Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you’ve probably noticed the recent revitalization of the food truck. The mobile, often extremely tasty and super hip restaurants on the go have been popping up everywhere from TV Shows (The New Girl) to the movies (The Five Year Engagement) to even its own Food Network series The Great Food Truck Race (currently in its third season).  While almost every metropolitan city can boast its assorted collection of food trucks, some cities have amassed a few more than others. Whether it is from the sheer number or the quality of the food, the following three cities are boast being the best places in the US to experience the food truck culture.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is home to some of the quirkiest and most interesting varieties of food trucks on the market today.  With more rallies and get-togethers then you can shake a stick at, food truck lovers will be in paradise as they make their way up and down the populated streets munching on delectable tastes such as fantastic Italian cuisine to exotic Japanese-Mexican fusions.

Cart to Try: Jogasaki Burrito 

Style- Mexican Japanese Fusion

Patrons of Jogasaki will immediately notice the bright orange paint job and the giant sombrero-wearing samurai soldier that is featured on the side of the truck.  Playing on the traditional burrito concept, Jogasaki takes this one step further and puts and Asian twist on a food cart favorite.  Instead of a tortilla wrapped entrée, diners of Jogasaki are presented with a rice-wrapped “burrito” that is then filled with things such as fresh tuna, salmon or crab.  If you are lucky enough to get the chance to visit Jogasaki, try the salmon ceviche taco. It’s delicious!

Portland, Oregon

Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to the Portland food truck scene.  With food trucks opening and unfortunately closing every week, the palates of Portlanders are as sophisticated as they are picky.  The Portland food cart scene is bustling with non-traditional locales such as carts nestled in quite neighborhood blocks, to streets lined with clapboard eateries and food “pods” ( a sort of permanent set-up), all there for your eating pleasure.  The food cart industry in Portland is booming, with an average of 150 new carts being put up (and staying up) each year.  If you find yourself in the city of roses and are looking for a great place to grab a quick bite try the following.

Cart to try: Viking Soul Food

Style: Norwegian

The big drawing point to Viking’s food cart is their use of the traditional Norwegian lefse, a sort of potato/crepe/tortilla that is doctored and dressed up according to your tastes.Depending on your mood you can go for either a sweet or savory flavor.  If by chance you are jonesing for something on the sweeter side I suggest you go with the traditional Norwegian Lingonberry compote which is laid on top a smothering of Gudrun cream cheese. Simply amazing!

New York City, New York

New York City is a name that is often synonymous with street food.  While you can still find a great corner hot dog, the streets of New York are lined with much more delectable for the lunch time or dinner crowd.  Depending on your mood you can go for an organic smoothie in all sorts of bizarre and tasty varieties (Spicy Ginger anyone?) to a food truck solely devoted to satisfy that sugar craving you’ve been trying to suppress for weeks.

Cart to Try: Luke’s Lobster Truck

Style: Seafood

Sure, getting anyone of the menu items from Luke’s will set you back a little more than your typical food truck but once you take a bite into any one of their delectable selections you will be certain it was money well spent.  In fact, Luke’s has been written about, talked about and featured on more news programs, magazines and websites than any other cart in the city.  If you find yourself at anyone of their nine locations be sure to try their Noah’s Ark. This entrée is built for two and gives you a great chance to try all that Luke’s has to offer, shrimp, crab and lobster.

What about you? Have a food cart you frequent that is as innovative as it is delicious?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories below.

About Guest Blogger

A self-professed foodie, Richard Bracke loves to dine at new restaurants and try out new food combinations in attempt to be constantly refining his tastes and palate. Richard currently blogs and writes for EZ Cater who specialize in a wide variety of options for your local catering needs.

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