Morocho

A project designed by the Samanez brothers, Morocho is the first Peruvian food cart in NYC providing tasty and healthy Peruvian fusion cuisine.


Leading the kitchen brigade is Chef Miguel Samanez. Miguel is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy and his mission is to expose NYC to the diverse Peruvian traditional cuisine. Miguel also focuses on pushing the boundaries of Peruvian food by fusing it with other styles. His style is unique and has garnered a solid following. Miguel states, "With limited space and lacking traditional restaurant tools, working in a food cart forces me to think outside of the box, to create dishes that push the boundaries of the status-quo," he adds, "...having worked in the best Peruvian restaurants in New York City and San Francisco I have never been as challenged as when I began working in a food cart in NYC."

Rafael Samanez is currently the Executive Director of VAMOS Unidos, a worker center that focuses on protecting the rights of workers, specifically street vendors in NYC. Rafael graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. Rafael states, "Morocho is the materialization of our family's dream and the pride of Peruvians." As restaurant owners and professionals in Peru, Rafael and Miguel's parents worked as domestic workers and delivering pizzas when they arrived in the U.S. to put their children through high school and college.

Together, Rafael and Miguel have created a new concept in New York while creating jobs and opportunity for many unemployed workers in NYC. "The most rewarding aspect of this job is the recognition and respected of our clients," Rafael adds, "...we are truly blessed to have such amazing clients supporting us at every turn."