Food trucks have become a beloved part of South Africa's culinary landscape, offering everything from traditional local dishes to international gourmet fare. If you've never visited a food truck before, here's what you need to know for a great first experience.
Finding a Food Truck
Unlike traditional restaurants, food trucks are mobile, which means their locations can change daily or weekly. This is where Food Truck Finder comes in handy! You can browse our location directory to find trucks by province and city, or filter by cuisine type to find exactly what you're craving.
Many food trucks have regular spots they visit on specific days, such as farmers' markets, office parks, or popular weekend destinations. Following your favourite trucks on social media is also a great way to stay updated on their whereabouts.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Food trucks typically operate from a serving window on the side of the vehicle. Here's what the process usually looks like:
- Check the Menu: Most trucks display their menu on a board near the serving window or on the truck itself. Take a moment to browse your options.
- Queue Up: If there's a line, join it. The wait is usually worth it, and it gives you time to decide what you want.
- Place Your Order: When you reach the window, tell the staff what you'd like. Don't be shy to ask questions about ingredients or portion sizes.
- Pay: Most trucks accept both cash and card payments. Some even offer SnapScan or other mobile payment options.
- Wait for Your Food: You might be given a number or just asked to wait nearby. Fresh food takes a few minutes to prepare!
Dining at a Food Truck
One thing that sets food trucks apart from restaurants is the casual dining atmosphere. Most food truck locations don't have formal seating, so be prepared to:
- Eat standing up or find a nearby bench or grassy area
- Bring a camping chair or picnic blanket if you're planning a longer visit
- Embrace the outdoor dining experience
Some food truck parks and markets do provide seating areas, picnic tables, and even entertainment, making them perfect for a family outing or casual meet-up with friends.
Payment Tips
While most food trucks accept card payments these days, it's always a good idea to carry some cash just in case. Here are a few payment tips:
- Check if the truck accepts cards before ordering if you don't have cash
- SnapScan and other mobile payment apps are increasingly popular
- Smaller denominations are appreciated for cash payments
- Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated for great service
Embrace the Experience
Food trucks offer more than just food — they offer an experience. You'll often meet the owner or chef directly, watch your food being prepared, and discover unique dishes you won't find anywhere else. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations with other foodies and share recommendations. Curious about what's on offer? Our guide to the top food truck cuisines in South Africa covers the most popular options.
Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch, enjoying a weekend market, or booking a truck for your next event, food trucks bring a special kind of joy that's hard to find elsewhere. Planning a wedding or party? Food trucks make incredible caterers — read our food truck wedding guide or our complete event catering guide to learn more.
Ready to Try?
Now that you know what to expect, it's time to find your first (or next) food truck adventure. Use Food Truck Finder to discover amazing mobile kitchens near you, check their menus, and see when and where they'll be serving.
Browse food trucks by location →
Thinking about starting your own food truck? Our complete guide to starting a food truck business covers everything you need to know.