PENNSYLVANIA - Philadelphia's culinary identity reveals itself vibrantly through its street food scene. Long gone are the days of simple carts; today, Philly's food trucks are diverse mobile kitchens, ranging from budget-friendly student staples to high-tech operations serving gourmet eats. These roving restaurants offer a delicious adventure, showcasing global flavors and creative concepts.
Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch downtown, exploring university campuses, or seeking a late-night bite, tracking down these mobile kitchens (often via social media) is part of the fun. Here are 15 top food trucks bringing fantastic flavors to the streets of Philadelphia.
Taco Trucks & Latin Flair
Philly's passion for Mexican and Latin flavors extends to its food trucks, offering authentic and satisfying options:
- Cucina Zapata: Often found near Drexel's campus, this truck is famed for its unique Thai-Mexican fusion, especially the popular chicken satay tacos.
- LOS POTRILLOS FOOD TRUCK: Hailed by some as the "best lunch truck," expect authentic Mexican flavors and potentially generous portions that keep regulars coming back.
- Tacos El Rodeo Food Truck: A go-to for classic Mexican street tacos, serving up favorites like al pastor and carne asada with delicious flavors at affordable prices.
- El Amiguito Mobile Taco: This truck has built a loyal following for its authentic taste and good value, making it a reliable choice for taco cravings.
- El Manzano: Offering a variety of authentic dishes beyond tacos, including tortas and quesadillas, known for fresh ingredients and flavorful salsas.
Flavors of Asia on Wheels
Get your fix of Asian-inspired street food from these mobile kitchens:
- Temple Teppanyaki: Bringing Japanese and Korean favorites like teriyaki chicken, beef bulgogi, and kimchi fried rice primarily to the Temple University area.
- DumpNRoll: Dive into creative Filipino-inspired cuisine, featuring unique takes on classics like lumpia and adobo bowls.
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Delights
Fresh and flavorful options abound from these popular trucks:
- Octopus Falafel Truck: Consistently ranked among the city's best, this Mediterranean marvel serves up fantastic falafel, hummus, and other Middle Eastern staples made with high-quality ingredients.
- New York Gyro Truck: Craving an authentic, NYC-style gyro? This truck delivers, offering thinly sliced meat piled high with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Halal Hits
These popular carts offer satisfying and flavorful halal options:
- Halal Cart: A familiar sight for many, offering classic platters like chicken over rice and lamb gyros, cooked to perfection.
- Halal Taste Food Cart: Known for its generous portions and affordable prices, making it a popular choice for flavorful halal meals.
Comfort Food & Creative Bites
From cheesy goodness to gourmet sandwiches and late-night fixes:
- Mac Mart: Specializing in the ultimate comfort food, Mac Mart offers decadent mac and cheese bowls with creative toppings like pulled pork, bacon, and jalapenos.
- Grubaholics: Find comfort food with a serious twist here, featuring inventive dishes like the "Mac Daddy" (mac and cheese with pulled pork) or the "Sloppy Jose" (a chorizo and chipotle aioli sloppy joe).
- Zoagies: This mobile caterer elevates the sandwich game, crafting gourmet hoagie-style creations ("Zoagies") using fresh, local ingredients in adventurous combinations.
- Late Night Tacos Philly: Living up to its name, this truck is a lifesaver for post-bar cravings, serving up tacos, burritos, and quesadillas when you need them most.
Philadelphia's food truck scene is a dynamic and delicious reflection of the city's diverse culinary landscape. From authentic global street food to creative comfort fare, these 15 mobile kitchens represent just a fraction of the incredible eats available on wheels. So, keep an eye out, follow your favorites online, and embark on your own Philadelphia street food adventure!