An Introductory Guide to Miami's Best Food Trucks

Miami's first real gourmet food truck didn't hit the road until late 2009, putting the city well behind the national craze. But we've wasted no time in catching up. To help those who may not be up on Miami's roving army of food vendors, Eater Miami has compiled a little guide to the best and the brightest, from trucks selling banh mi ox tacos to burgers, cheese dogs, lobster rolls, and key lime popsicles.

gastroPod: Run out of a 1962 Airstream trailer, gastroPod debuted in November 2009 as Miami’s first food truck. Owned by Chef Jeremiah of Bullfrog Eatz, gastroPod specializes in inventive fare with Latin and Asian influences. The revolving menu includes banh mi oxtail tacos, lamb-fennel sliders, and a “turboDawg” with kewpie, eel sauce, and nori. [Link; Photo Credit]

Ms. Cheezious: Declaring itself the “hottest sandwich lady in Miami,” Ms. Cheezious offers inventive spins on grilled cheese plus sides like soup and fries. Menu highlights include the goat cheese and prosciutto sandwich, creamy tomato soup, and the “Sweet Meltdown”: ricotta cheese and orange marmalade with chocolate dipping sauce. [Link; Photo Credit]

Dim Ssam a Go Go: The latest project of standalone Midtown/Downtown restaurant Sakaya Kitchen and chef Richard Hales, Dim Ssam a Go Go mixes Korean and Mexican flavors with items like kimchi egg rolls and kalbi short rib tacos. Both Sakaya Kitchen and Dim Ssam a Go Go offer catering for private events. [Link; Photo Credit]

Jefe’s Original: Named for Baja California surfer (and killer cook) Jefe and sporting the tongue-in-cheek motto “Vatos Serving Tacos,” Jefe’s Original serves Ensenada-style fish tacos around Miami. Other tacos include the slow-roasted carnitas and crispy taquitos. In addition to fresh Mexican fare, Jefe’s also serves classic burgers and fries. [Link; Photo Credit]

Latin Burger & Taco Truck: One of the founding members of the Miami food truck movement, Latin Burger is the project of Food Network personality Ingrid Hoffmann. The truck’s signature item is the Macho Burger, which comes with chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, caramelized onions, jalapenos, and sauce; other offerings include tacos and fries. [Link; Photo Credit]

Sugar Rush: The mobile version of bakery-café Sweetness Bake Shop, Sugar Rush is Miami’s first food truck to specialize in desserts. Favorites include the Cake ‘n’ Shake, fried treats (think county-fair style deep fried Oreos), and freshly baked cupcakes and brownies. [Link; Photo Credit]

Purple People Eatery: Launched in February 2011, the Purple People Eatery is co-owned by chefs David Shipman and Michelle Duncan. The menu focuses on burgers and tacos; favorites include the truffle burger with goat cheese, fried quail egg, red pepper, and arugula, plus the Mahi Miami tacos with chipotle mayo and pineapple-jalapeno salsa. [Link; Photo Credit]

Yellow Submarine: Owned and operated by two brothers, the Yellow Submarine hit Miami in 2009 and has been serving its signature Colombian-influenced burgers ever since. The Yellow Burger is distinguished by the truck’s trademark pineapple sauce, and the Sunshine Reggae sandwich adds pineapple sauce and pesto to a basic ham and cheese. [Link; Photo Credit]

Slow Food Truck: Miami natives Oren Bass and Zachary Schwartz operate both Slow Food Truck and SFT Bistro, both New American food trucks. Signature items include the Jersey-style chili cheese dog and Florida lobster roll, plus various other burgers, sandwiches, and fries. [Link; Photo Credit]

Dolci Peccatti: This bright purple truck—its motto is “We’re Melting to Meet You”—offers Italian frozen treats like gelato and popsicles. Exotic flavors include lemon ginger mint, key lime, and red velvet. Locals give Dolci Peccatti high marks for its service, which includes delivery. [Link; Photo Credit]
— Alison Herman