Food Trucks in Seattle: Top Picks for Street Food Lovers
You're about to journey through the scintillating world of Seattle's food truck scene, and we're not just talking about your everyday burgers and hotdogs. No, darlings, this is where the culinary world meets four wheels, diverse flavors, and chef-quality cooking techniques into one delightful, portable package.
The real question isn’t whether or not you should experience Seattle’s food truck scene; it’s which of Seattle’s best food trucks you should taste first. To help make your exploration of this exciting culinary world a little bit easier, we’ve done the hard work of sampling and savoring as many food trucks as possible to provide you with a list of our faves.
El Camión
Get ready to spice up your life with El Camión, Seattle's darling of authentic Mexican street food. If you thought tantalizing tamales and burritos bursting with flavor were reserved for the Southwest, it’s time to revise that because this Mexican food truck will transport you immediately from the border of Canada to South of the border in no time.
Forget what you know about tacos and burritos from fast-food joints; this is the real deal! Housed in an unassuming truck, this Mexican food haven serves up everything from luscious carnitas to spicy al pastor — all wrapped in warm, pillowy tortillas.
Not to mention, their house-made salsas are a knockout! So if you're craving some good ol' Mexican comfort food, don’t let your SoCal or Texas snobbery stop you from seeking it out in this Pacific Northwest hot spot. We guarantee you’ll thank us later.
Piroshky Piroshky
When it comes to cuisines, there are some usual suspects that we all tend to list when trying to decide what to have for dinner. Mexican, Italian, Chinese…but what about Russian?
Piroshky Piroshky brings the taste of classic Russian pastries right to the streets of downtown Seattle. Baked goods are their claim to fame, with each piece a testament to the love and tradition baked right in.
Whether the Beef & Cheese piroshki catches your eye or the sweet and tart Cherry White Chocolate, you're in for a heavenly treat. Their piroshkies are like little doughy pockets of joy that burst with flavor in every bite.
This charming truck is more than just a quick stop on your foodie adventure; it's an escapade into the delicious intricacies of Russian cuisine, which for many people is a totally new area…and that’s a reason to visit in and of itself!
Skillet
If you’ve heard of their brick-and-mortar diner locations, you’re probably already familiar with Skillet’s unmatched ability to serve up down-home American favorites with style and panache. Now this delightful diner which turns classic American comfort food into a high-end culinary masterpiece, does it right on the streets of Seattle in their food truck.
Think yummy cheeseburgers but with bacon jam. Think poutine but with truffle gravy. It's tradition but with a twist! Every item on Skillet's menu is a love letter to American cuisine, but with a creative flair that takes each dish to a whole new level.
Their famed Chicken Sammie — a crispy chicken sandwich paired with a tangy aioli and pickled jalapeno — is a showstopper. Skillet offers food that fills your tummy and warms your soul. And we haven’t even touched on their desserts. So go ahead, dive into their menu and let the explosion of flavors take over!
Xplosive
Speaking of flavor explosions, it’s time to change gastronomical gears and veer off into an uncharted but oh-so-delicious territory where the zesty flavors of the East and the rich culinary heritage of the Asian Southeast collide. Xplosive is a delightful food truck that's making waves with its Filipino and Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
This isn't about just slapping together two distinct cuisines on a plate. It's about crafting a harmonious blend of flavors, techniques, and ingredients that will make your taste buds dance happily.
Take, for example, their Filipino Banh Mi. We're talking about a traditional Vietnamese sandwich but given a Filipino makeover with BBQ Longanisa sausage, Atchara, and adobo aioli.
It's an innovative, flavorful bombshell that perfectly embodies the Xplosive spirit. And who said spring rolls could only be Vietnamese? Not Xplosive, that's for sure! Their Adobo Spring Roll is a delightful surprise, packed with juicy chicken adobo and served with a tangy adobo reduction and garlic vinegar. It's like a mini flavor fiesta with each bite.
