Best Food Trucks in New Orleans: Must-Try Local Eats
Updated:
By: Liz Wegerer
New Orleans, a metropolis celebrated for its distinct cultural blend and mouthwatering culinary legacy, is home to a flourishing food truck scene that offers a variety of local cuisines and flavors. With over 100 food trucks operating throughout the city, visitors and locals alike can explore a wide range of delectable dishes, from classic po’ boys to innovative fusion creations. These mobile eateries have become an integral part of the Big Easy’s food landscape, reflecting the city’s unique melding of Creole, Cajun, and international influences.
In This Article
TL;DR
Discover the must-visit food trucks in New Orleans, offering diverse local cuisines and flavors.
Explore the history and cultural significance of food trucks in the city.
Learn ways to support and promote local food truck businesses.
Types of Food Trucks in New Orleans
Traditional New Orleans Cuisine Food Trucks
These food trucks focus on serving up classic New Orleans dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and po’ boys. One notable example is the “Queen on Wheels” food truck, which offers a mouth-watering selection of traditional Creole and Cajun fare, including fried shrimp, smoked sausage, and chicken legs, accompanied by sides like French fries and coleslaw.
Fusion and International Cuisine Food Trucks
Many food trucks in New Orleans showcase the city’s multicultural influences by offering fusion dishes or specialties from around the world. For instance, “La Cocinita” serves up Latin American-inspired cuisine, such as Venezuelan arepas and tacos, while “Frencheeze” offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with a French twist.
Dessert and Sweet Treat Food Trucks
No meal in New Orleans is complete without a sweet finish, and the city’s food trucks have you covered. “Crêpes à la Cart” offers a delightful selection of sweet and savory crepes, while “Valerie’s Snoballs” serves up the quintessential New Orleans treat – fluffy shaved ice doused in colorful, flavorful syrups.
Popular Food Truck Locations
French Quarter and Surrounding Areas
The French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans’ tourism industry, is a prime location for food trucks. Visitors can often find these mobile kitchens parked along the Mississippi River near Woldenberg Park or in the vicinity of Jackson Square.
Uptown and Garden District
The Uptown and Garden District neighborhoods, known for their stunning architecture and lush greenery, also host a number of food trucks. Look for them along Magazine Street or near popular attractions like Audubon Park.
Mid-City and Fairgrounds
Mid-City, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse population and proximity to the New Orleans Fairgrounds (home of the Jazz & Heritage Festival), is another hotspot for food trucks. The Fairgrounds itself often features a variety of food trucks during events and festivals.
Must-Try Dishes from New Orleans Food Trucks
Classic Po’ Boys and Sandwiches
No visit to a New Orleans food truck is complete without trying a po’ boy, the city’s signature sandwich. “Diva Dawg Food Truck” offers a unique twist on this classic with their “Red Bean Chili Dog,” served on a sweet and savory brioche bun.
Creole and Cajun Specialties
For a taste of authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine, seek out food trucks like “Dirty Dishes,” which serves up dishes like “Dirty Mac” (smoked gouda mac and cheese with crawfish and turkey tasso) and “Pig in a Blanket” (slow-smoked pork and bacon in a root beer BBQ sauce, wrapped in a waffle).
Unique Fusion Creations and International Flavors
Food trucks in New Orleans also offer a variety of innovative fusion dishes and international flavors. “Taceaux Loceaux” combines Mexican and Cajun influences in their tacos, while “Saigon Slim’s” offers Vietnamese favorites like banh mi sandwiches and pho.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Plant-Based Alternatives to Traditional New Orleans Dishes
Some food trucks offer vegetarian or vegan versions of classic New Orleans dishes. For example, “The Frying Station” serves up a vegan “Chick-un” and waffles dish, while “Rollin Fatties” offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly burritos and bowls.
Dedicated Vegetarian and Vegan Food Trucks
There are also food trucks in New Orleans that specialize in exclusively vegetarian or vegan fare. “Good Karma Prasad Cafe” is a fully vegan food truck that offers dishes like jackfruit tacos and cashew cheese quesadillas.
