Food Trucks in New York (2025)

A city-defining birria truck whose Jackson Heights original still draws nightly queues. First praised with two stars in The New York Times, it continues to win raves from Eater and The Infatuation while expanding without losing its street soul.

Meet the Man Behind the Famous Dosa Cart in Washington Square Park | Eater NY

When I visited his cart in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park, I found Thiru Kumar—the Dosa Man—drawing throngs of admirers to a small setup wallpapered with clippings and screenshots from international coverage and video appearances. He has been selling the iconic South Indian crepe made from rice and lentil since December 2001, and his menu (mostly under $10) sticks to a simple, regionally specific formula: plain dosas and specials like the Pondicherry dosa stuffed with crisp greens, vegan drumsticks of soy on sugarcane twigs, cups of sharp lentil sambar, and a creamsicle-orange coconut chutney, all offered on a spice gradient for customers who ask for “as spicy as you can make it.” A Sri Lankan immigrant who turned vegan two decades ago, Kumar won a Vendy in 2007 and has resisted turning the cart into a restaurant, preferring the flexibility of the street; his current city contract runs until 2029. - Mayukh Sen

A family-run Greek truck since 1979, hand-skewering souvlaki and stacking gyros for a mostly local crowd. Celebrated by Give Me Astoria and crowned Best Food Truck in Queens, it’s an Astoria landmark that still grills over charcoal.

Sunset Park’s late-night institution, spun off from a beloved taquería. Eater and The Infatuation point here for small tacos, al pastor, and birria by the cup; locals swear by the cash‑only truck hours that run deep into the night.

Weekends at the Red Hook Ball Fields mean Salvadoran pupusas from the Lainez family, winners of the Vendy Cup. Time Out and countless locals treat this seasonal stand as a rite of spring through fall.

A Midtown legend known for kati rolls and biryani, with a Vendy People’s Choice pedigree. Still drawing office workers and night owls, it’s a rare cart where the standards haven’t slipped amid the crowds.

A late‑night powerhouse near Rockefeller Center, loved for tender lamb, spicy rice, and sauces that inspire fierce debate. Covered widely by local press and food media, with nightly lines that attest to its cult status.

Freddy Zeideia’s Palestinian falafel and shawarma earned a Vendy Award and an enduring following. Eater notes the original cart’s Midtown rounds; crispy oval falafel and fresh pita keep it a staple for office‑hour lunches.

Tibetan momos made to order from a long‑running truck that helped popularize the neighborhood’s momo crawl. Lauded by The Infatuation and Atlas Obscura, with recent reviews confirming it’s still shaping perfect, juicy dumplings.

A Midtown Greek mainstay since the early 1970s, still family‑run and focused on generous platters, warm pita, and house tzatziki. Covered by local media and industry groups, it’s a rare weekday lunch line worth embracing.