Vancouver’s Food Truck Scene: A World of Flavors on Wheels
Picture this: a sunny afternoon in Vancouver, the air buzzing with laughter and the sizzle of fryers. Since 2010, when the city rolled out its food truck program, these mobile kitchens have become a staple at parks, craft breweries, and street parties. Today, more than 200 vendors serve up everything from Indigenous bannock to Korean bao, making Vancouver’s streets a true culinary adventure.
Food Truck Festivals: Where the Magic Happens
Throughout the year, the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival lights up the city with events like Food Truck Wars, a three-day extravaganza at Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds. With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—so here’s a guide to eight must-try food trucks you simply can’t miss.
1. REEL Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food with a Twist
If you’re craving comfort, look for the bright yellow movie-themed trucks of REEL Mac and Cheese. Their menu is a blockbuster, featuring The Green Mile (broccoli and crispy onions), Godzilla (nori and Japanese mayo), and Some Like it Hot (banana peppers and hot sauce). Each bite is pure nostalgia with a creative twist.
2. Bao Buns: Sweet and Savory Sensations
The Bao Boys, Yoseb and Francis, bring incredible energy and irresistible steamed buns to every event. Their signature buns, topped with ice cream, icing sugar, and condensed milk, have earned them both People’s Choice and Best Sweet Treat at Food Truck Wars 2025. You’ll find them at the Richmond Night Market and festivals citywide.
3. Chickpea: Vegan Delights with Mediterranean Flair
Vegans rejoice! Chickpea offers plant-based platters, wraps, hotdogs, and burgers with a Mediterranean twist. The Chicksteak, crispy seitan chicken, and soy curl shawarma are crowd favorites. Their Main Street storefront even made OpenTable’s Top 100 Healthy Bites in Canada list in 2024.
4. Big City Bannock: Indigenous Flavors on the Go
Big City Bannock, run by Raymond and Hannah Yamelst, is one of the newest and most exciting additions to Vancouver’s food truck scene. They serve up fried bannock in tacos, burgers, and creative twists, alongside deer stew, sockeye salmon chowder, and huckleberry lemonade. It’s Indigenous comfort food at its finest.
5. Disco Cheetah: Korean Fusion with a Beat
Since 2014, Disco Cheetah has been serving up authentic Korean dishes with a Western twist. Their menu features Korean tacos, burritos, bao, and rice bowls loaded with fried chicken, pulled pork, tofu cauliflower, and bulgoki beef. Every bite is a flavor explosion.
6. Burdy: Solar-Powered, Sandwich Perfection
Burdy’s “solar-powered food bus” is a mainstay at Container Brewing, serving up legendary sandwiches Wednesday to Saturday. The chicken parm sandwich is called “life-changing” by fans, and the vegetarian eggplant parm is just as irresistible. Sustainability never tasted so good.
7. Just Jerkin’ Around: Caribbean Heat in Chilliwack
Winner of the Best International/Fusion 2025 award at Food Truck Wars, Just Jerkin’ Around is the place for jerk chicken and pork. Chef Asher Myton, born and raised in Kingston, serves up jerk meats with slaw, rice, and peas. You’ll usually find this truck in Chilliwack, in front of Johnson’s Custom Cutting.
8. Il Saltimbocca: Woodfired Sandwiches with Italian Flair
Operated by Via Tavere, Il Saltimbocca makes sandwiches with dough baked in a 900° woodfire oven. Each sandwich is packed with thinly sliced meats, melted cheese, tomatoes, arugula, and basil mayo. It’s Italian street food at its best.
Why Vancouver’s Food Trucks Are a Must-Try
Vancouver’s food trucks are more than just a quick bite—they’re a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for something new, these eight trucks offer a taste of the world right on your doorstep.
Key Takeaways:
Vancouver boasts over 200 food trucks serving diverse global flavors.
Must-try options include Indigenous bannock, Korean bao, vegan Mediterranean, and Italian woodfired sandwiches.
Food truck festivals like Food Truck Wars highlight the city’s vibrant street food culture.
