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Not lagging behind in food trends is South Africa where a growing number of new food trucks are seen sprouting all over the main cities and many of them doing exceptionally well. Aside from being convenient, food trucks are a good way to get your feet and hands dirty as a budding entrepreneur provided you have an intense love for food.
The growth of food trucks in South Africa is not as frenzied as in the United States but one noticeable difference is that many of the new South African food trucks are well-thought out and planned. Even obtaining permits is not as big a hassle as the licensing hardships in other countries. There is a Food Truck Association that helps food trucks set up and market their business. Like most food trucks around the world, the most problematic problem is finding a good location that is permissible to park in without encountering problems with authorities and local residents. For instance, according to the Cape Town City Council, Cape Town does not have laws about food trucks so much of the work is done by the private sector who consider food trucks as street vendors.
Some of the exciting food trucks to watch out for while in South Africa are:
Balkan Burger Bus – This family-run business which claims to be the first “proper food truck” in South Africa is actually a bus that serves lunch every day in Johannesburg. Their bestseller is their Balkan burger which is served with a red pepper sauce in special somun buns. They have been getting excellent reviews from respected individuals like Anthony Bourdain and the local food authorities.
Limoncello – Limoncello is the first food truck under the Cape Town Food Trucks banner. It is owned and operated by Chef Luca who serves spaghetti vera, calzone, fresh tuna, risotto, and other Southern Italy cuisine.
Durban’s Finest Curry – Bunny chows and curries are the specialties on the menu for this food truck which also has meat-free Mondays, low carb meals, and an amazing cauli rice. They travel around a lot so the best way to catch is by following them on Twitter.
Full of Beans – This is a unique street food concept that serves coffee from a trike that looks like a truck. Owned and operated by Brazilian Marco Mordoh, Full of Beans started in 2007 and uses a Piaggio Tri-Vespa to mount his food truck coffee business.
Other food trucks in South Africa that are making a name for themselves are Die Wors Rol (gourmet hotdogs), Treat frozen yoghurt, Tutto food truck (paella), Vuyo’s (boerewors), and Down to Earth Farm Feast.