Food Trucks Toronto

15 food truck ideas for Toronto

With the news that Caplansky's meat has gone mobile, we've let our insatiable imaginations go wild, envisioning a new Toronto as a Mecca of mobile meals. Simply put, the possibilities for such a city are endless. We could have a real-time food truck tracker like they have in Washington, DC; a Twitter aggregator--such as this one for LA--displaying all the truck Tweets in the city, or a cheap eating truck guide like they have in New York.

Of course, the first thing Toronto needs is an actual selection of food trucks, which is entirely possible considering cities such as Hamilton and Vancouver both boast growing food truck communities. So earlier this week we polled our Twitter followers to see what sort of meals on wheels they'd like to see in Toronto. Here's a selection of some of the suggestions, as well as our nominations for which Toronto businesses we think could make them a reality.

Fish Tacos
Not that they're exactly easy to find on land. Er--on fixed land. But a mobile purveyor of tacos de pescado would surely hit the spot; fresh veggies, tangy sauce, and battered fish in a corn tortilla. Perfectly washed down with a bottle of Jarritos.
Who should do it: The Fish Store

Cupcakes
To bring a little glee to various spots around the city? Face it, cynics, cupcakes do that. Of course, some of the daintiness will be lost coming from a two ton truck.
Who should do it: For the Love of Cake

Soba Noodles
This one seems perfect for a food truck; fast, inexpensive, tasty. The Japanese buckwheat noodles could also be sold hot in the winter and cold in the summer. And how about Ramen noodles? On a related note, do you think we could get food trucks licensed to serve sake?
Who should do it: Kenzo Ramen

Crepes
A crepe truck would surely be a big hit in Toronto. Just ask Anaheim. Though anyone who has seen the staff at Cafe Crepe work laboriously in the window during hot summer months knows ventilation is key.
Who should do it: Crepes a Go Go

Ceviche
This one's not for me (or anyone else with food-poisoning-phobia), but this Latin American dish might find a healthy market on Toronto streets. Ceviche is a fish dish, typically red snapper, marinated in citrus juices, spiced with chili peppers, and served raw.
Who should do it: The Foxley

Perogies
If the stand at the CNE is any indication, Torontonians would flock to a perogies food truck. Perogies seem like the epitome of food truck food; fried, delicious, and easily packaged and sent on its way. New Jersey has already caught on.
Who should do it: Cafe Polonez

Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Served with cornbread, of course. Sloppy in barbecue sauce, falling out of the bun, and perhaps with a side of coleslaw. Parked off of Richmond each Saturday at 2 a.m., I'm sure it would do just fine.
Who should do it: Black Camel

Roti
Roti seems like an obvious food truck option, especially since there's such great roti available in Toronto. This one would surely grow from just one lowly truck to a collection incorporating East-Indian, Barbadian, Jamaican, and other roti styles. Why limit yourself, right?
Who should do it: Island Foods

Grilled Cheese
Sloppy, homestyle, gourmet, gluten-free, even vegan--the possibilities here, too, are endless. Grilled cheese is one of those great nostalgic foods that would fare well driven all over the city. Especially with a cup of tomato soup.
Who should do it: The Grilled Cheese

Soup
And speaking of tomato soup, why not a truck offering a whole variety? Offered in cups for commuters and bowls for bench-bound. Long Island has a truck offering soup in a bread bowl, which we all know Tim Hortons did not so long ago.
Who should do it: Ravisoups

Japadog
Toronto certainly has enough hot dog stands, but what about Japanese-style dogs? Vancouver has it, and what better way to take to bratwurst lined with edamame than from a mobile food truck? If they can somehow offer it to me on a stick, I'll be totally sold.
Who should do it: Guu Izakaya

Peameal Bacon Sandwiches
A peameal bacon sandwich truck is another one that would likely find success parked near the clubs sometime after last call. Except unlike pulled pork, these sandwiches would be much easier to eat on the go, a definite plus when buying from a food truck (and especially after last call).
Who should do it: Paddington's Pump

Kogi Korean BBQ
Some of our Twitter followers were keen on these LA trucks, serving up Korean/Mexican dishes including Spicy Pork Tacos, Kimchi Quesadillas and Short Rib Sliders. An interesting fusion, to say the least. Other options include Kogi Dogs and Calamari Tacos. Hey Kogi, I think Toronto wants to meet you.
Who should do it: Swish by Han

Vegan Soul Food
Buffalo chik'n wings, tofu tacos and more. Chicago's Ste Martaen truck is getting attention (and customers) and a vegan soul food truck would surely do equally well in our city. The obvious bonus of movable vegan fare would be expanding outward from central Toronto.
Who should do it: A joint venture between Harlem and Urban Herbivore

Lobster Rolls
This would surely placate our East Coast friends, while providing delicious noms for the rest of us. DC's Lobster Truck seems to be filling hungry bellies, as well as mastering the art of real-time line status updates. Short line and fresh lobster? Win.
Who should do it: Rodney's Oyster House

Photo by Juan Calderon on Flickr


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