If you are going to embark on a journey of flavor explosion through the United States, food trucks are a must-visit. In recent times, this mobile food vending business has exploded. From being a simple mobile unit, they have become a huge pillar that upholds America’s food business.
According to IBIS World, this industry has a compound annual growth rate of 13.3% over the last five years.
Here is a list of leading food truck destinations in the country. It is based on Statista research, where they highlighted the places with the highest number of endorsements for food trucks on the booking.com platform.
New York
New York City is a powerhouse of food trucks, offering an incredible variety of culinary delights from around the world. This makes it a top destination for food enthusiasts.
For those who enjoy Mexican cuisine, there are popular trucks like Birrialandia, known for its tortillas and tacos. Fans of Greek cuisine can try offerings from King Souvlaki, while those who crave Middle Eastern flavors will appreciate The Halal Guys.
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is renowned for its diverse food culture, with food trucks playing a central role. Here are some recommendations for must-visit food trucks in Austin. Start your day with a breakfast taco from Veracruz All Natural, which has been recognized in Food Network’s Top 5 Tacos in America. For a spicy twist on fried chicken, try the offerings at Spicy Boys. Vegans can explore a variety of delicious options at Revolution Vegan Kitchen.
Portland, Oregon
Food trucks or “food carts” as they’re known locally form the backbone of Portland’s vibrant food culture. These food carts often group together in “pods,” creating a bustling culinary scene.
If you’re a sushi enthusiast, check out Yoshi’s Sushi, operated by veteran sushi chef Yoshi Ikeda. For a taste of local cuisine, Farmer and the Beast is one of the top options. Portland’s food carts offer a wide range of options, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Los Angeles, California
The year-round pleasant weather in Los Angeles makes it an ideal spot for food trucks. These mobile eateries are especially known for their Mexican cuisine. Here are a few must-visit food truck destinations in the home of Hollywood. If you love seafood and Mexican food, try the fish tacos at Simón. For a crunchy twist, the crunch wrap at Chingon Catering is a great choice. If you’re a fan of hybrid cuisine, Kogi BBQ offers a delicious blend of Korean and Mexican flavors.
Washington, D.C.
The food trucks in Washington serve cuisines that stand out from the rest. This makes the food trucks a must-try at the capital city. If you are wondering what cuisines you can explore, we have you covered.
Come’Chop DC is a food truck that serves authentic West African cuisine. That’s right, if you want to try authentic Jollof rice and chicken in DC, this food truck should be on your list. If you are a fan of Korean dishes, there’s KBBQ Box. They bring a twist to Korean food, with their layer of fusion. You need to try them out to understand how unique they are.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city where the food culture is diverse and competitive. However, instead of hindering the business, this has resulted in the growth of both the culture and the taste. There are several popular names and varied cuisines. For example, if you love the comfort of Japanese homestyle cooking you can visit Tokachi Musubi. If you are in the mood for Algerian cuisine, then there’s Kayma for you. Mexican cuisine lovers can visit Mi Morena.
Honolulu, Hawaii
When in Hawaii try their food trucks to get a taste of the local cuisine of Hawaii. Once you explore the food trucks here, you will find yourself amused at how many assorted flavors there are. You will find food trucks parked in tourist spots, public parks, and residential areas.
If you love shrimp dishes bursting with the flavors of garlic and butter, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck should be on your list. However, if you are planning on exploring the local cuisine, try Da Bald Food Guy and Five Star Poke. They serve Hawaiian-style lunch dishes and have garnered quite a name for it.
Houston, Texas
From suburbs, parks to just random neighborhoodss, you will see food trucks everywhere in Houston. The lack of zoning restrictions has led to the opening of multiple opportunities and diverse cultures.
Fusion of multiple cuisines or flavor profiles is popular here. Pho-Jita Fusion is a food truck that is famous for fusing Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine. Sweet and savory dishes coexist on the menu of The Waffle Bus. Moreover, the numerous food fests and Food Truck Fridays will keep the culinary explorer in you hopping with excitement.
Philadelphia, PA
In Philadelphia, food trucks are known for their creativity and delicacies, thus making them a backbone of the food industry. You will see them everywhere from parks, university campuses, neighborhoods, and so on. Here are some spots to rouse up the culinary explorer in you.
If you are a fan of seafood and want to have it in American cuisine instead of chicken or beef, The Grilled Salmon Stand is for you. If you are a fan of crepes, you will love The Crepe Truck Philly. Not only do they offer an assorted flavor of crepes, but also there’s limited edition menu items.
Nashville, TN
Nashville is known internationally for its hot chicken. However, that isn’t the only thing that makes it stand out. Nashville is another top destination in the US known for its food trucks. From spicy ticken to shaved ice, you can get them all in the food trucks.
If you are brave enough to challenge Nashville’s spice levels, Brave Idiot is the spot for you. After the spicy ride, you might want something to soothe and cool you. You can try out Blue Monkey Shaved Ice, which will serve you gourmet shaved ice with varying flavors.