10 food stalls and trucks you need to try in Canberra
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Sometimes you just need a seriously delicious meal on the move – here’s where to find one.
There’s nothing like a banger of a food truck or stall. Usually dishing up a specific cuisine or product, you know that whatever they offer, they do it well. And with some amazing options in Canberra, there’s plenty to choose from (if you know where to look).
Here are 10 food stalls and trucks you need to try.
The Dumpling Diplomat
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Found at Kingston’s Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays, The Dumpling Diplomat is the place to go for a hearty, flavoursome meal. Serving Nepalese momos, at this hidden gem, you’ll find a range of chicken dumplings, vegetable dumplings, beef dumplings and more.
We’ve heard that they’re some of the best dumplings in Canberra, but you’ll have to try them for yourself to find out if it’s true.
Mr B Pastel
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Brazilian street food is on the menu at Mr B Pastel, and you’re going to want to try it.
Bringing the true flavour of Brazil to the Old Bus Depot Market Markets, here they specialise in pastels – crispy, cheesy, meaty pies that also happen to be one of the country’s most iconic street snacks. Made with thin, crispy pastry shells that are deep fried until golden and packed with flavourful fillings, they’re the perfect mix of comforting and indulgent.
Moowing Steak
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Fine dining quality food at very affordable pricing? We’ll be there. Located on Elouera Street near Waves Car Wash in Braddon, at this food truck you’ll find a mix of Western, Cantonese and Nepalese cuisine – and while great steak is not usually synonymous with food trucks, trust us when we say it’s what you should be ordering.
Serving a range of char-grilled food (including skewers, steaks and burgers) as well as Nepalese momos, deep-fried chicken wings and more, just follow the smell of smoke and thank us later.
The Mandalay Bus
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It was once an iconic part of the Canberra late-night food scene, and when Kyaw “George” Thaung passed away in 2019, the missing Mandalay Bus became a hole in the hearts of many foodies. But with George’s son Stewart donning a chef’s hat and returning to the kitchen, you can once again get your hands on the Mandalay Bus’s mouth-watering food.
Serving a mix of Burmese, Chinese, and Spanish cuisine as well as ‘gourmet fast food’, find it at the Dickson end of Lonsdale Street – it’s just as delicious as you remember.
El-fii
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This tiny food trailer tucked away in Theodore packs a mighty punch with a menu that brings a fresh twist to classic and comforting favourites. The food options here are ever evolving, focusing on fresh ingredients, but expect to find everything from loaded burgers to poke bowls, as well as chunky sandwiches, loaded fries and more.
Five Passions Pizza
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There’s one thing everyone can agree on: nothing beats a handmade pizza, straight out of the oven. And that’s exactly what you can get at the Five Passions pizza trailer in Turner. Located on McCaughey Street, it’s open from 5 pm until 8.30 pm Wednesday to Friday and serves a range of classic slices, from Margherita to Funghi, as well as a few specials.
Pre-order online, swing by the food truck to pick it up and enjoy fresh pizza from the comfort of home.
Big Fella Briyani
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Craving authentic Indian food? There’s no need to book a table at a restaurant with Big Fella Briyani serving the foods of Tamil Nadu in Gungahlin.
At this family-run food truck, briyani dominates the menu alongside a range of vegetarian and meat starters. And while you won’t be able to order butter chicken, it’s a delicious reminder that Indian cuisine is so much more…
Little Mez
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A favourite of southsiders, Little Mez is a family-run business known for its delish Mediterranean food that’s served with a smile.
Open Wednesday to Sunday on Hindmarsh Drive in Phillip, in the morning order yourself the Beirut Express (za’atar, double eggs and feta on grilled Greek pita bread) and an iced latte and then head back to try the Mez Box at lunch. Adding grilled halloumi is a must.
Tikka Stand
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Tikka Stand has been serving authentic Indian street food with a twist for over a decade. Known for dishes such as the Chicken Tikka Nest (Chicken Tikka over hot chips? Shut up and take our money) and the Tikka Pulao, find this iconic Canberra food truck in Braddon. Just make sure to order online before heading over – it will help you skip the cue.
Sylvie and Bruno
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Who can resist Poffertjes? Along with delicious Dutch mini pancakes served with a variety of toppings, this food truck is the one to visit when you’re craving homestyle baked goodies like lasagne, banana bread, muffins and more. Keep an eye on their Instagram page to see where they’ll be popping up and what will be on the menu.
Feature image: The Dumpling Diplomat. Credit: Georgie Smith.
