11 food trucks and coffee vans to visit or hire
Need lunch on the go or something special for your next function? Look no further: we’ve rounded up a handful of local eats on wheels.
Published 11 November 2021
Written by Nicola Clark
With lockdowns and rental crises affecting many in the hospo industry, as well as a growing craving for healthy, fresher fast food in our busy lives, we’re seeing more and more restaurants turn mobile - from rolling cafés serving up morning brews, to family businesses sharing traditional, authentic dishes. Not only can you find these vendors at your favourite markets or city events, but you can also hire them to pop up at your own special occasion - so there’s no need to worry about that grocery shop or pile of dishes. Without further ado, here are ten of our picks for the region’s stand-out food trucks and coffee vans.
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Platter of Fact
Teryl, from the window of the oh-so-cute Valerie the Vintage Caravan, serves up quite the specialty: charcuterie cones. These make for the perfect snack, with meats, cheeses and fruits all in one pretty bundle. The business also offers grazing tables and platters for your next function. You’ll find Platter of Fact at local events, such as Sunday Sessions at Aberfeldy Farm and Toowoomba Farmers Markets.
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Pickwick’s Baked Spuds
Jamie from Pickwick’s serves fresh, hot baked potatoes with all the toppings, making for the perfect lunch break. Choose from a Hawaiian potato with ham and pineapple, a savoury mince-topped spud, and more. You’ll find Jamie’s van set up for shop each weekday from 10.30am -1.30pm in Queens Park, next to the playground on Lindsay Street. Follow them on Facebook for updates, and phone-ahead orders are welcome.
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2nd Shot coffee van
Everyone deserves a second shot, and this social enterprise by BASE Services provides hospitality training and employment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness in Toowoomba. In short: you can feel good by supporting locals, and drinking great coffee doing so.
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Chef’s Lab
Chef’s Lab serves up fresh, gourmet bites such as a Philly cheesesteak, beef stir fry, or house-made pie. Find them parked throughout town – including at Queens Park throughout the week – or hire them for your next function. Follow them on Instagram for location updates.
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Flaming Good
It’s woodfired pizza but on wheels. With the help of owners Tony and Danielle, olive farmers-turned mobile foodies, take your wedding or birthday up a notch and impress your guests with both savoury and dessert pizzas (think chocolate, bananas, and strawberries) made fresh on-location. They also offer American BBQ roasts and charcuterie boards if that’s more your style.
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Start Fresh Co.
Founded by couple Minnie and Lachie, Start Fresh serves up refreshing juices, smoothies and wellness shots at markets and community events in the region. You can even hire the spunky green van to pop up at your own event, with customisable drink packages on offer to suit your cravings - whether it’s protein powder smoothies or their Post Party pick-me-ups. The crew source fresh produce from local farmers wherever they travel, and use biodegradable cups and straws. Plus, they donate ten per cent of their profits to charity - it’s a win all around!
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Kelly’s coffee van
Find Kelly at Queens Park from 6.30am-1.00pm Saturdays, and Sundays 7.00am-1.00pm. It’s the perfect chance to visit the Toowoomba Farmers Markets for some local produce, then take a peaceful stroll through the park and grab a hot brew.
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The Pop Up Chef
This food truck brings the flavours of its Taylor Street café to the streets, with a mouth-watering menu that includes classics such as eggs benedict, pork belly bao buns, and smashed avo, while also switching up the menu often to keep things exciting. They also offer an impressive grazing table for functions and weddings.
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Potato and Peace Samosa
Regulars at the Toowoomba Farmers Market, this vegan-friendly truck serves up hot South-Asian pastries, cooked with love using organic ingredients grown on their very own farm. Try a potato and pea samosa or cauliflower pakora (spiced fritter), then come back for seconds.
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Rolling Espresso
This van, which offers blends from Sleepless City Coffee Roasters, is all about sharing quality and affordable cups to start your morning. You’ll commonly find them serving brews with a smile at the various handmade craft markets held at The Mills Precinct.
Know a local food truck of coffee van we’ve missed? Let us know, and we’ll add it to our list!