But the pièce de résistance here is their Pho French Dip — a heavenly marriage of Vietnamese Pho and the classic French Dip sandwich. Succulent slices of beef brisket, fresh basil, cilantro, and a side of that fragrant Pho broth for dipping. It's quite simply a culinary masterpiece you won’t be able to savor anywhere else, so you’d better be checking that food truck schedule stat.
Off the Rez
If there’s one culinary area that doesn’t get enough interest or appreciation, it’s that of the indigenous people of this country. Delve into the rich tapestry of Native American cuisine with Off the Rez, Seattle's first Native food truck. Here's where tradition meets innovation, all served up in an unpretentious, mobile kitchen.
Starting with their fry Bread — oh, the fry Bread! This is the kind of food that feeds your soul. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, it's the perfect backdrop for both savory and sweet creations. Top it with their juicy, spiced ground beef or zesty chili, and you've got yourself a whole new take on a taco that'll make your taste buds do a little jig.
But Off the Rez doesn't stop there. They're also dishing out burgers and quinoa salads for those seeking something a little different. Each bite radiates authentic Native flavors, a testament to the rich culinary traditions being celebrated.
For the sweet tooth in all of us, there's sweet fry bread, too. Dusted with cinnamon sugar or slathered with lemon curd, Nutella, or strawberry preserves — it's an irresistible treat that proves fry bread isn't just for the main course.
Be sure to follow Off the Rez on Facebook to keep up with their current locations (they favor Capitol Hill). But if you find yourself in the University District, you're in luck! Off the Rez has a cozy cafe spot nestled inside the Burke Museum. So, wherever you are in Seattle, you're never too far from a Native culinary experience.
Where Ya At Matt?
It’s time to visit the vibrant and colorful world of New Orleans in the Seattle area, thanks to Where Ya At, Matt? Don't be fooled by the simple food truck exterior. Inside is a soulful Creole and Cajun experience waiting to dazzle your palate that will have you asking, “Where ya at, Matt?” whenever you’re looking for a tasty bite.
Starting with the classic specialties, their Po'Boy sandwich is the talk of the town. Imagine succulent shrimp or roast beef, dripping with rich gravy, nestled in a fluffy French bread, dressed with mayo, lettuce, and pickles. It's messy, it's delicious, and it's quintessentially New Orleans.
Whether you’re a NOLA native who’s since moved to the PNW or just hasn’t gotten around to visiting one of the South’s most vibrant cities, this food truck is a great way to sample all of the delights creole cuisine has to offer without leaving your own city.
But before we move on, let’s not forget the beignets, darling! These soft, pillowy donuts, dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar, are the perfect sweet treat to end your gastronomic journey. It’s like a sweet bite of Mardis Gras in your mouth.
A Beautiful Pairing
Seattle is well-known for its breweries and taphouses, but did you know that they often team up with local food truck businesses? Check to see what trucks park outside your favorite watering holes for a combo made in heaven!
Honorable Mentions
- Reuben’s Brews in Ballard: Grab something from the food stands at the Ballard Farmer’s Market and bring it into Reuben’s for a cold beer!
- Chuck’s Hop Shop in Greenwood: With a new food truck parked outside almost every day, you can indulge in a fancy grilled cheese or spicy Korean bowl while choosing from a massive beer list!
- Occidental Brewing: Grab a sandwich or burger from myriad food truck catering partners at the Occidental Taproom!
A Flavorful Journey To Remember
There you have it, culinary globetrotters! Our gastronomic expedition through Seattle's vibrant food truck scene has come to a close. We've spiced it up with El Camión, tasted Russia with Piroshky Piroshky, indulged in gourmet American street food at Skillet, experienced the explosive fusion at Xplosive, and let the good times roll in New Orleans-style with Where Ya At, Matt?
When you visit a new city, it’s easy to get caught up in visiting every possible brick-and-mortar restaurant you can find with good ratings and a recommendation you trust. And while that’s a great way to sample the city’s cuisine and culture, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Next time you’re in Seattle — or any new place, for that matter! — take your taste buds into the streets to sample the many melding flavors of the local food trucks to get the authentic local experience. You never know what new favorite food you’ll discover that you might have missed if you’d passed on these mobile restaurant superstars.
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