Outdoor dining has become common due to the pandemic. With changes to COVID-19 guidelines, inside dining is now available at many restaurants. But as temperatures rise and Denver boasts sunny skies, people will most likely want to remain outside.
Much like Denver’s restaurant food scene, its food trucks exude the same quality and diversity. Over the years, there have been more than 500 trucks in the Mile High City. Here is a list of the new, old, savory and sweet food trucks that are present in Denver.
Pho King Rapidos
The award for “Best Food Truck,” courtesy of Westworld, went to a Vietnamese fusion spot called Pho King Rapidos. It is not all Pho and games at this truck, as they are trading in their soulful winter soup for sandwiches. The traditional Bánh Mi sandwiches are loaded with both pickled and fresh vegetables, a touch of herbs and beef treated similar to birria which leaves it succulent and tender. It also has a chicken dish that has an earthy taste from the lemongrass, aromatics from the garlic and some heat from the chili crisp. They keep fans updated on location and menu through their Instagram page and website.
Carreras Tacos
More than your average taco truck, Carreras burritos have crispy fries rather than fluffy rice. The queso tacos are made by spreading a layer of cheese on the flat top grill, waiting for it to melt and then adding the corn tortilla at the end. It leaves a crunchy cheese layer to hug in all the fixings. Their website is the best way to know where to find them next.
Moontime Crepes
Crepes fit easily into their handheld sleeves, so walking around with them is a breeze. Moontime Crepes have sweet, savory and brunch options, so there is never a wrong time to dig into one of the crisp pancake shells. Crepe fans will be taken by the Nutella, strawberry, banana flavors finished with whip cream. Even some of the savory picks have notes of sweetness, like the raspberry preserves in the Monte Cristo filled with ham, turkey and brie. Others have tons of brightness from the vegetables and pesto wrapped up inside. Their menu can be found on their website.
Big Stuff
Big Stuff went big after winning Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race – Holiday Hustle.” Big Stuff’s menu is Colorado comfort food and draws on the southwest, with green chili being a staple on the menu. They make their own version of poutine by replacing the beefy brown gravy with the heat of green chili. The stuffed burger is filled with buffalo, chorizo and beef and weighs in at a half-pound patty with cheese inside. They can usually be found at a brewery, and this is the inspiration for their dessert fritter that utilizes local beer for the perfect texture. Big Stuff’s website is the best place to find their menu and schedule.
Mukja Food Truck
Mukja food truck is fully operated by a culinary family where mother and son are running the show. Together, they create fun takes on Korean fare. The scallion pancakes are converted into the likes of a tortilla as it is meant to hold in a fried egg, a protein of choice and kimchi. The flakiness is similar to a croissant, and it makes other wrapping agents fail in comparison. Another popular item takes the shape of corndog but is a cheese stick fried in a tempura batter. Their schedule can be found on their Instagram.
My Friends and Pie
Each handcrafted pie at My Friends and Pie food truck is thoughtfully curated in honor of the business owner, Devon Hiil’s, friend. Their food fuses New Zealand meat pie and an all-American classic, the hot pocket. The pillowy, flake crust holds the oozy cheese of a pizza or cheeseburger. While most pies are made in tribute, the one Hill made for herself is known for being on rotation. There are even homemade dog treats made as well. Their next stop can be found on their Instagram or website.
Best One Yet
This list could not end without at least one frozen treat being featured. The intention for Best One Yet was to create ice cream that everyone could enjoy. It put Helen William, the founder, up to the test for creating the best vegan ice cream. She started seeing real potential every time she made a new flavor because her boyfriend would excitedly state this was the “best one yet.” Ice cream flavors include peanut butter brownie, birthday cake batter and cookie dough. Their social media and website is constantly updated with their schedule.
Kikes Red Tacos
2021 has been the year of the birria, as viral videos have taken over the internet of people dunking tacos into the luxurious consommé. Denver was no exception, and it has led to the popularity of Kike’s Red Tacos. The “red” alludes to the radiant consommé-dipped tortillas which hold the shredded birria beef. For a real take on fusion, their final item is a birria ramen. They tend to keep one location, but their Instagram can confirm this at any time.
Food Halla
With rather limited space, making dishes is difficult for most. But Food Halla has decided to bring three concepts onto one truck—nachos, baked potatoes and sandwiches. The Bodega brings in Cuban flavors, and the star is their slow-roasted pork. It finds its way onto plantain nachos and lechón sandwiches. The dish, Spud Nation, builds on a loaded baked potato. Some have bits of bacon, while others drown in cheese. Their menu is available on their website.
Same Food
Everyone wants to feel good after the hard times they have faced in 2020. Same Food knows this, so they work under a business model that allows everyone to secure a meal. This truck is “pay-as-you-can,” and many are generous enough tippers to cover their food and another customer’s as well. The food is made of fresh ingredients, and much of the menu uses produce to liven up soups and salads. The menu is constantly changing to encourage more people to try a variety of dishes. They can be found at the Lost City Farmer’s Market.
Rocky Mountain Cheesery
A grilled cheese is thought to be a good beginner recipe, but the Rocky Mountain Cheesery does not stop at this class. Each sandwich has more than one cheese. The pesto is a more complex BLT, with the lettuce being replaced by pesto. While bread choice is up to the customer, their thick-cut Texas toast is the most capable to hold up to the fillings inside. The truck’s Instagram and website have a detailed rundown of their weekly location.
Roll it Up Sushi
Roll it Up Sushi affirms that trucks sell more than just quick and casual comfort food. Sushi no longer needs a bar for service, as they roll it out when the wheels stop turning. They prioritize making inventive rolls. The Cali-roll has cream cheese, and the toppings are where they go all-in with green onions, mayo and teriyaki. A surprise addition to their tempura shrimp is crunchy and salty pieces of bacon that might be mistaken for tempura pieces. The best place to keep up to date with Roll it Up is their website.
Yuan Wonton
Not many trucks can say they sell out before even reaching their pop-up. Now that pre-ordering has become a facet of food trucks, Yuan Wonton opens their ordering site the day before and inventory is gone within minutes. Owner Penelope Wong’s collection of dumplings, wontons and noodles radiate a mix of spice, aromatics and texture. Each one is addictive. The chili wontons are always featured and hold a mix of chicken and shrimp ready to soak up all the chili oil. Fan favorites include her XL xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings. Wong made one dumpling the equivalent of four with a healthy eruption of soup. The highlight section of her Instagram gives a monthly schedule about her pop-ups.
Wong Way Veg
Wong Way Veg’s menu is centered around using local produce, but this truck has dishes that one might think contain all the meat, eggs and dairy in the world. Gyros overflow with fresh vegetables and use strips of seitan to replace lamb and beef. Their cinnamon rolls rise just the same and have the needed final drizzle of icing. Their version of chicken and waffles blends southern soul with Mexican flavor for a fun vegan twist on two flavors that eaters know and want. Their schedule and menu changes are often found on their Instagram page.
