The 5 Spicy Food Trucks Heating Up America
As spicy foods in the U.S. become more popular, those who can handle the heat wear their tolerance like a badge of honor. Thankfully for spicy food lovers, there are plenty of food trucks cruising across America slinging fiery foods that’ll blow your mind. And— perhaps— your taste buds.
We scoured the country— from coast to coast— to bring you the hottest food trucks bringing some serious heat.
1. Rollin Phatties (Houston, Texas)
Kicking off our list is Houston’s Rollin Phatties. As its name suggests, this spicy food truck takes parathas (a traditional South Asian flatbread) and rolls them with spicy meat fillings. You can also sample one of their equally spicy rice platters and quesadillas.
When it gets too hot to handle, Rollin Phatties has you covered. You can put out the fire with their dessert “phatties,” like the “Nutella and Ferrero Rocher” or “Biscoff Cookie Butter” rolls.
2. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (Oahu, Hawaii)
Hawaii is famous for its fresh fish and seafood— especially beachside shrimp trucks— but one reigns supreme. For nearly 30 years, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck has satisfied natives and tourists on Oahu who come in droves to pay their respects.
So what makes Giovanni’s one of America’s spiciest food trucks? Their signature “No Refunds Hot & Spicy Shrimp.” The name says it all! Starring a dozen plump and juicy shrimp cooked shell-on, they’re smothered in a secret, homemade spicy red sauce. This meal may make you sweat, but it’s a mouthwatering experience worth savoring.
3. The Jolly Pig (Baltimore, Md.)
Baltimore’s The Jolly Pig is a mainstay— and you can’t miss this spicy food truck’s bubble gum pink color scheme. As you might have guessed, The Jolly Pig is known for its barbecue pork, but they kick it up a notch with creative and spicy renditions.
Locals swear by the Korean BBQ tacos with pulled pork, spicy Korean BBQ sauce, scallions, and Asian slaw. If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Caribbean, try the Jamaican Jerk tacos. Stuffed with spicy jerk pork, you’ll get a much-needed dose of relief with a dollop of their fresh pineapple salsa.
4. Stripchezze (Las Vegas, Nev.)
If you’re ever hitting the slots or poker tables, you’ve probably seen Stripcheese popping up at popular festivals and events in Sin City. Grilled cheese is their thing, and while there are only five items on this spicy food truck’s menu, the “Hot Streak” will leave you breathless.
This five-alarm sandwich features sourdough bread coated and toasted with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, and sriracha mayo. Bursting with spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite, we bet you’ll be coming back for seconds.
5. Yumbii (Atlanta, Ga.)
Chef Carson Young is a legend in the Atlanta food truck scene. Why? It’s all thanks to his wildly popular spicy food truck Yumbii. A taco truck with Asian-inspired flavors, Yumbii’s innovative creations delight spicy food lovers throughout northwest Georgia.
Visit Yumbii for its spicy pulled pork quesadillas and stir-fried tofu burritos, but stay for the “Nashville Hot” fried chicken tacos, with chipotle aioli and pickled jalapenos. Of course, you can’t forget to order a side of Yumbii’s famous “Sesame Fries,” seasoned with sesame oil, salt, and hot chili flakes.
When it comes to spicy food trucks and spicy food truck catering, the heat is on and customers are feeling the burn. A 2019 survey found that 80% of adults in the U.S. enjoy hot and spicy foods. As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life,” and the same is true when it comes to what we eat. As Americans’ desire for complex flavors rises, they’re exploring more exotic ingredients like habanero, peri-peri, cayenne, and chipotle.
With close to 25,000 food trucks operating in the U.S., there’s sure to be a spicy food truck trekking along your neck of the woods. All you have to do is take a look and book one! Believe us, if you want to fire up your upcoming Memorial Day or 4th of July party, food trucks like these— and more— will bring the fireworks!
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