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Location can be a make-or-break factor in the restaurant game, but for these restaurants on wheels, their only address is the open road. Mobile restaurateurs still face big challenges from a licensing perspective, but nevertheless food truck numbers in South Africa have ballooned in the last year, giving diners the opportunity to indulge in Nutella bombs overlooking the ocean, gourmet coffee in the heart of inner-city Jozi and oolong tea at rock festivals.
Cape Town residents are particularly blessed in the food truck department, and news that the Cape Town City Council is working with food trucks to create a dedicated trading area suggests the number will grow even more in coming months. As summer takes off, here’s our guide to the ultimate alfresco dining: a list of food trucks currently operating in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Cape Town
The Baguette Bicycle
On the menu: gourmet sandwiches.
Popular haunts: Deluxe Coffee Works and Bean There in the CBD.
Follow: @BaguetteBicycle
Cafeteria Guerilla Gastronomica
On the menu: warm cooked oats, pan-toasted banana bread with yoghurt cream, fresh berries and cinnamon sugar, Thai curried roast butternut soup, slow-roast leg of lamb, chickpea and young spinach stew.
Popular haunts: Neighbourgoods Market on Saturdays and 73 Kloof Street Mondays to Fridays.
Follow: @cafeteriamobile on Twitter and Facebook or visit the website
Cape Town Food Trucks runs a fleet of three food trucks (and is busy working on a fourth):
Follow: @CTFoodTrucks on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or visit their website for details on the movements of these three:
Limoncello
On the menu: cheesy calzones, risotto and moreish Nutella bombs.
Popular haunts: Oudekraal on Wednesdays and Sundays (weather permitting), and Salt River Circle most lunchtimes during the week.
Juice Deli
On the menu: a selection of fresh juices.
Haunts: Oudekraal on Wednesdays and Sundays (weather permitting), and Salt River Circle most lunchtimes during the week.
The Grubbery
On the menu: gourmet diner-style treats like pulled pork sandwiches, chilli popppers, corndogs, cheeseburgers, and Oreo and Nutella milkshakes.
Popular haunts: Harrington Street, Oudekraal, and the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill.
Follow: @CTFoodTrucks or The Grubbery’s own Twitter account, @GrubberyTruck.
Detour Espresso Bar
On the menu: coffee, a small range of Dilmah teas, hot chocolate and snacks from Bags of Bites.
Popular haunts: Oudekraal on Victoria Road mornings during the week and on sunny, wind-free Sundays.
Follow: marckpatrick@gmail.com or 073 361 3453
Die Wors Rol
On the menu: Betsy (as the truck is called) is run by the chef of current Top 10 restaurant Overture, Bertus Basson, and serves hotdogs with 22cm sausages made with Sweetwell Farm meat, specials sauces and thrice-fried chips.
Popular haunts: Caters to festivals, private parties, and occasionally at markets.
Follow: @DieWorsRol, call 078 822 2885, or visit the website.
Durban’s finest curry
On the menu: spicy burgers and chips, bunny chow, butter chicken, samosas, crayfish and prawn curry.
Popular haunts: Oudekraal and events.
Follow: @durbsfinestcurry on Twitter, and Facebook
El Burro (run by the owners of the Greenpoint restaurant of the same name.)
On the menu: Mexican street food such as ceviche, chilli rellenos, various tacos and churros.
Popular haunts: The Neighbourgoods Market and private events.
Follow: @_El_Burro on Twitter.
The Good Life
On the menu: prawn tempura with sumac aioli, designer beef burger with truffle infusion, venison burger with bourbon-poached pears and brie, Thai crab salad wrap, Moroccan chicken and vegetable cous cous pita.
Popular haunts: Oudekraal or in front of Charly’s Bakery on Harrington Street. Also look out for them at the following festivals and events: Earthdance in Piketberg, Braai Day at Hillcrest Quarry, Rocking The Daisies, Prime Circle at Hillcrest Quarry, Kamers Vol Geskenke at Wedersburg, Stellenbosh.
Follow: @thegoodlife_ct on Twitter and Facebook.
Lady Bonin’s Tea Parlour
On the menu: a range of hot and iced loose-leaf teas. Try the red-spiced choc chilli chai (owner Jessica Bonin’s own blend), petal ceylon, jasmine green, red berry, yerba mate and the orange flavoured oolong.
Popular haunts: markets, festivals, events and private functions in and around Cape Town. There’s also a stand-alone store at The Woodstock Foundry.
Follow: @lady_Bonin
Lotus Food Truck
On the menu: contemporary Asian street food inspired by co-manager Kyle Miller’s trip through South East Asia. Expect Asian braised beef short rib, spicy green mango salads with prawns, Vietnamese bahn mi rolls with pork belly and pickled cabbage, and chicken satays with peanut dipping sauce. They also serve a range of homemade iced teas and Vietnamese coffees.
