Houston’s vibrant food scene extends far beyond traditional restaurants, with a thriving food truck culture that offers diverse and delicious options. These mobile eateries bring unique flavors and culinary innovations to neighborhoods across the city, delighting locals and visitors alike.
The top 10 Texas food trucks in Houston showcase the best of the city’s mobile dining options, featuring everything from classic Tex-Mex to creative fusion cuisines. These trucks have gained popularity for their high-quality ingredients, inventive menus, and ability to bring gourmet experiences to the streets. From tacos and barbecue to desserts and international specialties, Houston’s food trucks cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
1) The Waffle Bus
The Waffle Bus has become a beloved staple of Houston’s food truck scene. Known for their creative sweet and savory waffle sandwiches, this mobile eatery has been serving up delicious fare for over a decade.
The Waffle Bus quickly gained popularity after its launch, earning accolades and devoted fans. In 2014, it was voted Houston’s Favorite Food Truck by My Table Magazine Culinary Awards.
Their menu offers a range of innovative waffle-based creations that keep customers coming back for more. From classic breakfast combinations to unique lunch and dinner options, The Waffle Bus caters to diverse tastes.
The food truck’s success led to the opening of a brick-and-mortar location in The Heights neighborhood of Houston. This expansion allows even more Houstonians to enjoy their mouthwatering waffle sandwiches.
Recent achievements include winning the 2023 Culturemap Tastemaker Burger Throwdown and the 2023/2024 Culturemap Best Tailgate Dish award.
The Waffle Bus: 1835 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
Website: www.thewafflebus.com
2) Oh My Gogi!
Oh My Gogi! brings a unique fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors to Houston’s food truck scene. This innovative concept has gained popularity for its creative menu offerings.
The truck specializes in dishes that blend Korean barbecue with Tex-Mex staples. Signature items include Kimchi Quesadillas and their famous OMG! Fries, topped with colby jack cheese, spicy mayo, onions, cilantro, and choice of meat.
Oh My Gogi! operates at multiple locations throughout Houston. Food enthusiasts can find them in Midtown at Now or Never and in Rice Village at Little Woodrows from Thursday to Saturday.
The truck’s operating hours cater to both lunch crowds and late-night diners. They’re open from 11 AM to as late as 3 AM on weekends, making it a popular spot for post-nightlife cravings.
Oh My Gogi! has earned a reputation for delivering bold flavors and satisfying portions. Their menu appeals to adventurous eaters looking for a twist on traditional street food.
Contact: ohmygogi.com, Facebook: @ohmygogi, Instagram: @ohmygogi_htx
3) The DoughCone
The DoughCone brings a unique dessert experience to Houston’s food truck scene. This mobile eatery specializes in hand-baked doughnut cones, inspired by a centuries-old Eastern European recipe.
The signature DoughCone is a cinnamon-sugar dusted cone lined with either Nutella or Biscoff Cookie Butter. These warm, freshly baked vessels are then filled with homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
Customers can customize their treats with a variety of toppings. The DoughCone offers a fully organic ice cream option, catering to health-conscious dessert lovers.
This food truck has gained popularity for its innovative take on classic desserts. It combines the comfort of warm doughnuts with the refreshing appeal of ice cream, creating a treat that’s both familiar and novel.
The DoughCone’s menu is adaptable for various events and special occasions. Its unique offering has earned it features in local food guides and garnered a loyal following among Houston’s dessert enthusiasts.
Contact: Website: thedoughcone.com, Location: Mobile food truck (check social media for current locations)
4) Coreanos
Coreanos is a standout food truck in Houston, offering a unique fusion of Mexican and Korean cuisines. This award-winning mobile eatery has gained national recognition for its innovative menu.
The truck’s signature dishes blend traditional Korean flavors with Mexican-inspired preparations. Patrons can enjoy items like Korean BBQ tacos, kimchi quesadillas, and bulgogi burritos.
Coreanos has earned a spot on The Daily Meal’s list of 101 Best Food Trucks in America. Its popularity stems from its creative flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients.
The food truck operates at various locations throughout Houston, catering to hungry locals and visitors alike. Its late-night hours make it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying meal after dark.
Coreanos: 5832 Fairdale Ln, Houston, TX 77042. Open Monday-Wednesday 10:00 AM-1:00 AM, Thursday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 AM. Website: www.coreanostx.com
5) Foreign Policy Food Truck
Foreign Policy Food Truck brings international fusion cuisine to the streets of Houston. Established in 2011, this popular mobile eatery showcases the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
The truck’s menu draws inspiration from global flavors, offering Houstonians a taste of various cultures in one convenient location. Their innovative dishes blend different cooking styles and ingredients from around the world.
