Discover Austin’s Finest: Top 10 Must-Try Food Trucks

Ready to discover the best of Austin’s culinary delights? This vibrant city is a true mecca for foodies, with a thriving food truck scene that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Austin’s mobile eateries is nothing short of a tantalizing adventure. From authentic Asian street food to comforting Southern cuisine, and of course, mouth-watering Texan BBQ, there’s something for everyone. Join us on this tantalizing tour of the Top 10 Food Trucks in Austin that will surely have you coming back for more!

1. East Side King

East Side King is no ordinary food truck – it’s a culinary institution. Young, old, tourists, local Austinites – everyone in town seems in love with their scrumptious Asian street food. Pioneered by Top Chef winner Paul Qui and his accomplice Moto Utsunomiya, their menus truly embody a thrilling collision of Japanese and Texan flavors. From the moment you take your first bite, you’re drawn into a world of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, that perfectly combines Asian culinary expertise with a distinct Texan charm.

• What to try: Go for Chicken Karaage, a Japanese style fried chicken akin to soul food, but surprisingly light, crisp, and jampacked with taste. The Beet Home Fries are a healthy indulgence, fried to a perfect crisp and topped with Kewpie mayo and sweet spicy sauce.
• Where to find: Check their brilliant website for an updated list of locations they frequent.

2. Via 313

Brittle cold Detroit winters may seem far removed from sunny Texas days, but incredibly, you will get a taste of Detroit in the heart of Austin at Via 313. Here, you’ll discover Detroit-style pizza featuring a characteristic thick, square crust, loaded with cheese and exciting toppings, promising an indulgence that will likely make your tastebuds dance.

• Must-tries: Their classic Pepperoni and the inventive Fig & Prosciutto pizzas are clear crowd pleasers.
• Find them: You can spot them right on Rainey Street or East 6th Street, welcoming patrons who want a slice of Detroit in Texas.

3. Veracruz All Natural

When the craving for a full-blown, authentic Mexican feast hits, there’s no better refuge than Veracruz All Natural. This much-loved food truck tempts with its fragrant tacos, crafted from freshly made tortillas and locally sourced ingredients, along with divinely refreshing smoothies.

• The must-haves: Try the Migas Poblanas, a breakfast taco unlike any other, with eggs, tortillas strips, poblano peppers and fresh avocado. The Fish al Pastor Tacos are a delightful twist on the classic al pastor.
• Where you can find them: They’ve got several food trucks scattered through Austin, so check their site for the one closest to you.

4. Chi’lantro

Enter the lovingly chaotic world of fusion cuisine at Chi’lantro. Featuring a delightful clash of Korean BBQ and Mexican traditions, this is a place where every bite unleashes an exciting kick of flavors.

• Must-try menu items: The Original Kimchi Fries and the Bulgogi Bowl are fan favorites.
• Closest location: They have various trucks all over Austin, and their schedule can be found online.

5. The Peached Tortilla

Comfort food lovers should make a beeline for The Peached Tortilla. Kicking off as a food truck, it quickly gained a devoted fan base—so much so that they now have a brick-and-mortar location while still keeping their food truck alive and well.

• What to order: The Banh Mi Tacos embody an exciting merger of Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the Bacon Jam Fries for a salty-sweet delight.
• Location idiosyncrasies: Visit their website for the food truck’s exact locations.

6. Arlo’s

Featuring a delectable variety of vegan comfort food, Arlo’s caters to diners of all types. Their satisfyingly tasty plant-based creations are even known to sway meat-lovers, making it a popular spot for sustainable but flavorsome late-night bites.

• Best dishes: Try the Bac’n Cheeze Burger or the BBQ Burger, both juicy and flavorful without a trace of meat.
• How to find them: They’ve set up shop at multiple locations including Chill Up Charlies and Spider House.

7. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

You can’t write a food guide for Austin without a nod to this city’s BBQ love. Enter Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, where heavenly smoked meats meet homemade tortillas in a perfect symphony of flavors.

• What to ask for: Try the Real Deal Holyfield taco; it’s an overwhelming combo of beans, potatoes, brisket, bacon, and a fried egg. The Smoked Carnitas Tacos is another smoker’s delight.
• Where to head: Track them down at their spot in South Austin.

8. Dee Dee

If you’re searching for authentic Thai street food, look no further than Dee Dee. Serving up a bustling array of spicy, aromatic dishes, the name of this food truck, meaning “good good” in Thai, rings true.

• Top orders: Don’t miss the sizzling Moo Ping (Pork Skewer) and comforting Om Gai (Chicken Herb Stir-fry) served with sticky rice.
• Where they’re parked: You’ll find this Thai treasure on Springdale Road in East Austin.

9. Micklethwait Craft Meats

A food truck guide of Austin would be utterly incomplete without a hat tip to Micklethwait Craft Meats, a favorite among BBQ aficionados. This vintage Comet trailer pumps out tender, smoked meats served alongside comforting homemade sides and desserts.

• Try: The Brisket, Lamb Sausage or Lemon Poppy Coleslaw are worth waiting in line for.
• Where to find them: Parked on Rosewood Avenue, this is a must-visit for all carnivores.

10. Cow Bells

In search of a sensational burger? Make your way to Cow Bells, a food truck that believes in sourcing local and crafting each burger with extra love and devotion.

• Order now: The Spicy 512 with jalapeño relish packs a punch, while the Cluck Sandwich with grilled chicken, LTO, and garlic mayo is a lighter but equally irresistible option.
• Location details: You can find them at their spot on Pedernales Street, cozy in the Austin neighborhood vibes.

There you have it, folks! We’ve relished the task of guiding you through the Top 10 Food Trucks in Austin – a city that stands as a glistening gastronome’s dream under the Texan Sun. While the busy streets pulsate with vibrant live music, its street food spectrum truly echoes the heart and soul of Austin’s cultural mosaic.

So, when are you starting this delectable culinary journey? We assure you, these food trucks are like a tasting tour of Austin’s soul served on a plate (or in a take-away box!). Don’t forget to keep those stretchy pants handy – you’ll thank us later!