The best food trucks in Melbourne

Everyone's had a burger but have you ever had a Uruguayan steak sandwich? This is the question that got Australian-born Uruguayan Marty and his Kiwi wife Anna thinking. They set up El Chivi from their garage in 2014, and it's since become one of the most loved food trucks in Melbourne, serving up its delish "Chivito" sandwiches at music concerts, markets, carnivals, techno events and community festivals. Traditionally, a Chivito must have thin steak, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, olives and bacon. El Chivi draws its inspiration from the street carts of Uruguay with layers of fresh ingredients and bright colours.

How to find them: Instagram @el.chivi

Anyone who's been to Portugal knows the food, particularly the street eats and seafood, is out of this world. That's why we're nothing short of blessed to have O Tuga Tastes of Portugal within our exciting food trucks network, bringing us the best of Southern Portugese street food. Think authentic cod fish cakes, traditional slow-cooked pork sangas and marinated chicken grilled to perfection.

How to find them: Instagram @o_tugatastesofportugal

One of the pioneers of Melbourne's food truck scene was Raph Rashid who started Taco Truck, which is home to some of the better soft-shell tortillas going around. Choose from chicken, fish or bean and potato tacos, served a la carte, or as a platter with corn chips and zesty guac. Though not entirely traditional, the hefty burritos, filled with rice, beans, slaw, sauces and a protein of your choice, are also a solid option.

How to find them: Instagram @tacotruckmelb

Hop on the birria 'trend' at Dingo Ate My Taco, and stay for Tex-Mex-inspired street foods such as quesadillas and fresh tortilla chips and salsa, or sample what this food truck is clearly known for: tacos. There’s a slow-smoked Texan brisket variety topped with pico de gallo and pickled onion, or Mexican corn fungus grilled with mushroom and refried epazote black beans on a handmade blue corn tortilla. Find the truck as it pops up around the city or at its permanent Dingo Kitchen on St Kilda Road.

How to find them: Instagram @dingoatemytaco

Greek souva shops are among Melbourne's most-loved cheap eats, so it's a no-brainer that Greek Street Food is one of the city's longest-running food trucks. Its main offering is cheap souvlakis, though you can also get grilled kalamaki sticks with a combo of salad, dip and chips. Greek Street Food has also opened a permanent spot at 749 High Street in Thornbury so you don't have to chase them down if you're hankering for a souva.

How to find them: Instagram @greekstreetfood

Vola Foods specialises in Cameroonian cuisine, a melting pot of flavours from the north, west and centre of Africa, with a dash of Arabic and European influence. From a parking lot in Brunswick, head chef and owner Ashley Vola’s team sling her coveted jollof rice, puff puff (fried African dough balls) and mouth-watering barbecued meats from a bright orange shipping container. A westside block party Mr West threw in 2023 saw a Vola Foods truck make an appearance, but these days your best bet is to make a beeline for the permanent location.

How to find them: 30 Ovens Street, Brunswick 3056

Here's another one from Raph Rashid. The signature Raph burger from Beatbox Kitchen never fails: the beef pattie is served pink with a caramelised crust and is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, gouda and 'stereo sauce' (a mixture of mayo, dill pickle, cayenne and lemon juice). It's no-fuss, and we appreciate a good burger that won't leave sauce and juices trickling down to your elbows while you eat on the go. Find them at summer festivals and bars around the inner city.

How to find them: Instagram @beatboxkitchen

This beloved American joint still operates out of Fitzroy's Catfish pub but now also boasts a roving food truck devoted to its iconic Philly cheesesteak. Skip the standard and go for the sweet pepper steak variety, which sees sliced steak, molten cheese, onions and capsicum stuffed into a long white roll. No meat’s no problem here – sub the steak for tofu and assorted veg (don’t worry, it’s just as cheesy) or go for the vegan pulled pork sandwich with chipotle mayo and kale slaw.

How to find them: Instagram @sparrowsphillysteaks

This ‘sandwich pressery’ on wheels serves up some pretty unusual toasties. Sure, you could keep it simple and grab a classic toasted cheese. Or, you could try something a bit different, like the ‘Russell’ (gouda, bacon, shaved brussel sprouts, walnuts) or the ‘Fonz’ (fontina, mixed sautéed mushrooms, english spinach, roast garlic and thyme butter). 

How to find them: Instagram @toasta.melbourne

If you're a fan of plant-based fare, keep an eye out for Woking Amazing’s red-and-white-striped van, which often pops up at Welcome to Thornbury and local markets. The all-vegan food truck serves plant-based treats with a subtle Asian twist –think bánh mì-loaded fries topped with pickled veg, roasted peanuts, crispy onion and chilli or 'egg and bacon' brekkie rolls wrapped in flaky roti. Vego or not, you won’t miss the meat.

How to find them: Instagram @wokingamazing

With a crisp, pan-fried exterior and flavour-packed fillings, Pierogi Pierogi’s polish dumplings are a force to be reckoned with. Choose from slow-cooked beef with root vegetables, potato and farmers' cheese and mushroom and sauerkraut. Or better yet, save yourself the choice and order all three, then load them up with fixings such as sour cream, fried onion, pickles or crispy bacon chunks. We love that you can also now enjoy these parcels of joy at the team's new restaurant Eat Pierogi Make Love.

How to find them: Instagram @pierogipierogi

Jamaican cuisine isn't something you come across too often in Melbourne, but the Real Jerk is definitely filling that gap. The spicy jerk chicken is spiced, grilled or fried, and served with coconut slaw, rice and peas as is typical in the Caribbean. If you see the team slinging cassava chips, order some. The root vegetable makes an amazing alternative to potatoes and goes really well with the smoky jerk dishes.

How to find them: Instagram @therealjerkfoodtruck

Filipino food truck Hoy Pinoy doesn’t have a huge menu, but the operation is a prime example of the benefit of doing one thing, and doing it very, very well. In this case, that is chargrilled skewers. The pork and chicken skewers are marinated and then cooked to order, rendering the meat ridiculously sweet and tender. Condiments aren’t necessary, but the banana ketchup, a common condiment in the Philippines, is well worth a try.

How to find them: Instagram @hoypinoybbq 

Teha Kim grew up in Kyoto, Japan but was raised by Korean parents. This unique food truck is his way of paying homage to his heritage and mixed cultural influences. Teha has an impressive resume, having worked at Vue de Monde, among other fancy restaurants around the world. Give Kimu a try for authentic family-inspired dishes that blend Korean and Japanese flavours in a fun way, using seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients.

How to find them: Instagram @kimukoreanjapaneseeatery or check out their current events page here.