Foreign Policy has gained recognition for its high-quality catering services and participation in major Houston events. The truck is approved to serve at prestigious venues like the George R. Brown Convention Center and Miller Outdoor Theater.
Food enthusiasts can often spot Foreign Policy at local festivals, including the Bayou City Art Festival. Their presence at these events has helped solidify their reputation as a top food truck in Houston.
With a strong 4.3-star rating based on 28 reviews, Foreign Policy has garnered praise for its creative menu and consistent quality. The truck specializes in American comfort food with an international twist.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.foreignpolicyfoodtruck.com
6) The Burger Joint
The Burger Joint has become a popular fixture in Houston’s food truck scene. Known for their mouthwatering burgers, this mobile eatery brings high-quality patties to various locations around the city.
Their menu features hand-cut fries, bacon parmesan fries, and sweet potato fries as tasty sides. The Burger Joint’s commitment to fresh ingredients and innovative flavor combinations has earned them a loyal following.
Customers can expect juicy burgers with a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. The food truck’s efficient service and consistent quality make it a go-to option for burger enthusiasts on the move.
The Burger Joint Food Truck has garnered positive reviews, maintaining a 4.2-star rating on Yelp. It offers a convenient way for Houstonians to enjoy their favorite burgers without visiting the brick-and-mortar location.
Contact: The Burger Joint Food Truck, Houston, TX. Website: www.burgerjointhtx.com
7) Pho-jita Fusion
Pho-jita Fusion brings a unique culinary experience to Houston’s food truck scene. This popular mobile eatery combines Thai and Mexican flavors, creating innovative dishes that tantalize taste buds.
The truck’s menu features an array of fusion items that showcase the best of both cuisines. Diners can enjoy classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and pho, alongside Mexican-inspired creations such as Thaimales and torthais.
Pho-jita Fusion’s chili basil chicken is a standout dish. The flavorful meat is topped with a light drizzle of creamy sauce, delivering a perfect balance of spice and richness.
The food truck has gained a loyal following among Houston locals. Many customers make it their weekly go-to for lunch, drawn by the consistent quality and bold flavors.
Pho-jita Fusion can be found roaming the streets of Houston, particularly in the Memorial area. For current location and menu information, visit their website or social media pages.
Contact: www.phojitafusion.com (website to be verified)
8) Flip ‘n Patties
Flip ‘n Patties has become a Houston food truck sensation, offering a unique twist on Filipino cuisine. Founded in 2012, it quickly gained popularity for its innovative fusion of Filipino flavors with gourmet burgers.
The truck’s menu features Filipino-inspired burgers, rice plates, and street food. Their signature dishes have earned them a reputation as one of the city’s most distinctive burger providers.
Flip ‘n Patties has expanded beyond its food truck roots. They now operate brick-and-mortar locations in the Energy Corridor and Downtown Houston, allowing more customers to enjoy their culinary creations.
Their success stems from a commitment to sharing Filipino culture through food. The combination of traditional Filipino ingredients with American-style burgers has created a loyal following among Houston’s diverse population.
Flip ‘n Patties offers catering services and hosts events, further cementing their place in Houston’s culinary scene. Their growth demonstrates the appeal of fusion cuisine in a city known for its diverse food offerings.
Contact: (832) 836-5151
Address: 1809 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077
Website: www.flipnpatties.com
9) The Rice Box
The Rice Box brings modern American-Chinese cuisine to Houston’s food truck scene. This popular mobile eatery offers a unique twist on classic Chinese takeout dishes.
Patrons can enjoy favorites like General Tso’s chicken and sesame chicken, served over rice in convenient takeout boxes. The Rice Box prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and bold flavors.
The truck’s signature orange chicken is a customer favorite, featuring crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy citrus sauce. Vegetarian options are also available, including their flavorful mapo tofu.
The Rice Box has gained a loyal following for its consistent quality and generous portions. Its sleek black truck with red accents is easily recognizable at various Houston locations.
Contact: (713) 865-8065
Website: www.riceboxtruck.com
Various locations throughout Houston (check website for current schedule)
10) Taco Nuts
Taco Nuts is a beloved food truck in Houston that has gained a loyal following for its innovative take on traditional taqueria fare. This mobile eatery combines classic Mexican flavors with a chef-driven twist, offering a unique culinary experience.
