New York’s Best Black-Owned Food Trucks To Support During Black History Month
The New York Food Truck Association is honoring Black History Month by shining a light on the top Black-owned food trucks in New York.
Let’s get started!
CHOP SHOP
Founded in 2019 in Brooklyn, Chop Shop is one of New York’s top-tier, Black-owned food trucks. Chef and owner, Najee, poured many long hours into creating a menu that blends Caribbean and American southern flavors to offer a truly multicultural, authentic cuisine.
From dishes like the Cajun Shrimp Burrito and Chicken Sandwich to Salmon Rice Bowl and the iconic Grilled Jerk Chicken, New Yorkers have not been let down. If you want to try or book a food truck that provides a cuisine that is both rich and one-of-a-kind, then the Chop Shop food truck is an excellent choice.
GG'S FISH & CHIPS
No one in New York City does soul food better than GG’s Fish & Chips. The original inspiration for this Brooklyn-based food truck was Louise Gasby, a loving wife and mother with a true culinary gift. Louise, or “Soot,” passed down her cooking skills to her daughters, and Great Gasby— otherwise known as GG— decided to share her mother’s recipes by opening up GG’s Fish N’ Chips. Today, this food truck still serves the best Jerk Chicken and Collard Greens, Chicken and Waffles, Mac N Cheese, and Catfish with the same recipes and concepts from Soot. With such a rich origin story, there are few local businesses that would make a better visit during Black History Month.
KINKY TACO
A California native, Akeelah grew up around some of the most delicious taco trucks in the country, later inspiring her to open and run the Kinky Taco truck. Over the years, Kinky Taco has become one of New York’s most beloved Black-owned businesses; by combining Akeelah’s mother’s Louisianian roots and her father’s Texan background, Akeelah was able to create a unique culinary fusion that New Yorkers have grown to love so much. Visit the truck during Black History Month to support a true Black local business.
MADE FROM SCRATCH
The Made From Scratch owner Dallas Green is a nightclub DJ turned chef from New York who has been celebrated by many media organizations like Good Day NY, Arise 360, and The New York Times. Specializing in comfort food, The Made From Scratch food truck focuses on savory and sweet dishes and desserts, and creates a fine dining experience in a fast, food truck environment. From classic chicken & waffles to gourmet mac & cheese, everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, simple flavors. When that home-style comfort craving hits, look to Made From Scratch for an authentic catered meal, perfect for any occasion.
MAKINA CAFE
Makina Cafe is the first and only New York food truck of its kind, distinguished for bringing the rich heritage and flavors of Ethiopia to communities across the tristate area. Eden, Makina Cafe’s owner, is now living out her dream of sharing special Ethiopian dishes from her childhood with people from all walks of life. And because some of the ingredients typical of Ethiopian cuisine aren’t always ready available in New York grocery stores, Eden goes to great lengths to find the right spices and foods that pay homage to her cultural background. Visiting and supporting this authentic Ethiopian food truck is one of the best ways to celebrate New York’s Black community.
MS. SPUDZ
Ms. Spudz is an all potato-based food truck, which means you can expect to see nachos made with fresh potato chips, mashed potatoes and, of course, their famous french fries on the menu. However, the ‘all things potato’ concept of this food truck started as a fry cart; it was only after having so much success selling just french fries that Pippi, the owner, expanded her business. Now her menu even includes Fish and Shrimp Tacos!
NAO'S
Opened by husband and wife Tony and Carline, Nao’s is New York’s first and only Haitian food truck. Responsible for introducing so many New Yorkers to authentic Haitian dishes like Griyo (fried pork), Poul Fri A Diri Djon Djon (fried chicken with black rice), and Stuffed Plantain Cups, the chefs makes sure to pour the same attention-to-detail and care into every meal so that Haiti’s cuisine is well-represented in the US. If you’re looking to support black-owned, local businesses, you definitely can’t go wrong with Nao’s.
THE OYSTER LOVER
Inspired by her husband’s dedication to his oyster farm, Brittany Buffaloe became determined to ensure his hard work paid off, while at the same time, guaranteeing that New York had access to fresh seafood. That’s what led her to eventually open The Oyster Lover food truck: New York’s premium source of locally farmed oysters. Visit or book this one-of-a-kind, black-owned food truck to enjoy a fresh, delicious raw bar of oysters, shrimp, caviar, pico de gallo, and so much more.
THE STEAK TRUCK
In the mood for a juicy slab of steak? Visit The Steak Truck: an iconic, black-owned business and one of New York’s top food trucks to satisfy your red meat craving. Alongside his partner Frankie, Chef Damon has mastered three different offerings of steak as well as a Hot Dog Box that comes with tasty fries and your choice of sauce.
WRAP UP
Black History Month is a great time to highlight Black business owners who contribute so much to New York’s culture. But, visiting the best food trucks in NYC doesn’t begin and end in February. The food trucks listed above are great places to visit for a quick bite or to book as a caterer year-round.
So, we hope that this list makes it easy to support your local Black businesses 365 days of the year!