Popular hangouts: public, private events, weddings and festivals.
Follow: @LOTUSfoodtruck on Twitter and Facebook
The Nob
On the menu: The mobile trailer version of the Woodstock restaurant serves the restaurant’s signature ‘no ordinary burgers’ (NOB).
Popular hangouts: events.
Follow: on Facebook
The Soft Machine
On the menu: soft-serve ice cream in bespoke flavours such as moerkoffie with spice snaps, sweetcorn with tomato jam, and real strawberry with meringues.
Popular haunts: in summer you can find them at the Neighbourgoods Market at Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill, but until the weather heats up they’re focusing on private weddings and events.
Follow: @softmachine1 , or on Facebook.
Tebb’s Kitchen
On the menu: burgers, boerie rolls, salads and chicken wraps.
Popular haunts: Sea Point Promenade – they also do events and functions.
Follow: @Tebbs-Kitchen and they are also on Facebook.
Wurst Express
On the menu:German sausages and curry wurst.
Popular haunts: events, year-end functions and Garden Route area.
Follow: @WurstExpress
Gauteng
Balkan Burger Bus
On the menu: Serbian-influenced burgers.
Popular haunts: Neighbourgoods Market JHB on Saturdays, The Fourways Farmers Market on Sundays, and Market on Main on Sundays.
Follow: @BalkanBurgerBus
Down to Earth Farm Feasts
On the menu: part food truck, part pop-up, the dynamic team at Down to Earth prepare bespoke feasts in their converted Bedford truck.
Popular haunts: Individual events at farms around Gauteng.
Follow: on Facebook or visit their website
Full of Beans
On the menu: coffee, pastries and sandwiches.
Popular haunts: Central Johannesburg.
Follow: @fullofbeans_ on Twitter and on Facebook
http://www.fullofbeans.co.za/
Hot Ginger
On the menu: gourmet tramezzinis and other simple food.
Popular haunts: Melville and surrounds, East Rand and Pretoria, as well as private functions and sports events.
Follow: They are currently on a break while owner Shenny Manning recuperates from an injury, and plan to reopen in two to three months’ time. For updates, check Facebook or email hotginger3@gmail.com.
Long Tom
On the menu: lamb on the spit, boerie rolls, hot dogs, pregos and hamburgers.
Popular haunts: sports events and festivals
Follow: https://www.facebook.com/longtom.foods and http://www.longtomfoods.co.za/
The Tutto Food Co.
On the menu: flatbreads and paellas.
Popular haunts: Sandton (corner Gwen and Maude streets), Market on Main (Currently on a break while owner Shenny Manning recouperates from an injury. They plan to reopen in 2-3 months time), Desmond Street Kramerville, and the Midrand Gautrain Office car park.
Follow: @tuttofoodco on Twitter and Facebook.
Durban
Afro’s Braai’d Chick’n
On the menu: braaied chicken, served as burgers or strips with hand-cut potato chips and ‘hot’ or ‘koel’ sauces.
Popular haunts: markets, events, scenic road verges or near the beach.
Follow: @afroschicken. http://www.afroschicken.co.za/
By Katharine Jacobs
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Hi im thinking of opening and operating a food truck. What advice or mentoring can you guys possibly help with? What material can I get my hands on to understand the business
What are the by-laws regarding food trucks, where are you allowed to park and trade without being harassed by metro police.
Like Darryl i wish to get more information on the bylaws for where to trade with your food truck without any harrasing from Metro Police. Do you need a permit and where do you obtain one for daily weekly trading.
Hi I have been a chef for 15 years and have left my current job, inorder to start my own food trailer. I ve got a food Caravan fully equiped. I would like to know which permits must I take take out? Where do I take them out? How much will it cost me. I want to sell food and tuck shop things.eg. Sweets juices
hi
i have a food trailer to in howick kzn,
u needs to have
1-business license street from municipality
2-health certificate from health environment department
I own a Nursery in the east of Pretoria, I am looking for a food truck to park at he Nursery and sell what EVER!!!!!! 0765611622
I own a nursery in the east of Pretoria I am looking for a food truck to park in the Nursery and sell what EVER!!!
Please contact Janice 076 5 611 622
Are you still looking for that food trailer
Can you contact me please .We are on the R304 Klipheuwel and we want to find out if you will be interstate to do a venue on our farm?
Hi, urgently looknig for a mobile restaurant or food truck. Where can I purchase one or get one made. I’ve been selling food from the boot of my car. Email me valeriemmichaels@gmail.com or call 0762314828
I have a new fully equipped food trailer that I want to sell purely as my hubby has taken ill. It has: 2 plate gas stove, 4 burner gas griller, double chip fryer cutlery plastic containers, food gloves, mop caps lots of sauces. Selling for R35000.00 fully licensed.