The menu at Taco Nuts features a variety of tacos, including both standard offerings and creative specials. Patrons have raved about their pork chop torta/banh mi hybrid and shrimp tacos with grilled pineapple, showcasing the truck’s flair for fusion cuisine.
Taco Nuts can often be found at popular Houston spots like Liberty Station. The truck’s ability to create exciting flavors while maintaining the essence of street food has made it a standout in the city’s vibrant food truck scene.
With its commitment to quality ingredients and inventive recipes, Taco Nuts has earned its place among Houston’s top food trucks. It’s a must-try for taco enthusiasts and adventurous eaters alike.
Contact: Facebook page – Taco Nuts, Houston, Texas
Location: Mobile (check social media for current locations)
Website: Not available
Houston’s Diverse Food Scene
Houston’s food truck scene reflects the city’s multicultural population and culinary creativity. The mobile eateries offer an array of flavors, combining local traditions with global influences.
Cultural Influences
Houston’s food trucks showcase a blend of cultural inspirations. Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors are prevalent, with trucks serving tacos, burritos, and fusion dishes. Asian influences are strong, featuring Vietnamese banh mi, Korean barbecue, and Japanese-inspired creations.
Middle Eastern cuisine has a growing presence. Abu Omar, once Houston’s sole halal food truck, now operates multiple locations. They offer popular street food items like wraps and bowls filled with flavorful meats and sauces.
Southern and Cajun influences add a local touch. Food trucks serve up classics like fried chicken, gumbo, and innovative takes on comfort food favorites.
Variety of Cuisine
Houston’s food trucks cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Gourmet burgers are a staple, with trucks like Bella Burger crafting hand-made patties topped with unique ingredients.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common. Trucks offer plant-based versions of popular dishes, from veggie tacos to meat-free burgers.
Fusion cuisine is a hallmark of Houston’s food truck scene. Trucks blend culinary traditions, creating dishes like Korean-Mexican tacos or Indian-inspired pizzas.
Breakfast and brunch options have gained popularity. The Brunch Bus, located in a Third Ward food truck park, specializes in creative morning fare with a twist.
The Rise of Food Trucks in Houston
Houston’s food truck scene has exploded in recent years, transforming the city’s culinary landscape. These mobile kitchens have become a significant part of Houston’s food culture, offering diverse cuisines and unique dining experiences.
Economic Impact
Food trucks have created new opportunities for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs in Houston. They provide a lower-cost entry point into the restaurant industry compared to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. This has led to increased job creation and economic growth in the local food sector.
Many successful food trucks have expanded into multiple vehicles or even opened permanent locations. For example, Coffee-Q, founded by Julio and Chris, has grown from a single truck to a popular brand in Houston.
Food truck parks, like the one at 4501 Almeda Road, have emerged as hubs for mobile eateries. These locations offer a variety of cuisines in one convenient spot, attracting both locals and tourists.
Community Engagement
Food trucks have become integral to Houston’s social fabric, enhancing community events and gatherings. They frequently participate in festivals, markets, and corporate functions, adding a vibrant element to these occasions.
Social media has played a crucial role in the rise of food trucks. Operators use platforms to announce locations, share menus, and build loyal customer bases. This direct connection with customers has helped create a sense of community around these mobile eateries.
Food trucks often collaborate with local breweries and bars, creating mutually beneficial partnerships. These collaborations have led to unique food and drink pairings, further enriching Houston’s culinary scene.
Many food trucks in Houston focus on specific cuisines or fusion concepts, reflecting the city’s diverse population. This variety allows residents to experience a wide range of flavors without leaving their neighborhood.
Supporting Local Businesses
Food trucks in Houston play a vital role in supporting the local economy. These mobile eateries create jobs and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the culinary industry.
Many food truck owners source ingredients from local suppliers, strengthening ties within the community. This practice helps sustain other small businesses and promotes a circular local economy.
Food trucks often participate in community events and festivals, adding vibrancy to Houston’s culinary scene. Their presence attracts visitors and boosts foot traffic for nearby establishments.
Some food trucks collaborate with local breweries and wineries, creating unique food and drink pairings. These partnerships showcase the best of Houston’s food and beverage offerings.
By choosing to dine at food trucks, customers directly support local families and their dreams. This personal connection fosters a sense of community and helps preserve Houston’s diverse food culture.
Food trucks also serve as incubators for innovative culinary concepts. Successful trucks may expand into brick-and-mortar restaurants, further contributing to the city’s economic growth.