From Thai street food and Nashville hot chicken to cold-pressed juices and gourmet grilled cheeses, the Queen City’s mobile kitchens offer an incredibly diverse array of flavors, cultures, and stories. Many of these food trucks in Charlotte NC have built loyal followings, expanded into brick-and-mortar spots, or become mainstays at breweries, festivals, and neighborhood gatherings. Whether you’re after a late-night snack, a casual weekday lunch, or catering for your next event, these local food trucks prove that some of Charlotte’s best meals are served on four wheels.
TIN Kitchen
For over 15 years, TIN Kitchen has been serving Charlotte bold and unique flavors. As one of the city’s first food trucks, they are a reliable source for local favorites such as tacos, sliders, and quesadillas. Though TIN Kitchen has since expanded to a restaurant environment, they’ve stuck to their roots and continue to serve and deliver to many different events. Reach out to them for any corporate events, weddings, or parties to bring the flavor.
Wholey Cow
Wholey Cow is not your typical burger joint. Dedicated to personalizing each and every order, this food truck can guarantee a burger that’ll “satisfy your moo’d.” If you’re not feeling a burger, they offer fries, mozzarella sticks, and hot dogs. Wholey Cow works with local businesses to ensure high quality food for their customers.
22 Street Kitchen
Can’t agree on what to have for dinner? 22 Street Kitchen is the perfect place to grab several different kinds of food. They have a diverse menu that includes burritos, subs, loaded fries, cheesecake, and more. If you’re looking to go to the truck, their truck schedule can be found on the website. They are also available to serve at any event.
Juiiced Up Reesy
If you’re looking for a more refreshing option, Juiiced Up Reesy is a great option. They serve a variety of cold pressed juices made with fresh ingredients. This truck is known for their commitment to providing juices with wellness benefits. You can sip on a delicious drink while supporting your immune system and boosting your energy.
PoppyCox
PoppyCox began as a DoorDash-only vendor, but now serves Charlotteans from their truck. It is the go-to place for a classic hot chicken sandwich. The staff hope to continue to be involved in the community and share the Nashville Hot Chicken experience. Warning: you might shed a few tears.
A Tana Empanada
A Tana Emapanada is a family-owned business. Since 2021, they have been serving the Charlotte community empanadas, wings, fries, and more. A Tana Empanada has a family-friendly environment and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect, locally-loved eatery to take the family for dinner.
Don’s Jamaican Kitchen
Authentic Jamaican entrees, seafood, and sides make Don’s Jamaican Kitchen a must-visit. The food truck is known for its rich, homegrown flavors. They offer a familiar taste and environment for those who miss this style of cooking, and a place where newbies can try foundational Jamaican dishes.
Nacho Average Truck
As Charlotte’s first nacho truck, Nacho Average Truck has been a staple among food trucks in Charlotte NC for the last five years. They have a set menu and offer rotating weekly specials. Along with nachos, you can also enjoy burritos, quesadillas, street corn, and more. It’s the perfect lunch option when you’re craving something beyond your sad leftover salad.
Deejai Food Truck
Deejai has been around since 2009, but recently launched their food truck to serve more of the Charlotte community. They offer several Thai and Asian food options including pad thai, crab rangoon, curry, and sweet options. There’s something for everyone at this food truck as their spice levels range from 1-5. Catch up with them at apartment complexes, brewing companies, and all around town.
El Veneno
In addition to the tastes of Mexican street food, El Veneno packs a wallop of attitude into its tacos, mulitas, tortas, and truck. What started as a pop-up series morphed into a food truck, then — as of this January — a food stall in the Monarch Market. Check El Veneno’s Instagram to see when they’re parking near you.
Dumpling Girls
For traditional Chinese cuisine, track down the Dumpling Girls food truck. The owner, Derong Huang, was born and brought up in Sichuan, China, where she was raised on her dad’s Sichuan-style cooking. Now, she brings those flavors to markets, festivals, events, and — of course — breweries in Charlotte and neighboring towns.
Praise Cheeses
The delightfully irreverent Praise Cheeses originated late one night from a family spitballing session. It’s now a labor of love that brings grilled sandwiches, soups, and salads to Charlotte area breweries, neighborhoods, museums, parks, and more. Visit their website to see their schedule, get in touch for an event, or order online.
No Forks Given
Mojito-roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles, and mustard stacked between two flakey slices of hearty bread. That’s the Classic Cubano at No Forks Given, which also serves a Miami and a BBQ variation, as well as crispy croquettes and empanadas. Borrowing from family recipes inherited by co-owner Alan Falcon, this food truck means business, even if they claim not to give a fork.
MakiTaco
After moving to the States from Indonesia, Buddy hustled his way from dishwasher to head chef, and he’s now the proud owner of MakiTaco. MakiTaco offers Asian fusion and — somewhat uniquely among food trucks in Charlotte NC — a peanut- and dairy-free dining experience. Not only that, but MakiTaco also has gluten-free, vegetarian, and even vegan options, making its already unique menu even more distinctive for the Charlotte area.
Chutney Cat
When most of the country was focused on staying six feet apart, finding creative ways to connect outdoors, and watching the absolute bottom of the barrel entertainment on streaming services, others got up the gumption to open a food truck: thus began Chutney Cat. With a fully functioning tandoor on board, the Chutney Cat food truck serves truly exceptional tandoori chicken, kebabs, and more.
Carolina Smash Truck
If you thought grilled cheeses were just for kids, you were mistaken. No one proves that better than Carolina Smash Track, which dishes out gourmet grilled cheese served on locally sourced bread. With twists on the classic like their Krack Melt (sweet bacon onion jam, mac ‘n’ cheese, roasted jalapeno pimento cheese, cheddar, muenster) and Buffalo Chicken (oven roasted chicken, Frank’s Hot Sauce, bleu cheese, pimento cheese, carrot & celery chow chow, muenster), Carolina Smash Truck satisfies kids of all ages from breweries and gathering spaces in and around Charlotte.