Hi I have 2 stunning food trucks for sale 0828880439
Hi Enver
Can you please send some pics and prices to deonbrand@hotmail.com
Hi
Could u please send me pics and prices and list of equipment installed. E mail @ bots_mike@yahoo.com
Thank u
Hi could you please send me pictures ,equipment installed and prices please
hi Please could you send me photos and prices
Hi, Do you still have a food truck for sale? Where in South Africa are you?
Nico
Can you please me pictures and price at mkesaobakaa@rocketmail.com
Hi Enver. Please send me the pics and prices to zayedster@gmail.com.
Thanks
Zayed
Hi Enver
Do you still have the trucks? Please send me price and pics. Also anyone else who has one for sale to docgoodheart@telkomsa.net
Are the trucks still sale ?
hello..
am checkin if the 2 trucks are still available..plis email price and photos to gape_botse@yahoo.com
Hi i have a nice caravan build nice kitchen with all equipments plz contact if wanna buy 0722622224
Hi Addie, can please send me pics and price? trevina.govender@defy.co.za
Can you please send me pictures and price at mkesaobakaa@rocketmail.com
Hi Addie. Please send me the pics and prices to zayedster@gmail.com.
Thanks
Zayed
hi Please could you send me photos and prices 08fricj@gmail.com
Good day
I specialise in converting buses, trailers and vans into mobile kitchens for the street food market. I currently have two food trucks for sale:
– Brand new equipment
– Fridge – Freezer
– Griller/Stove/Bain-marie
– Cupboards
– Serving table
– Water
– Certified gas installation
R280,000 each
Enver
(Cell: 0828880439)
can you please email me pics of the trucks you have for sale
Good evening i am interested in purchasing a food truck ,if you still have any available please email me pictures ,nandinyc.zwane@gmail.com
Hi I’m also looking for a food truck . Plz mail me with pics and prices to : yusufbhamjee00@gmail.com
Hi all, I have a very funky food truck that I am considering selling. Pls contact me for more info.
Rroyeppen@gmail.com
Thanks.
Hi all.. I am consider selling my one of a kind food tuk..
Pls contact me for further information..
rroyeppen@gmail.com
I’m looking for a ice cream truck to buy in Middelburg. Mpumalanga help if u have any information
I’m looking for someone who can install a tip up door on my truck for opening . And serving .
Im organising an event which will take place on the 31st December 2015- wee hours of 1st January 2016.
Food stalls/food trucks/buses are required.
For more info make use of the email provided.
hello tuk in please email price, photos to gape_botse@yahoo.com
Hi all,
Have an awesome food truck I need to sell urgently. Please contact:
james@babygroup.co.za
hello, i am looking for food truck please sent me quotation on maphanekefilwe@gmail.com
thank you in advance
Anyone in the Cape Town area with knowledge and experience in building a food truck to spec.?
Are you still looking for a food truck made to spec please email me anthea@catermobile.co.za we can do it for you.
hey guys.
i want to have a social food experience festival which will be suitated around pretoria.
if you guys are interested in having your food stalls and selling something different to the market
please do let me know.
thanks.
Catermobile Automotive is a newly formed company established to design and manufacture a world-class range of mobile food outlets for the unique environmental conditions in Africa. Its clients are national franchise companies, retailers, food producers and catering companies. To develop and build its range of food-retail and foodservice trucks, Catermobile formed strategic partnerships with Fiat Commercial, Iveco SA and a group of highly reputable service providers and specialist manufacturers.
If you are interested in owing your own food truck , please email anthea@catermobile.co.za .
hello
i have just graduated and i bought a food truck that is fully equipped,i am a passionate,hard working and looking to learn more about what i love which is food. I am having trouble getting my food truck business up and running because on the south side of JHB food trucks are hard to get permitted. Can someone please advise on what can i do?
hi Nkululeko. my name is Nthabiseng and i am in Botswana. i am also interested in getting a food truck for myself, may i kindly request you to advise where to get it in south africa. please please
Hi I have 3 food trucks and 2 food carts, looking to start up around the Durban area. What procedures do I follow to get started? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you. Yvettesmith07@gmail.com
Good morning all,
Awesome to see that the mobile food trucks are out there and doing so well 🙂
I have just come across this and thought it would be a great platform to put something up.
I work for a branding company – vehicles, retail signage, large format, when mobile vehicles, trucks, scooters need to be branded give me a shout 🙂 we can assist nationally, we have clients such as Woolworths, Puma, Red Bull, Rawson Property Group and many more… even pamphlets, banners (anything printable we can do or make a plan for you 🙂 )
Give me a shout, pop me an email and even send me a WhatsApp if you need a quote or just advise.
Candice
0835352282
Candice@pixelperfekt.co.za
Look forward to hearing from you all.