Check out our tips on six food truck cities in the USA
Whether you’re after a massive sloppy joe dripping in grease, clean living vegan delights or anything in between, there’s a place out there for you.
Where you ask? Oh read on hungry travellers, read on because if there is one thing the U.S. does properly is street food.
1. Portland
Many of Portland’s 100s of food carts are grouped in “pods” making it easy to visit several at a time. Notable hubs include Alder Street and 5th Ave, which boast such classics as The Frying Scotsman and Grilled Cheese Grill.
If Indian food is your thing, make a b-line for Tiffin Asha for amazing Dosa and Sambar amongst a whole host of other deliciousness. Is it food time yet?
2. New Orleans
The Big Easy has been named the Hottest Food City in America and this city takes their food so seriously, there’s even a food truck tracking app so you can follow your favourites around town!
Taceaux Loceaux is popular with locals and tourists alike (though get there early if you don’t want to wait an hour for your food), while the menu at the King Creole Food Truck features classics like “Blackened pork chop with sweet bourbon glaze over dirty rice with Turnip Slaw”. We’re on the plane.
3. New York
Another city with a dedicated food truck tracker app – the variety of choice on the New York scene is quite frankly a little overwhelming.
Our pick of the bunch includes Korilla bbq (so popular it now has a brick and mortar establishment as well as trucks), Bian Dang for amazing Taiwanese food, The Cinnamon Snail for scrumptious food you’d never believe was vegan, and Wafels & Dinges for when nothing but a massive waffle smothered in dulce de leche and nutella will do. Which is always.
New York is also famous for donuts – don’t leave before trying the local speciality. There are also lots of fun dining experiences in NYC which offer an alternative to hotdogs, pizza and the usual restaurants.
4. LA
The City of Angels has a long history of Taco Trucks, and there are still great options in this area with Taco Zone and El Matador serving up prime offerings. For something a little different check out Toasted for delights like bbq brisket toast, and Tokyo Doggie Style for Japanese food with a twist such as the bacon wrapped Hawaiian style terrier-ki dog. Seriously, can we eat now? View more tips for visiting Los Angeles.
5. Austin Texas
Austin may primarily be known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, but its food scene is starting to garner some attention. Amongst its 1000+ food trucks (yep, 1000) some stand-outs include Chi’lantro for Korean-Mexican deliciousness, Biscuits and Groovy for proper southern chow, Coolhaus for sweet delights and Lard Have Mercy because the name is damn cool.
6. Washington DC
There may not be quite the proliferation of mobile eateries in DC as, say Austin (who are just greedy if you ask us) but the nation’s capital doesn’t disappoint with the quality of food on offer. If you’re feeling flash, Red Hook Lobster Pound serves, well, lobster. Really good lobster.
If you’re a little more strapped for cash the Far East Taco Grille is cheap and delicious, and be sure to stop by Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats for the Red velvet doughnut sandwich. Why? Did you not just read the words Red velvet doughnut sandwich?
Whether you’re planning a short city break, fancy a gap year in the USA or dream of an epic overland road trip, if you love food be sure to visit any of the places featured on our list and you won’t regret it. There is so much variety and one of the best things about food trucks specifically is that eating out won’t cost you a fortune!
