese and Thai influences.

Founded by Californian chef Isabel Lee during the COVID-19 lockdown, Forsyth Fire Escape was born out of a love for community during one of the 21st century’s most uncertain, isolating and devastating periods. Spurred by a love of their mixed heritage and the communal power of food, Isabel gained a cult following by lowering her signature Scallion Pancake Burrito, a certified crowd-pleaser filled with Pernil, Queso Frito, Guacamole and Lemongrass chilli crisp oil, down from a fire escape in a bucket. Against all odds, Forsyth Fire Escape was born, gaining global traction as a female-founded food business until Isabel was met with a landlord’s cease and desist letter and threatened with a lawsuit.

A pivot and partnership with a local bodega later, Forsyth Fire Escape has cemented itself as an iconic New York City must-have in the culinary space. Renowned for its homely ingredients, DIY approach and down-to-earth backstory, Forsyth Fire Escape offers a spirited menu of beautifully crafted burritos, heaving with East Asian and Caribbean flavours. Whether it’s the Dominican-inspired Plantain Egg & Cheese burrito with pickled onions, topped with lemongrass chilli crisp oil and folded into a Scallion Pancake; or Isabel’s Thai-inspired take on traditional Chinese chili crisp oil, a sweet and spicy chili oil with chunks of crispy fried garlic, shallots and lemongrass, each and every one of Forsyth Fire Escape’s culinary creations offers a dynamic approach to dining with its careful composition of sauce, spice and scallion.

Founder of Forsyth Fire Escape, Isabel Lee, said: “Forsyth Fire Escape is my pandemic baby, born during a period of uncertainty, to bring people together and shed light on the community. Combining my California roots and Lower East Side neighbourhood with my Asian heritage allowed me to conceptualise a burrito bodega cult classic that I am fortunate to have kept alive almost five years later. Whether it’s lowering a burrito in a bucket down a fire escape in LES during lockdown as a pandemic-era pop up to now be serving London’s iconic Southbank centre by the River Thames, I am so excited to be bringing the spirit of togetherness to all flavour seekers across the world.”

As part of the Truffle Burger and Friends pop-up series, Londoners will be treated to Forsyth Fire Escape’s delicious creations for four weeks only until 20th July. Other international friends of Truffle Burger will be popping up at the South Bank over the summer, and visitors can also find other permanent vendors on site including Truffle Burger, Frank! Hot Dogs and Bar Under the Bridge for drinks.

The Truffle Burger & Friends full summer series at the Southbank Centre will run until Sunday 21st September. For more information visit: https://www.truffle-london.co.uk/