Food Truck Frenzy

From the bustling urban settings to food festivals, food trucks are more popular than ever, and Indian food trucks are one of the highlights. The U.S. food truck industry has grown at an average annual rate of 9.9% since 2018. From coast to coast, Indian food trucks are rolling into major cities from Los Angeles to Detroit to Pittsburgh. From the empty nester giving her passion for Indian food a mobile home in Bend, OR with her new food truck called Anita’s Kitchen to the inventive new Indian fusion truck in Dearborn, MI called Paradise Biryani Pointe, on-the-road diners can find anything from classic favorites butter chicken and Dal Makhani to chicken tikka kati rolls wrapped in paratha bread.

The convenience of food trucks and relatively low barrier to entry, the emergence of food truck culture is making a significant impact on the culinary world in India as well. Much like the U.S., food truck owners tap into social media to keep customers engaged and let them know what their serving and where they’ll be. Here are four yummy food trucks rolling into a city near you.

Damariscotta, Maine

On Banyan Tree’s opening day last month, the butter chicken and saag paneer prepared by Damariscotta resident San Rudra and his family sold out within two hours. Inspired by his father, who dreamed of opening his own restaurant but passed away in 2021, the food truck was created in his honor with hopes of filling the dearth of Indian food throughout the region. Banyantreeme.com

Portland, OR

If garlic naan is your thing, make a stop at Flavours of India at the openair Rockwood Market Hall next time you’re in Portland. Although they do everything well, the chicken tikka masala is a standout dish. flavoursofindiagresham.com

Detroit, MI

Srinath “Ziggy” Kalmadi owns three restaurants, although Paradise Street Eats and Biryani is his first food truck. Beyond biryani, Ziggy’s food truck in Greektown offers an inventive take on Indian food with dishes like chicken tikka kati rolls wrapped in paratha bread or za-atar cheese dosa. paradisebiryanidearborn.com/streeteats-food-truck

Atlanta, GA

To try some of Atlanta’s tastiest samosas and dosas, hit up Stop Eat Repeat, which serves up Indian comfort food without sacrificing quality ingredients or creativity. stopeatrepeat.com