Healthy and Wholesome Options
For those seeking healthier options, food trucks like “Main Squeeze Mobile Juicery” offer a selection of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and acai bowls, perfect for a refreshing and nutritious meal on the go.
Food Truck Events and Festivals
Regular Food Truck Gatherings and Markets
Throughout the year, various neighborhoods in New Orleans host regular food truck gatherings and markets. For example, the “Uptown Square Food Truck Park” on Freret Street features a rotating selection of food trucks every Wednesday and Friday evening.
Annual Food Truck Festivals Showcasing Local Talent
The city also plays host to annual food truck festivals that highlight the best of the local scene. The “New Orleans Food Truck Festival,” typically held in the spring, brings together dozens of food trucks from across the city for a day of culinary delights and live music.
Collaborations with Local Businesses and Organizations
Food trucks in New Orleans often collaborate with local businesses and organizations for special events and fundraisers. For instance, the “NOLA Brewing Company” regularly hosts food truck pop-ups at their taproom, pairing craft beers with delectable dishes from the city’s mobile kitchens.
Supporting Local Food Truck Businesses
The Importance of Food Trucks in the Local Economy
Food trucks provide a low-cost entry point for aspiring restaurateurs and chefs, allowing them to test their concepts and build a following before investing in a brick-and-mortar location. By supporting these mobile eateries, patrons help foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the city’s food scene.
Challenges Faced by Food Truck Owners and Operators
Despite their popularity, food truck owners and operators face numerous challenges, including navigating complex regulations, securing permits, and finding suitable locations to park and serve customers. By patronizing food trucks and advocating for policies that support these small businesses, the community can help ensure their continued success.
Ways to Support and Promote Local Food Trucks
Follow your favorite food trucks on social media and share their posts to help spread the word
Attend food truck events and festivals, and invite friends and family to join you
Leave positive reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, and Facebook to help attract new customers
Consider hiring a food truck to cater your next event or gathering, providing a unique and memorable dining experience for your guests
Food Truck Culture in New Orleans
The History and Evolution of Food Trucks in the City
While food trucks have gained popularity in New Orleans in recent years, mobile food vending has long been a part of the city’s history. From the early 20th-century “po’ boy wagons” that served up sandwiches to factory workers, to the modern-day food trucks that roam the city’s streets, these mobile eateries have evolved to meet the changing needs and tastes of the community.
Food Trucks as a Reflection of New Orleans’ Diverse Culinary Heritage
New Orleans’ food truck scene mirrors the city’s diverse culinary heritage, with influences from African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines. By offering a wide range of dishes and flavors, these mobile kitchens help preserve and celebrate the city’s rich gastronomic traditions.
The Role of Food Trucks in Fostering Community and Cultural Exchange
Food trucks in New Orleans serve as more than just a convenient dining option; they also act as gathering places where people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy delicious food and engage in cultural exchange. By bringing diverse communities together through a shared love of food, these mobile eateries help foster a sense of unity and belonging in the city.
New Orleans’ food truck scene is a vibrant and essential part of the city’s culinary landscape, offering a variety of local cuisines and flavors that reflect the Big Easy’s rich cultural heritage. By supporting these mobile eateries, patrons not only get to enjoy delectable dishes but also help sustain small businesses and foster a sense of community in the city. So the next time you’re in New Orleans, be sure to seek out these must-try food trucks and savor the best of what the local food scene has to offer.
Liz Wegerer is a highly experienced writer and editor with a diverse background that spans several industries. At Inside NOLA, Liz brings her exceptional writing skills and thorough research capabilities to create engaging content about New Orleans. Her global experiences, including serving as editor-in-chief of a digital magazine in London and covering international events, have shaped her into a well-rounded storyteller.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the unique character of New Orleans, Liz covers a wide range of topics from the city's famous attractions to its distinctive neighborhoods. Her deep understanding of the local culture and history, combined with her ability to craft compelling narratives, makes her a trusted authority on the Crescent City. When not writing, Liz enjoys traveling and exploring new culinary delights, which fuels her appreciation for the vibrant and diverse food scene in New Orleans. Her commitment to delivering top-quality content ensures that readers get an authentic and enriching experience of the city.
