6 Amazing SA Food Trucks

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo PHOTOS Shavan Rahim, Tim Hulme


Food trucks have been around for ages and, as with all good underground ideas, have found a new market: parties and events like weddings, 21sts and office bashes. We selected a couple of our favourites, based not just on the innovative food, but also the aesthetic contribution. 

Cafeteria

With options such as slow-roasted leg of lamb and melt-in-your-mouth braised beef, this oh-so-trendy retro wood-clad food truck is definitely not your average cafeteria. Sample their offering at Cape Town’s Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday.

Full of Beans

Joburgers can have their caffeine fix delivered right to the door by an ever-so-cute and three-wheel Piaggio TriVespa scooter that has been customised to house a full barista station on the flatbed of this mini-truck-like vehicle.

Vuyo’s

Inspired by that popular beer ad featuring Vuyo the “big dreamer”, Miles Kubheka registered the name and started a diner in Braamfontein, which also has a food truck to bring the experience to you. Expect lekker local faves like vetkoek and mince, boerie rolls, and potjiekos.

Sugary Sensations

Yes, it’s a dessert truck. Yes, it’s painted fuschia pink, making it impossible to miss. Think cupcakes, candyfloss, popcorn… it’s all there. They also push the limits of what cakes can look like and will serve you fridge tart in a jar. We’re getting a sugar rush just thinking about it.

Balkan Burger

This tash-fronted bus brings a Serbian twist to the ol’ burger staple by using a traditional family recipe that entails a fold-over patty inside a somun bread (an eastern European pita). Sample the fare at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein every Saturday.

The Soft Machine

Experimental Paternoster chef Kobus van der Merwe has reinvented the ice cream truck with uniquely indigenous flavours like koeksister, milk tart and moerkoffie. It was conceptualised by Cow Africa and designed by the boys at Thingking.