Mobile restaurants or food trucks have they are usually known, have become very popular in recent years. In fact, they are so popular that even Michelin star winning chefs have started operating them to offer part of their world-class dining experiences at affordable prices. In recent years, one street chef even managed to receive the highly coveted Michelin star for his food truck. Unfortunately, he’s not from the US but keep reading to discover some local mobile 5-star restaurants that offer you some of the best dishes that you’ve tried.
Sanguchon – The Almost Michelin Experience
While at the moment we don’t have a mobile restaurant with a Michelin star yet in the United States, there is one chef in San Francisco who has received a Michelin star for his restaurant and who operates a food truck where clients can enjoy the same quality meals. The chef’s name is Carlos Altamirano and he received a star for his La Costanera restaurant, located in San Francisco as well. Carlos Altamirano owns the Sanguchon food truck, where he prepares his famous Peruvian sandwich, as well as traditional sides and housemade refrescos – drinks made out of passionfruit, purple corn, and other exotic fruits. The food is always fresh and absolutely delicious, from the buns, which are still soft but not mushy, to the slightly crispy meat and sauce. The sandwiches have both classic and contemporary fillings, the latter being the creation of the famous chef. No matter which you pick, you won’t regret it.
The Sanguchon has reasonable prices for a gourmet food truck. The staff is very friendly and always eager to explain the menu. The only downside of Sanguchon is that most of the time, you’ll find a pretty long line in front of it, but the food is definitely worth the wait.
Peruvian cuisine is hard to find, so if you’re ever in San Francisco, you have to try chef Altamirano’s food, either at the Sanguchon food truck or at any of his 8 restaurants. If you can, also book a table at his La Costanera restaurant.
Kuenko – Where Japanese And Spanish Cuisine Come Together
Kuenko is another gourmet food truck operated by a chef that has a Michelin star. Located in Wynwood Yard, Miami, the food truck is owned by world-renowned chef Ricardo Sanz, who’s Kabuki restaurant in Madrid has one Michelin star. Sanz is famous for his Japanese-Spanish fusion cuisine and all of his 7 restaurants operate as a mixture between Spanish hospitality and Japanese respect.
The Kuenko food truck is Sanz’s first attempt to enter the US market, offering some of his world-famous dishes at affordable prices, with entrées starting at just a little over $11. If you love sushi and other Janapese, fish-based bowls, this is the food truck to go to. The ingredients are the same as the ones used by chef Sanz in all 7 of his restaurants, including his secret soy sauce.
All of the dishes served here are worth trying. Besides being delicious, the bowls served are Kuenko, although small, are also filling. You probably won’t find a more satisfying meal at such affordable prices anywhere in Florida. The only downside is, like with any great food truck, the waiting time. You might have to wait as long as 20 minutes until you can order.
The Kuenko is probably one of the best food trucks in the entire US. If you’re a foodie and really enjoy Japanese cuisine, you have to give it a try the next time you visit Miami. Hopefully, by then, Ricardo Sanz will also open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the city.
East Side King Food Truck – Asian Food With Some Austin Soul
There probably isn’t a foodie in the US who hasn’t heard of the name Paul Qui. Winner of the ninth season of Top Chef and James Beard Award, the chef currently operated several restaurants and food trucks. The 2 East Side King food trucks are located in Austin, Texas, and offer Asian fusion dishes with a little bit of Austin soul. Here you can order anything from pork belly buns to vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, like a Brussels sprout salad. The ingredients used are also top quality. For example, all of their pork is comes from 100% vegetarian-fed pigs, which were raised without hormones and antibiotics.
When you visit East Side King, the first thing that will stand out is the truck design. Both have some fantastic artworks for you to study while waiting for the order to be ready.
All of the meals served at both locations are truly unique and, most important, delicious. Everything is cooked just right and the dishes are full of flavor. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be hooked for life. The servings aren’t too big, so depending on your appetite, you might need to order a second one. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food, although some might consider them expensive when factoring in size. Still, East Side King offers some of the best Asian dishes in probably all of Texas.
One other great thing about East Side King is that you can also place your orders online and either have the food delivered to your door or go pick it up yourself.
If you plan on going to the Liberty location, don’t be alarmed if you can’t find the truck. You’ll have to pass through a bar to get to it.
Conclusion
Food trucks or mobile restaurants have become more than just a place where you can have a quick meal. Nowadays, food trucks offer some of the best food that you can find, with the same quality ingredients that are used in the best kitchens worldwide. And just like 3-star Michelin restaurants, these trucks even bring clients who travel great distances just so that they can eat there. Although these only represent a small percentage of the food truck industry, their number will probably grow exponentially in a few years.
