All around the globe, people are lining up for quick and tasty treats from their favorite food trucks. The craze is sweeping the world and Oahu is no exception. At almost every street fair, outdoor concert and farmers’ market, you’ll spot a food truck serving up its delicious creations to a crowd of hungry street-goers.
These mobile kitchens may have been around for a while, but recently, their popularity has skyrocketed thanks to their affordability and food specialties. Modern-day food trucks are no longer just quick fast food options serving up tacos, sandwiches or burgers, they are now offering up sophisticated cuisines and even competing with top-notch restaurants.
The island is home to a variety of gourmet and fast food trucks that each come with its own niche. Ranging from Southern soul food to the scrumptious dough treat of malasadas, you’ll find a food truck on Oahu that is obsessed with your favorite delicacy.
We searched high and low for the best food trucks on the island that will leave your mouth watering and your wallets thick. Here’s what we found:
Da Ala Cart | Various locations in Honolulu
The tiny food truck of Da Ala Cart was started by Chris Kazunori Quisote when he devoted his energy into recreating the pleasures of kushiyaki (skewer grilled food from Japan). The truck may be small in size, but the flavors from its food are enormous. Pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, musubi stuffed with pork and miso are some of the skewers you can choose from. Check out where the truck is stopping today on its Instagram page.
Elena’s Lunchwagon | Various locations in Honolulu, Kapolei and Mililani
Elena’s bright orange lunch truck isn’t hard to spot. The lively mobile kitchen serves up hearty Filipino fare, including signature adobo fried rice omelets, pork gisantes (with green peas stewed in tomato sauce), pansit noodles and eggplant and bitter melon filled pinakbet vegetable stew. Click here or call to 808.676.8005 to find the truck’s schedule.
Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck | Two North Shore locations (Kahuku and Haleiwa)
Featured on Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food in 2011, Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck is one to take note of. Decorated with the signatures of its patrons, this food truck is widely known all over Oahu for its delicious shrimp and cool, unique look. The truck offers four local favorites: shrimp scampi, lemon butter shrimp, a jumbo garlic hot dog and a hot and spicy shrimp.
Leonard’s Bakery Malasadamobile | Waikele Shopping Center in Waipahu
Leonard’s Malasadamobile definitely takes the cake for being the most unique. Its delicious Portuguese donuts, called malasades, are prepared freshly on a daily basis from deep-fried sweet dough rolled in granulated sugar. Now that’s finger-lickin’ good!
Dat Cajun Guy | Haleiwa
An award-winning food truck specializing in Cajun cuisine, Dat Cajun Guy brings the spices and bold flavors of Louisiana to our island of Oahu. Order chicken and sausage gumbo, buffalo shrimp, smoked sausage po-boy, fried pickles or jambalaya to transport yourself into the vibrant Cajun culture.
Gilligan’s Beach Shack | Waikiki
The perfect place to get your grub on after a day of surfing. Located in front of the popular Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Gilligan’s Beach Shack is a bright, yellow colored food truck that carries equally vibrant coastal food that’ll give you another reason to head on over to the gorgeous coastline. Choose from jumbo garlic shrimp, grilled mahi tacos, fish and chips and more.
What other food trucks on Oahu should we check out? We’d love to hear from you!
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