By: Sohaila Abdelhamid
Recently, we compiled a list of a few of the famous food trucks around Chi-Town based on online reviews from Yelp and Google. As well, we received word-of-mouth comments from students attending the University of Chicago. Here’s what we found.
Food truck culture has gotten wildly popular this past year, especially with the pandemic. It’s an easy way to grab good food instead of sitting down at a restaurant, a luxury many of us were not able to afford. Chicago is notorious for having a diverse food scene. Here are some of our favorite food trucks around the city.
Ran by high school sweethearts Sam Barron and Sarah Weitz, The Fat Shallot boasts a variety of well-priced made-to-order sandwiches and sides, with all sandwiches costing you under less than $10. Feeling a little fancy? Give the Truffle BLT a try.
Family-run with fresh, homemade Mexican dishes, Aztec Daves is easily one of my favorite food trucks to go to when in the mood for good comfort food. From burritos to tacos, there’s something for everyone. Our recommendation for a good lunch option: The taco special, with three meat or veggie tacos, beans, rice and a drink, coming in at $14.
Grilled cheese is an American staple, but if you really think about it, it’s so hard to find a good grilled cheese sandwich. Established in 2011 by Chris Johnshon, he set out to create a truck that offered the kind of grilled cheese you crave. Try the Caprese, an italian twist on the classic grilled cheese, coming in at $9.50.
Piko offers a fusion between Mexican and Asian cuisines, with options ranging from tacos to bao to kimchi fried rice. Can’t decide what to get? We recommend the Everything Bowl, with kimchi fried rice, topped with all proteins, veggies and an egg. All that at $14.
Dessert food trucks? So important. For when the craving hits and you just want a quick donut, check out Beavers Donuts. For a medium box of 15 mini donuts, you only pay $8. Make sure to try their signature toppings, especially the Goombah, with Cannoli topping and crumbled pastry shells.
Another classic Mexican food truck. Ranchitos offers a variety of Mexican dishes at very reasonable prices. For only $9.99, you can get a stunning steak burrito. Make sure to also try their elotes, some of the best in Chicago.
With the goal to bring German street food to Chicago, this food truck combines German street dishes with a Turkish twist, creating a marriage of flavors brought to Germany by Turkish immigrants in the 70s. Try the classic CurryWurst with fries, for only $10. They also offer many vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options, so make sure to pass by.
Classic, cheesy, and comforting are the words we use to describe this truck. There’s really no way you could go wrong with pizza, and Chicago Pizza Boss offers a selection of dishes for you to choose from. If you’re a fan of spice, go for the Hell Fire’s Kiss Pizza. At only $14, you get classic base topped with mastro brand imported hot sopressata, wildfire’s hell fire chilli & roasted garlic infused honey. Sounds fantastic, non?
Another one of our favorite dessert food trucks. This truck offers a delicious variety of cupcakes for everyone with a sweet tooth. Anna Wu offers a twist on classic recipes and loves to support charitable causes such as Breast Cancer awareness. Get your sweet tooth satisfied while supporting a cause! We love it. Our choice of cupcake? The matcha cupcake, at only $4.
Delicious Korean food on wheels. Described as Seoul food for the soul, this truck offers classic Korean dishes as well as more modern twists. Our pick? The bulgogi sandwich, coming in at only $9. A delicious twist on the Korean beef dish for on the go.
