Favourite food vans in Canberra: You voted, we listened

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There’s nothing quite like a banger of a food van.
Whether they’re part of a regular market or event, pop up to fill a community’s specific need or become an expected saviour on a walk or at an event, food vans often focus on one specific cuisine or product and do it damn well, so it’s no surprise that when we asked our Facebook readership for their faves, there was a flood of comments (and some hilarious feedback).
Here are some of Canberra’s food vans, trucks and pop-ups, as voted by you.
Short Eats (Phillip)
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Must try: Roti toasties…need we say more?
Vibes: Generous and hearty Sri Lankan street food that warms you from the inside out.
Where: Various events and festivals around Canberra. Keep an eye on @shorteatsvan.
Little Mez (Woden)
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Must try: The Souva with marinated chicken. You won’t need a plane ticket to Europe after trying this.
Vibes: A family business going from strength to strength, Little Mez is delish Mediterranean food served with a smile.
Where: 91 Hindmarsh Drive, Phillip.
When: Tuesday – Thursdays 7.30 am – 2 pm, Fridays 7.30 am – 2 pm + 5.30 pm – 8 pm, Saturdays 8.30 am – 2 pm, Sundays 9.30 am – 2 pm.
Tikka Stand Truck (Braddon)
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Must try: Their signature dish, the Chicken Tikka Nest. Chicken Tikka over hot chips? Shut up and take our money.
Vibes: A fun twist on subcontinental classics with a cult following and the loveliest staff.
Where: 15 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
When: Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 2.30 pm and 5 pm – 9.30 pm.
The G Spot (Gungahlin)
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Must try: The Cheesy Bastard and maybe a cheeky Deep Fried Mars Bar?
Vibes: “She’s a legend, she’s an icon…”. A visit to The G Spot is one of Canberra’s must-do after dark experiences. You will not regret it.
Where: Carpark of the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.
When: Tuesday – Thursday 6 – 11 pm, Fridays 6 pm – 12 am and Saturdays 6 pm – 11 pm.
Fricken Chicken (Various locations)
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Must try: A Fricken Burger because a classic is a classic for a reason.
Vibes: Delish burgers, corn ribs, fries and, of course, fried chicken.
Where: Westfield Belconnen, South.Point Tuggeranong, Lonsdale Street, Braddon.
Sylvie and Bruno (Various locations)
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Must try: Poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes) with toppings because adorable.
Vibes: Homestyle baked goodies perfect for a morning outdoors.
Where + when: Various locations, check Instagram for updates.
Mr Papa (Various locations)
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Must try: The empanadas. No matter the filling, they are divine.
Vibes: Vibrant Peruvian street food with big flavours and big vibes.
Where: 70 Barrier Street, Fyshwick and various other locations.
When: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 3 pm.
Streat Toast (Deakin)
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Must try: The burrito bowl. Enormous, fresh and filling.
Vibes: Coffee and lunch done right.
Where: Deakin on Strickland Crescent and Campbell on Treloar Crescent.
Jangdokdae Korean Food (O’Connor)
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Must try: Teokbokki. Sweet, spicy, chewy and delish.
Vibes: Korean street food classics and homemade kimchi.
Where: 68 McCaughey Street, Turner.
When: Tuesday – Friday 9.30 am – 2 pm and Tuesday – Sunday from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Brodburger (Various locations)
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Must try: The Brodburger or a Brod Dog. Icons for a reason.
Vibes: Canberra’s OG burger van that has won fans worldwide.
Where: The Kingston Foreshore, Fyshwick (inside Capital Brewing Co), Phillip and Tuggeranong.
When: Various times, check Instagram for details.
Jarochos (Various locations)
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Must try: Tacos. None will disappoint.
Vibes: Family-run Mexican food truck that became so popular they opened a bricks and mortar.
Where: 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon.
When: Mondays 4-9 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, Sundays 9 am – 8 pm
Future Swirl (Various locations)
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Must try: Their signature oak milk soft serve which is such a great idea we published a whole article about it.
Vibes: Dietary-friendly summer vibes.
Where + when: Various locations. Check Instagram.
Feature image: Fricken Chicken. Credit: Andrew Ly.