The Daily Meal recently released its list of the best food trucks in America, an annual publication celebrating the absolute best food that can be found on four wheels from across the entire country. In an occurrence that probably didn’t come as much of a surprise to Texas culinary school students from the Lone Star State, Texan establishments made more than a few appearances on the list, with 10 separate food trucks being recognized for their excellence. Trucks from five cities in Texas (Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Marfa) were included on the list, with Austin and Houston having the most success with three trucks each.
Austin
East Side King, Eatsie Boys and the Peached Tortilla, favorites among the Austin food truck scene, were all selected for the Daily Meal list. East Side King came in the highest of any Texas establishment at No. 11 nationally. Paul Qui’s project, East Side King spans a number of trailers in various Austin neighborhoods that serve modern and unique takes on classic Japanese fare. East Side King is certainly no stranger to accolades, as the food truck group’s most recent trailer, Thai-Kun, was recently named on the 2014 list of Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants in America.
Houston
Also claiming three of the 101 spots available on the Daily Meal list was Houston. Bernie’s Burger Bus was ranked at No. 19, Coreano’s came in at No. 49 and Oh My Gogi! BBQ was named to the 61st spot. The owner of Bernie’s Burger Bus, Justin Turner, has built what was once a one truck operation into a network of trucks spanning Houston, as well as a sedentary restaurant. Chron reports that the restaurant features such innovative takes on classic American fare as burgers-on-a-stick or grilled cheese sandwiches in place of burger buns.
The No. 1 Spot
While Texas was able to claim 10 of the honorees in the 101 Best Food Trucks in America, the overall winner resides on the West Coast. Kogi BBQ, a food truck based in Los Angeles, is the brainchild of chef Roy Choi, and offers a broad variety of food that draws on both Mexican and Korean cuisine. Since opening on Thanksgiving 2008, the restaurant has experienced massive success with their Asian tacos, quickly becoming one of the most iconic eateries in Los Angeles and, perhaps now with this honor, the entire country.
