Philadelphia, PA - A city reveals itself through its street food, and Philadelphia has always had a bountiful spread of on-the-fly options. Local food trucks run the gamut from student grub in stainless steel carts to upscale eats in high-tech mobile kitchens to roving trucks that keep foodies up-to-date on their whereabouts through Twitter.
Philadelphia's food scene is legendary, but some of the city's best culinary experiences aren't found in white-tablecloth dining rooms—they are served on paper plates through the sliding windows of food trucks. From University City to South Philly, the city's mobile eateries dish out everything from authentic global street food to wild fusion creations.
If you are ready to hit the pavement, here are 10 of the absolute best food trucks in the City of Brotherly Love.
1. Octopus Falafel
You do not go to Octopus Falafel just for lunch; you go for the experience. Stationed in Center City, this cart is run by a notoriously strict but beloved owner. There is no menu to peruse—you hand over your cash, and he hands you a massive, fresh, and wildly flavorful Middle Eastern platter. Trust the process; the combination of perfectly fried falafel, grilled meats, fresh veggies, and secret sauces is worth the leap of faith.
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- Where to find it: Center City (typically 20th & Market)
- Must-try: The daily surprise platter
2. Cucina Zapata
Tucked behind Drexel University's main building, Cucina Zapata masterfully blends Thai and Mexican flavors into comfort food masterpieces. The lines are consistently long, but the food moves fast. This truck proves that fusion, when done with care and a sense of humor, yields some of the best street food in the city.
- Where to find it: 31st & Ludlow
- Must-try: The Cap'n Crunch Burrito or the Chicken Katsu Platter
3. Tacos Don Memo
While Philadelphia has seen a boom in fantastic taquerias, Tacos Don Memo remains a University City staple for authentic Mexican street food. The portions are incredibly generous, and the meats are slow-braised to perfection. Whether you want a griddled burrito, a crispy tostada, or classic tacos, this shiny silver cart delivers massive flavor for a modest price.
Boston Food Truck Blog
- Where to find it: 38th & Walnut (Weekdays)
- Must-try: Al Pastor or Carnitas Tacos
4. The Cow and the Curd
Bringing a Midwest staple to the East Coast, The Cow and the Curd specializes in one beautiful thing: authentic Wisconsin cheese curds. These are not mozzarella sticks. These are fresh curds, perfectly battered, fried to a golden crisp, and served piping hot. They are a staple at street festivals and night markets across the city.
Best Food Trucks
- Where to find it: Roaming (check their schedule for festivals and events)
- Must-try: Traditional Fried Cheese Curds with Chipotle Ranch
Boston Food Truck Blog
5. Burrito Feliz
If you are chasing the ultimate birria taco in Philadelphia, look no further. Burrito Feliz built a massive following by serving up deeply savory, melt-in-your-mouth beef birria accompanied by rich, vibrant consommé for dipping. They also sling fantastic standard tacos and burritos, but it's the birria that draws lines that wrap around the block.
- Where to find it: Roaming/Events
- Must-try: Birria Tacos with Consommé
6. Mom-Mom's Polish Food Cart
Mom-Mom's brings the ultimate comfort food to the streets: traditional Polish fare made from scratch. It is a humble operation that packs incredible flavor, honoring the deep Eastern European roots found in many Philly neighborhoods. The pierogis are pillowy and buttery, and the kielbasa has the perfect snap.
Boston Food Truck Blog
- Where to find it: Roaming/Events
- Must-try: Potato and Cheddar Pierogi with caramelized onions
7. Bangin' Curry Franklin
Founded by two Temple University alumni, this truck specializes in Japanese comfort food—specifically, thick, rich, and incredibly satisfying Japanese curry. It started as a tiny cart and was upgraded to a full truck because the demand was so high. Their platters come with perfectly steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and your choice of protein.
Philadelphia Magazine
- Where to find it: Roaming/Events
- Must-try: Chicken Katsu Curry
8. Spot Gourmet Burgers
Long before they opened a brick-and-mortar location, Spot Gourmet Burgers was making waves as one of the best burger trucks in the country (even winning on the Food Network). The truck turns out thick, perfectly seared patties on fresh rolls, alongside elevated sides that you wouldn't expect from a mobile kitchen.
Boston Food Truck Blog
- Where to find it: Roaming/Events
- Must-try: The Spot Burger or the Spicy Mushroom Bisque
Wanderlog
9. Foolish Waffles
Who says waffles are only for breakfast? Foolish Waffles takes crisp, pearl-sugar-studded liege waffles and turns them into a canvas for both sweet and savory creations. You can get a decadent dessert waffle loaded with Nutella, or a full meal featuring pork belly or everything-bagel spice.
Philadelphia Magazine
- Where to find it: Roaming/Events
- Must-try: The Banh Mi Waffle or any seasonal sweet creation
10. Magic Carpet Foods
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A beloved institution on the University of Pennsylvania campus, Magic Carpet has been serving fresh, vegetarian, and vegan Middle Eastern food since before it was trendy. Their falafel is baked rather than fried, and their salads are bright and heavily portioned. It is healthy, filling, and incredibly affordable.
- Where to find it: Two locations on the Penn Campus (34th & Walnut / 36th & Spruce)
- Must-try: The Magic Meatball Sandwich (vegan) and an oatmeal cookie
Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a gourmet meal on the go, Philadelphia's food truck scene has something for everyone. So next time you're out and about, be sure to check out one of these 15 delicious destinations.
