Northern Virginia’s food scene has long been defined by its diverse offerings, from high-end dining to cozy cafes. But recently, the region’s culinary landscape has taken a deliciously mobile turn with the rise of food trucks. These rolling eateries are not just convenient—many are pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity, serving up gourmet dishes that rival some of the best brick-and-mortar spots in the area. From fusion tacos to artisanal coffee, the food truck phenomenon in NoVA is hard to miss. Here’s a look at the must-try mobile eateries you’ll want to track down.
1. Rollin’ Thai
For lovers of Thai cuisine, Rollin’ Thai is a must-stop. This bright blue truck specializes in authentic, bold Thai flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Their signature dish, the Pad Thai, is a fan favorite, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of tangy tamarind, crunchy peanuts, and tender noodles. Other popular options include green curry and crispy spring rolls that pair perfectly with their refreshing Thai iced tea.
Location: Arlington and Alexandria rotations
Must-Try: Pad Thai, Green Curry
2. Peruvian Brothers
What started as a family recipe passed down through generations has turned into one of NoVA’s most beloved food trucks. Peruvian Brothers brings the vibrant, robust flavors of Peru to the streets with dishes like their iconic Pollo a la Brasa, a charcoal-roasted chicken served with house-made sauces. Pair it with a side of yuca fries and their tangy aji verde sauce for a taste that will transport you to the streets of Lima.
Location: Crystal City and Ballston
Must-Try: Pollo a la Brasa, Yuca Fries with Aji Verde
3. Curbside Crepes
For something a little lighter (but no less satisfying), Curbside Crepes offers sweet and savory crepes that are perfect for breakfast or lunch on the go. Their Smoked Salmon Crepe is packed with flavors like capers, cream cheese, and a drizzle of lemon, while their Nutella Banana Crepe satisfies any sweet tooth craving. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or decadent, this food truck has you covered.
Location: Fairfax and Reston
Must-Try: Smoked Salmon Crepe, Nutella Banana Crepe
4. Taco Bamba
Taco Bamba may have established its roots in traditional taco shops, but their food truck brings the same exciting, bold Mexican flavors to the streets. Their rotating menu features everything from barbacoa tacos to pork carnitas and innovative options like the Korean short rib taco with kimchi slaw. Whether you’re a taco purist or love experimental flavors, this truck is guaranteed to impress.
Location: Falls Church and Tysons Corner
Must-Try: Barbacoa Taco, Korean Short Rib Taco
5. Big Cheese
For comfort food with a twist, look no further than Big Cheese, a food truck dedicated to everyone’s favorite childhood dish: the grilled cheese sandwich. But this isn’t your average grilled cheese. Think gourmet combinations like the “Mountain Melt”, made with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon on thick, buttery sourdough bread. For an even more decadent experience, try their truffle mac & cheese sandwich, which blends the best of two cheesy worlds.
Location: Arlington and Rosslyn
Must-Try: Mountain Melt, Truffle Mac & Cheese Sandwich
6. Café Unido
Coffee lovers, rejoice—Café Unido’s mobile espresso bar is bringing high-quality artisanal coffee to NoVA’s streets. Sourcing single-origin beans from sustainable farms, Café Unido specializes in everything from velvety cappuccinos to refreshing cold brews. Their seasonal lattes often feature locally-inspired flavors, such as honey lavender or spiced pumpkin, making this truck a favorite for caffeine aficionados on the go.
Location: Springfield and Vienna
Must-Try: Honey Lavender Latte, Cold Brew
7. Roro’s Modern Lebanese
Blending traditional Lebanese flavors with modern twists, Roro’s is redefining street food with options like their falafel wraps and shawarma bowls. Packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and perfectly seasoned meats, Roro’s brings a taste of the Mediterranean to NoVA’s food truck scene. Their freshly made hummus and pillowy pita are perfect for dipping, rounding out a meal that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful.
Location: Annandale and Fairfax
Must-Try: Falafel Wrap, Shawarma Bowl
8. Captain Cookie & the Milkman
Sometimes, all you need is something sweet, and Captain Cookie delivers in the form of warm, freshly-baked cookies paired with locally-sourced milk. Their cookie ice cream sandwiches are legendary—choose from a variety of cookie flavors like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, or peanut butter, then sandwich them around your choice of ice cream for a treat that’s as nostalgic as it is indulgent.
Location: Various locations around NoVA
Must-Try: Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, Snickerdoodle Cookies
The Growing Appeal of Food Trucks in NoVA
The rise of food trucks in Northern Virginia is not just a passing trend. These mobile eateries offer a unique dining experience that combines convenience with creativity. Many of these trucks can be found at local farmers’ markets, festivals, and even private events, making them accessible to foodies across the region. In addition to their delicious offerings, food trucks provide a sense of community, drawing crowds who are eager to try new flavors and support local entrepreneurs.
With an ever-evolving roster of trucks popping up around NoVA, the food truck phenomenon is here to stay. So whether you’re in the mood for international flavors, comfort food, or gourmet coffee, NoVA’s food trucks have something for everyone. Track them down, and treat yourself to some of the best mobile eats the region has to offer.