This blog post was updated on October 1, 2018.
Let’s face it. In many places around the world, some of the best meals to be had are handed over to you from the side of a kitted out truck. Whether offering urban fusion street food in the hopes of creating the next culinary hit or simply trying to make a living selling honest food in as straightforward and pragmatic manners as possible, there are loads of amazing food trucks parked and providing delicious dishes to the masses. Coming up with a list of the very best would prove a toughie. But narrowing down a list to a few of the most unique, well, that’s a bit easier to do. Here are five of the world’s most original and quirkiest food trucks.
Camion Qui Fume
Paris, France
Serving what’s largely considered to be the best burger in Paris, Camion Qui Fume (“smoking truck”) has the distinction of the being the first food truck ever in the entire country of France. Started by Kristin Frederick, a Californian who graduated from French culinary school and decided to stay on and fuse her US West Coast roots (and cravings) with her professional chef knowledge, this “smoking truck” was an instant hit. A wave nouvelle convoy soon followed to make Paris home of one of the yummiest street food scenes in Europe. The truck’s location changes almost daily. Check lecamionquifume.com for more info and locations calendar.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Kahuku, Hawaii
For ono grindz in one of the most delicious spots on the planet, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck can’t be beat. Located on Oahu’s scenic North Shore, why should Giovanni and his crew bother wrangling their customers inside to eat when everybody’s there for the sunshine and ocean breezes? Like your shrimp with a generous side of aloha? Look for Giovanni’s famous graffiti-signatured truck parked alongside the Kamehameha Highway. Find out more at giovannisshrimptruck.com.
Kogi
Los Angeles, California
The brainchild of classically trained chef, Roy Choi, and a testament to LA’s vibrantly cosmopolitan downtown – and many say the god of food truck creation myths across the globe – Korean BBQ taco sensation, Kogi, is a Southern California dream come true for carnivorous foodies. When you go, expect there to be a line. Worth the wait? Only if short rib beef tacos with 21-ingredient special sauce or a kimchi quesadilla sounds like something you simply must try for yourself. Visit kogibbq.com for a schedule and menu.
The Randy Radish
Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, Virginia
As sexy as that big juicy burger might seem, the truth of the matter is that a healthier approach to eating leads to a healthier sex life. Or at least that’s what the folks behind the Randy Radish reckon. On a mission to “bring sexy back, one veggie at a time” the Randy Radish does a “100% plant-based menu, prepared by artisan vegan chefs” with an emphasis on seasonal, organic and locally grown ingredients. Look for their truck at events in the western DC suburbs of Northern Virginia. Find out more at therandyradish.com.
Wafels & Dinges
New York, New York
C’mon. You know you want a BBQ pulled pork wafel topped with coleslaw, sweet BBQ sauce and a (Kool-Aid infused) “coolickle.” Right? That’s just one of the scrumptious dishes from New York’s “wafel wonder of the world,” Wafels & Dinges. For a taste of their menu of “good things Belgian” keep an eye out for their trucks and carts around Central Park and Astor Place. Visit Wafels & Dinges online at wafelsanddinges.com.
Photo: Jason Helle
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