South Africa's food truck scene is as diverse as its people, offering a mouth-watering array of cuisines from around the world. Whether you're craving something traditional or looking to try something new, here are the top cuisines you absolutely must try from our local food trucks.
1. Traditional South African
Nothing beats the classics. South African food trucks serve up beloved local favourites that'll make you feel right at home:
- Boerewors Rolls: The quintessential South African street food - a coiled sausage in a fresh roll with chakalaka and onions
- Bunny Chow: A Durban speciality - hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry
- Braai Plates: Various grilled meats with pap and chakalaka
- Vetkoek: Fried dough filled with mince or jam
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2. American Comfort Food
American-style food trucks have taken South Africa by storm, serving up comfort food classics:
- Gourmet Burgers: Thick patties with creative toppings and artisan buns
- Hot Dogs: From classic to loaded with everything
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and often with exciting additions
- BBQ Ribs: Slow-smoked and falling off the bone
3. Mexican
Mexican cuisine has found a passionate following in South Africa, and food trucks deliver authentic flavours:
- Tacos: Soft or hard shell with various fillings
- Burritos: Massive wraps packed with rice, beans, meat, and all the fixings
- Quesadillas: Grilled tortillas with melted cheese and fillings
- Nachos: Loaded with toppings and perfect for sharing
4. Indian
With South Africa's rich Indian heritage, especially in Durban, Indian food trucks offer incredible flavours:
- Samoosas: Crispy pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables
- Roti Wraps: Soft flatbread wrapped around curries
- Biryanis: Aromatic rice dishes with meat and spices
- Chana Masala: Spiced chickpea curry
5. Italian
Italian food trucks bring the flavours of Italy to the streets of South Africa:
- Wood-Fired Pizza: Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas from mobile ovens
- Pasta: Fresh pasta dishes made to order
- Paninis: Toasted Italian sandwiches
- Gelato: Authentic Italian ice cream
6. Asian Fusion
Asian food trucks offer everything from traditional to fusion dishes:
- Korean BBQ: Grilled meats with banchan sides
- Thai Curries: Green, red, and yellow curries with rice
- Sushi: Fresh rolls and poke bowls
- Dim Sum: Steamed dumplings and buns
7. Sweet Treats
Don't forget dessert! Many food trucks specialise in satisfying your sweet tooth:
- Gourmet Donuts: Creative flavours and toppings
- Churros: Cinnamon sugar-coated and dipped in chocolate
- Waffles: Belgian-style with various toppings
- Koeksisters: Traditional South African sweet treats
Explore All Cuisines
This is just the tip of the iceberg! South African food trucks serve everything from Greek souvlaki to Caribbean jerk chicken, from Portuguese peri-peri to Japanese ramen. The best way to experience it all is to get out there and explore.
Use our cuisines page to browse all available cuisine types and find food trucks that match your cravings. You can also browse by location to find what's near you, or check out food truck specialties for specific dishes like BBQ, pizza, or coffee.
Thinking about which cuisines work best for events? Our food truck wedding guide covers the best cuisine combinations for weddings, and our event catering guide has tips for corporate functions, birthdays, and more. If you're a food truck owner deciding on your menu, read our breakdown of the best food truck menu ideas that actually sell.