Gourmet Food Trucks Around the World
Over the last decade, the culinary landscape of cities all over the world has been transformed by a new kind of street food purveyor: gourmet food trucks. Found on city streets from London to La Paz, these plates are served at street prices – and with no booking or dress code required. They cater to foodies who are more interested in taste than the formal trappings of restaurant life. Fun, local, and affordable, they are also an easy way for urbanites to sample delicacies from the other side of the world, and for visitors to engage in a city’s food scene.
Featured Food Trucks
Misunderstood Heron, Killary, Ireland
Run by husband-and-wife duo Kim and Reinaldo, Misunderstood Heron is located on the picturesque shores of Killary Fjord in Connemara, along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way. Originally from Chile, Reinaldo travelled to Ireland to work as a kayak safety instructor, where he met Kim. The pair fell in love and it wasn’t long before they set off travelling together, exploring India on a motorcycle, as well as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Chile.
Upon returning to Ireland, they sourced an affordable food truck that gave them the chance to create new dishes, as well as old family favorites from both Chile and Ireland. Using the finest local produce, their fare includes fresh mussels straight from the fjord; parsley and coriander falafel boxes; and stuffed empanadas. One of their most popular dishes, spicy lamb samosas, was inspired by their travels around India and uses Killary lamb from a nearby farm.
Heisser Hobel, Berlin, Germany
Kässpätzle is a dish from the South German area of Swabia, often likened to mac ‘n’ cheese. It consists of fresh noodles tossed in cheese and served up with crispy fried onions. Although they only sell one dish, the folks behind Heisser Hobel have become locally renowned in Berlin due to their exclusive cheese blend, developed in a small dairy, using local milk to create nine-month aged Allgäuer Bergkäse and four-month aged Emmental.
Tapi Tapioca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Brazilian food truck scene exploded in 2014 after legislation was passed to allow them to operate in the largest cities. While most Rio-based trucks sell conventional fast-food with US or European roots, Marianna Ferolla chose to offer something 100% Brazilian. Tapioca, the starch extracted from the cassava root, is a staple food in Brazil and serves as the base for her stuffed pancakes.
The Duck Truck, Montréal, Québec
Everything’s just ducky at this Montréal food truck, which serves canard in many forms, from ‘Quack ‘n’ cheese’ (macaroni and cheese topped with duck confit) to risotto made from barley, mushrooms, herbs, and more confit duck. The Duck Truck is the brainchild of Isabelle Pelletier and Thierry Baron, who also runs Montreal’s Vertige restaurant.
Mama Rocks Gourmet Burger, Nairobi, Kenya
Mama Rocks is undoubtedly Nairobi’s best-loved food truck. Founded by two Kenyan-Nigerian sisters, Samantha and Natalie, it has transformed the ‘Gourmet Burger’ by adding an authentic African twist. Each burger reflects a different part of Africa, with the signature dish being the Paw Paw Pow Burger.
Curry Up Now, San Francisco, USA
In 2009, just as the branded food truck revolution was gaining steam, Akash Kapoor and his partners launched Curry Up Now in San Francisco. The mission was to serve authentic Indian food with traditional North Indian flavors in approachable, innovative styles. This resulted in their fame-bringing Tikka Masala Burrito, a mobile-friendly twist on Indian cuisine.
Soufra, Beirut, Lebanon
The cooks behind Soufra have faced immense challenges. As women from the Burj el-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, they strive to create opportunities for those in need. Founded by Mariam Chaar, the food truck sells signature dishes that empower the community.
Kouri Shrimp, Kouri Island, Japan
Blown away by Kouri Island’s stunning ocean views, Yumiko Omine and Mimi Kojima moved from Tokyo to open Kouri Shrimp in 2014. They serve Hawaiian-inspired shrimp dishes alongside Okinawan vegetables, making for a unique culinary experience.
Toasta, Melbourne, Australia
When Rebecca Feingold first encountered the utility truck that would become Toasta, it was covered in red dust from the Northern Territory. Cleaned and revitalized, it launched in 2014 as Melbourne’s only toasted sandwich truck. With a nostalgic menu that includes childhood favorites, Toasta captures the essence of communal dining.
Uncle Gussy’s, NYC, USA
Brothers Nicko and Franky Karagiorgos were raised in the street food business. In 2009 they took over a Park Avenue location from their Uncle Gus. Today, with two Uncle Gussy’s trucks, a restaurant, and an online presence, they stay committed to fresh, natural ingredients, ensuring quality remains high.
