These mobile kitchens take NYC’s street-food game to the next level

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

A city obsessed with transportation and mobility, New York City was destined to have a love affair with food trucks. And over the last five years, that love affair has become an integral part of NYC’s cultural landscape.

During lunch hours, New York City’s streets are bustling with hungry people looking for a quick and tasty meal, but they’re often tired of the brick and mortar eateries around their work. Offering variety, innovative cuisine, and cheaper alternatives, food trucks are the perfect solution for people on the go. In fact, they are also the answer for chef’s who know food, but don’t necessarily know business. With marginal overhead fees, food trucks allow chefs to share their culinary without dealing with the plethora of responsibilities that come with a traditional restaurant.

A city obsessed with transportation and mobility, NYC seems destined to be a food truck haven. And, over the last five years, they have become an integral part of NYC’s cultural landscape. Here, Urban Agenda outlines some of the innovative food trucks that are feeding the needs of New Yorkers with the help of the restaurant guide, gayot.com.

Photo courtesy of www.thetastyspot.com

Korilla BBQ: http://korillabbq.com

“Roy Choi and his Los Angeles-based food truck, Kogi Korean BBQ-To-Go, started the craze of marrying Mexican and Korean cuisines. New York followed closely behind with Korilla BBQ, a roving truck that slings kimchi laden tacos, burritos and bowls to the hungry masses. Choose a form --- burrito or bowl, for example --- and then sticky rice or bacon-kimchi-spiked fried rice, a meat (pork, chicken, beef) or tofu, and then dribble on some sauce and you've got a fine Korean-Mexican meal in your hands.” (gayot.com)

Photo courtesy of foursquare.com

Luke’s Lobster Truck: http://lukeslobster.com

“Luke's Lobster raised eyebrows and taste buds when it opened a diminutive eatery in the East Village serving affordable lobster rolls. Then came the truck (“Nauti Mobile”), which roves Gotham dishing up quality lobster rolls for the masses. Locations and opening times and days vary from week to week, so be sure to check the website or twitter.” (gayot.com)

Photo courtesy of roaminghunger.com

Frites 'N' Meats: http://www.fritesnmeats.com

Sourcing bread, meat, and cheese from some of the best and most well known spots in NYC, Frites ‘N’ Meats serves savory burgers with fresh toppings and delicious homemade sauces. According to their website, "We feel it is very important and integral to partner with local premium purveyors (DeBragga & Spitler, Balthazar Bakery, and Murray’s Cheese). This allows a degree of comfort in serving a quality product while helping local businesses grow.”

Photo courtesy of newyorkstreetfood.com

Schnitzel and Things: http://www.schnitzelandthings.com

“All that’s missing at this Austrian lunch truck is a frothy stein of beer. The brainchild of two graduates of the French Culinary Institute, this is one of Manhattan’s most specialized food trucks. The usual Austrian faves are all here: schnitzel (traditional Austrian cutlets), bratwurst, Austrian potato salad and sauerkraut. The fried schnitzel is lightly breaded and hand pounded. Hungry customers wait in long lines for the cod, chicken and pork sandwiches that can be slathered with a flavorful pesto mayonnaise, tartar sauce, olive sauce or spicy sriracha mayo.” (gayot.com)

Photo courtesy of www.streetgrubeveryday.com

Shorty’s on Wheels NYC: http://www.shortysnyc.com/information.php

“It may be 99 miles from the Big Apple to the City of Brotherly Love, but it's a very short distance to this food truck, which cooks up steaming and hearty cheesesteaks in the Philadelphia manner. Get the classic, complete with Cheese Whiz, or go for something slightly unorthodox like the chicken and broccoli rabe variety.” (gayot.com)

Photo courtesy of www.bionicbites.com

Waffels and Dinges: http://www.wafelsanddinges.com

“The bright yellow Belgian waffle truck is a beacon of sunshine on Manhattan’s streets. Happily serving iced coffee to accompany its waffle concoctions, Wafels & Dinges is the brainchild of Belgian-born Thomas DeGeest, a former IBM management consultant turned street vendor. The square Brussels wafels will be familiar to everyone, but it’s the round sweeter lièges that are the true standouts. Served with a choice of toppings including magical Belgian spekuloos, a spread that tastes like crushed up Teddy Grahams, or ice crème, it's hard to find a better dessert on a New York street. Add some Belgian whipped cream and some fresh strawberries and you’ve found dessert heaven.” (gayot.com)