Some call them the pioneers of take-out food culture. Others call them mobile eateries with a purpose. Whatever you think about food trucks, we are glad to see them roaming the streets of Canadian cities again. To toast these entrepreneurs and in honour of the season 15 premiere of The Great Food Truck Race, here are some must-try food trucks across Canada.
Tacofino, Vancouver, BC
From humble beginnings in a Tofino, BC surf shop parking lot to now eight physical locations across Vancouver, BC, including three food trucks, and a location in Victoria, BC, Tacofino is not slowing down as one of the most popular West Coast food truck destinations. That’s because the dishes have a vibe: The list of faves is long but we recommend ordering doubles of the Baja Style Fish Tacos and the Chocolate Diablo Cookies.
Rick’s Good Eats, Mississauga, ON
Chef Rick Matharu’s butter chicken lasagna won him bragging rights on Recipe to Riches back in the day. So it makes sense that he is serving up the same flavour mash-ups in the mobile-version of his Mississauga resto AKA food truck. People on social media are going ga-ga over the Punjabi Beyond Burger Tandoori, Gar-Par Wings and Cheesecake Samosas. Can we blame them?
Cheese Boutique Food Truck, Toronto, ON
Afrim Pristine of Toronto’s Cheese Boutique should now be a name you’re familiar with (you did catch his docu-series, Cheese: A Love Story, we hope?). Want to hear more? He’s using the CB food truck for a greater purpose. During the summer months and beyond, the truck hosts “takeovers” with different GTA restaurants serving up some seriously great eats. Some of the takeovers this past summer included the teams from The Chicken Cartel, Stush Patties and Rodie (AKA the Marben Restaurant folks in Toronto).
Buster’s Sea Cove, Toronto, ON
If you’re from the GTA or visiting the Toronto-area, this seafood spot is hard to beat. With a super popular food stall at the St. Lawrence Market, Buster’s Sea Cove has two food trucks roaming around all season round, serving up some of the best fish and chips, lobster bisque, grilled fish and seasonal lobster rolls in the GTA.
Mi Corazon, Montreal, QC
What’s better than Mexican street food at its finest? Vegan-Fusion Mexican street food it’s finest – that’s what! Montreal’s Mi Corazon has stolen the hearts of foodies since 2015 when owner-chef Rafael Martinez first came on the scene. Almost everything is made in-truck and uses some of the finest ingredients and flavours to represent the diverse regions of Mexico, mixing into local favourites – like poutine.
Chaska Streetfood, Toronto, ON
Naveen Seth has taken his obsession with Indian street food –literally – to the streets. His food truck’s name, Chaska, means obsession and he hopes to make everyone a follower. Samosa sliders, rice bowls and spiced chickpea masala offer traditional flavours with halal, vegan and loads of veggie options as well. Tip: The Royal Rose Falooda which is an ice cream-based dish with vermicelli noodles, jelly, rose syrup and sabja seeds is perfect hue for an Insta post.
Related: The 30-Minute Instant Pot Curry a Nutritionist Makes Every Week
Jerk Brothers, Toronto, ON
Since 2003, Collin Black’s Jerk Brother’s has been serving up some delicious Caribbean flavours and hosting a list of notable clients who love to the offerings, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto Mayor John Tory and Drew Scott. Expect traditional Jamaican staples when you go: jerk and curry chicken (and poutine of the same leaning), stuffed patties, oxtail and fried plantains to name a few.
Bangkok Thai Food Truck, Moncton, NB
If you’ve got a craving for Thai food and you’re on the go, seek out this truck that roams the Maritimes. After moving to Canada from Thailand over a decade ago, owner Jariya O’Brien started selling Pad Thai and spring rolls at a local market as a hobby. As popularity grew, the chef’s small operation grew into Bangkok Food Truck that now offers various dishes.
Baluchon, Montreal, QC
Genevieve and Mathilde are the ladies behind this chic, cafe-on-wheels serving up all the feels in Montreal’s hottest neighourhoods. Some of their mouthwatering artisanal pastries include fresh fruit flans, freshly baked bread, scones and muffins. Craving something for lunch? The grilled cheese sammy gets rave reviews online.
Rey Rays, Port Hope, ON
This family-run food truck in the small town of Port Hope, ON has taco aficionados craving some more of these authentic Mexican creations. Serving up homemade corn tortillas with their tacos, polenta fries and unique salads like the Killer Koleslaw as part of a healthier fare, there is something for every appetite to try.
Feature image courtesy of Pexels.