By Leigh O'Connor.
In 1866, there was a rancher named Charles Goodnight – a colourful character who smoked more than 50 cigars a day and at 91 married his 26-year-old nurse.
However, his real legacy is that he invented the original food truck – the chuck wagon! Essentially the chuck wagon was a portable kitchen, Goodnight modified an old army surplus wagon equipped with shelves, storage, counter space, a water barrel and canvas to haul firewood.
The food he brought along was either preserved – dried beans, salted meat and corn meal – or gathered as he went along.
Fast forward to 2023 and think of the plethora of food trucks that trundle around our city streets serving up all manner of cuisine to hungry foodies. Here are five you need to hunt down for a feed to remember:
Perth foodies say ‘Jamaican me hungry’ to authentic Caribbean fare from the comfort of their own home or at venues around the city, thanks to Kazz’s Jamaican Kitchen. This mobile food vendor, BBQ caterer and street food market stallholder dishes up authentic flavours from a smoking charcoal trailer barbeque and marquee – all the brainchild of British-Jamaican cook Errol ‘Kazz’ Dunkley.
It's all about the jerk chicken – barbequed pieces of fresh, boneless chicken coated in mild or secret hot Jamaican spices – served with rice, peas and kidney beans, alongside fresh and tangy coleslaw and sweet ripe plantain.
Follow the aroma of Texas-style barbequed meat to find Smokin Hot ‘N Saucy Barbecue on Maitland Road in Islington. This Newcastle food truck has set up a permanent location in the laneway where brightly painted walls, an orange awning and wooden tables set the scene for chowing down on all things meat.
Big Tex loves loading up the smoker to cook meat for up to 12 hours with exactly the right temperature and spices to create a mouth-watering dining experience; think platters overloaded with beef, brisket, pork and chicken, alongside sides of corn casserole, apple slaw and mac n cheese.
Brisbane foodies get their souvlaki fix from That Greek Truck, as it trundles around the city serving authentic fare like Yia-Yia makes. Setting up at various venues, markets and festivals, this food truck has diners salivating over mouth-watering meat marinated in olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano before being barbequed on board.
Devour deep-fried halloumi chips to start with housemade sweet mustard mayo, then wrap your hands around a lamb souvlaki pita wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato and tzatziki garlic yoghurt sauce; don’t go past authentic rich and sweet baklava to finish.
For the most authentic Mexican fare you can find in Mackay, amigos head along Bourke Street to find Jac’s Place. This food truck cantina nestles in a permanent location at the Big 4 Caravan Park in Bucasia, offering visitors and locals alike a little slice of Mexico without leaving Queensland; expect handmade white or blue corn tortillas, burgers in custom-made Italian rolls and the best coffee in town.
Say gracias to a grilled prawn taco, with avocado, slaw, jalapeño and chilli jam; while those who can’t decide opt for a sharing platter of tacos to satisfy family and friends like bacon and egg and chipotle chicken.
Bringing the brews to you, drop by Bussy McBusface at Mount Martha North Foreshore Carpark on the Mornington Peninsula for everyday coffee for everyday people. This mobile artisan food truck and coffee bus has been serving the finest coffee to the Mornington community for more than five years and they also hit the road to deliver your fix to any major event, private function or emergency caffeination crisis.
Grab your brew of choice whether a cappuccino, peppermint or green tea and recharge with a delicious muffin, cookie or decadent slice of carrot cake; perhaps wrap your hands around a gourmet toastie such as three cheese, or smashed avo, feta and seeds on sourdough.
