Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, street food has been a staple of many global cultures. Today, the growing popularity of food trucks has brought the convenience and variety of street food to Columbus and other cities around the United States.
Find out firsthand how food trucks are changing the Columbus dining scene by visiting these upcoming events.
Seventh Son Brewing - 1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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The Hawaiian cuisine of Aloha Aina is so authentic that you'll feel the tropical sun and breezes while you eat. Customers line up for their signature steamed buns with pork, chicken, tofu, or Spam filling. Their Maui Fresh rice bowl has been described as "deconstructed sushi" and the Loco No Moco bowl is a lighter take on the traditional Hawaiian dish. Find Aloha Aina outside Seventh Son Brewing on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Care Point East - 543 Taylor Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
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Who knew lobsters and sharks made such a great team? Backing from Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank turned Cousins Maine Lobster into a national sensation. Now owners Jimmy and Sabin (yes, they're cousins) have brought their New England seafood favorites to Columbus. Try an iconic lobster roll or shrimp tacos with a side of Cape Cod chips. Grab a tasty lunch from Cousins outside Care Point East on Tuesday, May 26 between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ohio Theatre - 39 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215
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No, Two Fatt Indians doesn't describe owners Amit Kumar and Raj Sabherwal. They just thought it was a funny, catchy name for their truck, which serves genuine North Indian cuisine. The chicken tikka masala earns unanimous raves, while the yogurt-based strawberry lassi drink is a treat rarely found in the Columbus area. Several vegetarian options are available, and the owners are happy to accommodate your preferred level of heat. Two Fatt Indians can be frequently found outside the Ohio Theatre from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Harrison Pond - 4720 Shull Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
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The all-American ice cream sundae gets a Latin twist at Glazed Churro Bar. Vanilla soft-serve is spiked with two churro sticks and dressed up with a range of sauces and toppings, such as the best-selling Cinna-Crunch featuring Cinnamon Toast Crunch and salted caramel glaze. If you can't live by dessert alone, the truck also serves tacos, burritos, and other savory street food. Stop by Harrison Pond on Monday, May 25 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for dinner, dessert, or both.
W. Broad St. & N. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Remember what Mom said about the most important meal of the day? Heath, owner of Always Eat Breakfast, does. Start the day off right with one of their breakfast burritos or bowls made to order with your choice of ingredients. Heartier appetites may choose biscuits or tots topped with sausage or bacon gravy. Pick up one of Heath's extra-large muffins, baked on the truck, for a great midday snack. In a hurry? Visit the website the night before to order ahead. Always Eat Breakfast will be brightening the morning around the intersection of W. Broad St. and N. Front St. from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
St. Vincent Family Center - 1490 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43205
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Pita sandwiches are portable and filling, two qualities essential in street food. The fresh and flavorful sandwiches from Pitabilities have earned them a frequent #1 rating by Columbus residents. In addition to the traditional Greek gyro pita, the menu includes variations such as New Delhi with tikka masala sauce and Philly Steak with grilled onions and mushrooms. Possibilities Fries, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and your choice of protein, are a meal by themselves. On Friday, May 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., they'll be Quantum Health 2 at 5260 Blazer Pkwy.
Fifth Third Bank - 1669 Fishinger Rd., Columbus, OH 43221
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For nearly 150 years, Schmidt has been a legendary name in the Columbus food industry. Schmidt's Sausage Truck is the most recent venture for a family business that includes a meat-packing company, concession stands, and a German-themed restaurant. The Bahama Mama, Schmidt's signature pork and beef sandwich, was voted the official food of Columbus. Other offerings include bratwurst, knockwurst, and bologna, as well as classic sides of red cabbage, sauerkraut, and potato salad. Save room for one of the award-winning jumbo cream puffs. Catch Schmidt's outside the UA Five Points branch of Fifth Third Bank on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
DSW - 810 DSW Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
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If America had a national food, it would probably be fried chicken. Since 2012, people around Columbus have been flocking to Mya's Fried Chicken and their Korean-inspired, sweet-and-spicy take on the comfort food classic. The meat is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours and pan-fried to a crispy brown before the final touch: a drizzle of honey and vinegar infused with herbs and chilies. Choose from sandwiches, tenders, and wings with a selection of scratch-made sides. Stop by Mya's on Wednesday, May 27 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. outside the DSW home office and truck lot.
Ace of Cups - 2619 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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No roundup of top food trucks in Columbus would be complete without Ray Ray's Hog Pit. Pork, beef, and chicken are coated with dry rub and cooked low-and-slow for that trademark pink smoke ring. Sauces are served on the side so you can apply to suit your individual taste. Can't decide? Go for the Meatsweats box filled with smoked brisket, pulled pork, jerk chicken, dry-rubbed ribs, and a hot link. Ray Ray's flagship location, adjacent to Ace of Cups, is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
If you opened a food truck, what would be your specialty?
Photo courtesy of Fire Truck Pizza Company
Housed in old fire trucks, Fire Truck Pizza Company is serving up some of the best pizza in Cleveland. Their refurbished trucks are equipped with a wood-burning oven, directly imported from Italy, that cook at temperatures over 800 degrees. Grab a piece of their signature pizza, the Bacon Honey, made with house-made garlic white sauce topped with bacon, mozzarella, and a blend of secret spices, drizzled with honey. Add a scoop of their homemade ice cream to your order and you'll have yourself a perfect summer afternoon!Photo courtesy of Proper Pig Smokehouse
Texas BBQ, home-smoked meats and bacon on a stick — need we say more? The Proper Pig Smokehouse started out with just two friends and a utility truck they purchased off of Craigslist. Today, it's one of the most popular food trucks in the area and an extremely successful restaurant in Lakewood. Don't miss their tantalizing selections like the Lake Erie Crusher, a hot sausage sandwich with slaw, or any of their juicy smoked meats that you can buy by the pound.Photo courtesy of Slyman's Tavern
If you've ever looked up the hashtag #CleFoodie on Instagram, then you've probably seen hundreds of drool-inducing photos of Slyman's famous corned beef sandwich. The hefty dish is several inches thick, layered with 12-14 ounces of corned beef. So clear your day and head to Slyman's food truck, which you can usually find tucked away in a Cleveland suburb or feeding crowds at a local festival, and indulge in the best sandwich you'll ever have — we promise.Photo courtesy of Matt West via DonutLab
Cleveland's first and only mobile mini donut kitchen, the DonutLab is a dessert food truck where you can get a bag of hot, fresh donuts or even a donut parfait. We recommend ordering a bag of their simple, yet amazing, powdered sugar mini donuts and a side of their raspberry sauce for dipping!