There is something nostalgic about ordering food from a truck that adds an element of magic to the entire dining experience.

My college campus had three distinct sections or groupings of dorms when I was in school there over thirty years ago. I’m sure it’s changed. For the most part you stayed in your area. It helped make the large, sprawling campus more manageable. The one exception was after a late night out. The only food truck on campus was not located in my “section” so occasionally we’d venture away from our home territory to fill our hunger. So delicious!

Today there is a renaissance going on in the food truck world. You can find a food truck for just about every type of food. It’s truly amazing. These are not the food trucks of my college days offering greasy fries and cheese burgers after a late night out, although I’m sure you can still find those too. That’s the creative beauty of food trucks. There is something for everyone.

For this post, I’m going meta and below is an A to Z list of some intriguing Maine based food trucks and carts. I’ve highlighted the menu item from each mobile dining experience that speaks to me and is guaranteed to up my level of Bliss.

Some I’ve tried already, but many are on my list for the upcoming season. It’s not an exhaustive list but just a few that peaked my interest.

I’ve also put together a Twitter List of food trucks in Maine if you’d like to follow it. Sadly, many food trucks don’t have twitter accounts so it’s only a partial list of all the amazing food trucks out there but hopefully it will help me track them down once the season starts up again.

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A – Ancho Honey. This one is actually a brick and mortar location but they’re a takeout place which I think has a similar vibe to a food truck: quick, tasty, easy food. Plus, there’s a little food truck in their blood. The owners have done many food related endeavors in Maine including a blog (near to my heart), publishing a cookbook (yes, I have it) and then running a food truck called ’Wich, Please. They’re stationary now but still passionate about food. Their menu rotates, but I’m hoping to catch their Capt. Mac’s Clam Dip.

Tenants Harbor. (Instagram: @anchohoney)

@anchohoney. (2020, February 4). Can you sell a superfood vegetable curry… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Jxok-A1ac/?utm_source=ig_embed

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B – Brûlée Bike. This food cart rides on pedal power while serving up delicious sounding flavors of crème brûlée. It was started back in 2015 by a local teenager. Check out Charlie’s original Kickstarter page for when he was fundraising for his dream. My favorite line from the campaign, “The greatest risk of this project is not getting permits and, I will overcome this by perseverance and kindness.” Perseverance and kindness clearly worked! I’m planning to try the Sweet Basil Lime crème brûlée on my visit. Maybe I’ll venture over on National Crème Brûlée Day this coming July 27th.

Portland. (Instagram: @bruleebike)

@bruleebike. (2019, June 8). Torching at #littleseafolkfest at woodford’s Congregational church… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Jxok-A1ac/?utm_source=ig_embed

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C –Cannoli Joe’s. This dessert truck sells several different flavors of cannolis including white chocolate raspberry, sicilian, chocolate peanut butter pretzel, and even pina colada. With an abundance of creative flavors picking one will be hard. I think I might opt for the cookies n cream version, although the cereal treat might be hard to pass up.

Portland. (Instagram: @cannolijoes)

@cannolijoes. (2019, July 26). We are down on Commercial St today… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B0YlanpA6zg/?utm_source=ig_embed

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D – Eighty 8 Donuts. Probably one of my favorite food trucks. This sugar infused food truck was formerly known as Urban Sugar. They make the most amazing mini-donuts fresh to order in dazzling flavors. I’ve tried a few of them during my summer visits, but am always partial to their version of my favorite donut, the Boston Cream. I’ve written about them before in my blog post: Five Local Doughnut Shops to Try Before Krispy Kreme Arrives. They are around Portland in the summer and then they head up to the Sugarloaf ski resort area for the winter.

Portland. (Facebook: @theeight8donutcafe)

@TheEight8DonutCafe. (2020, January 31). At Sugarloaf Mountain…. [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/TheEighty8DonutCafe/photos/a.1169636173172300/1755577504578161/?type=3

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E – El or doubling up on Mexican Food. I’m going with my old faithful on this one – quesadillas – and I have a couple of choices on where to get one with these delicious food truck options:

El Toro. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas and other delicious items made from local ingredients whenever possible.

Central Maine. (Instagram: @eltoromaine)

@eltoromaine. (2016, August 8). IT’S NOT FAST FOOD IT’S STREET FOOD…. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/BI2Mtw2h5fA/?utm_source=ig_embed

El Rodeo: This brick and mortar restaurant also has a mobile food truck.

Portland. (Instagram: @elrodeosouthportland)

@elrodeosouthportland. (2017, October 16). Don’t forget to check out our food…. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/BaUtUhAnQNL/?utm_source=ig_embed

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F – Falafel Mafia. This food truck specializes in falafel pita pockets and other Middle Eastern cuisine. The owners also opened up a restaurant this past December called Nura Hummus and Falafel Bar. I think a stop into both the restaurant and the food truck are on my list. The food posted on their Instagram feed looks so good, making it hard to choose, but I’m leaning towards the falafel platter or the hummus and pita chips. I guess it depends on my mood and how hungry I am when I stop by this summer.

Portland. (Instagram: @falafel_mafia)

@falafel__mafia. (2019, November 2). This could be your lunch today 🥙✨🍁 It’s…. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B4XL96Rgqnn/?utm_source=ig_embed

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G – The Greeks of Peaks. Greek food with a Maine spin. Sounds like a winning combination to me! They’re launching a second food truck this coming spring for double the fun. I’m going to give their spanikopita triangles a try. They recently hosted a spanikopita workshop in December. I’ll be keeping an eye out for future classes.

Portland. (Instagram: @thegreeksofpeaks)

@thegreeksofpeaks. (2019, October 11). @definitivebrewing on Friday until 3 pm! Fresh…. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B3e_uueAtxU/?utm_source=ig_embed

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H – Hoss & Marys. This burger truck is back. The owners briefly detoured to Key West but have returned to Maine offering up some robust looking burgers. The Big Classy with the brie, bacon, sriracha mayo and blueberry preserves sounds like a perfect Maine option.

Wells. (Twitter: @hossandmarys)

@hossandmarys. (2019, November 29). The “Big Classy” while supplies last- Burgers…. [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/hossandmarys/photos/a.1093692400660732/3147566768606608/?type=3&theater

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I – Island Cow Ice Cream.  They have an adorable little ice cream trailer that will be at Popham Beach this summer. Popham Beach is a stunning location that epitomizes the rocky Maine coast. We hiked Popham in the spring: Spring Teaser at Popham Beach State Park and a Visit to the Fort. We have another reason to head back this summer: assuming they have classic flavors, I’ll be going for my old standby Cookies n’ Cream.

Popham Beach. (Facebook: @islandcowicecreamco)

@carrotsigns. (2020, January 17). [No text]…. [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/75150039003/photos/a.10150251693569004/10157838277379004/?type=3&theater

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J – Mami Japanese Street Food. This food truck has evolved into a physical restaurant in Portland. They still use their food truck for catering. While I never got to visit their food truck, we did have a lovely meal at their restaurant.

Portland. (Instagram: @mamiportland)

@mamiportland. (2020, March 6). Beef Sukiyaki time, minus the nabe, but…. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B9aM0PIgba1/?utm_source=ig_embed

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K – Knew Potato Caboose. I am a potato addict. This food truck has some fun toppings but I think I might have to go for the Dead Head, a classic of hand cut fries with just a touch of salt.

Wells Beach. (Facebook: @knewpotatoco)

@knewpotatoco. (2019, October  6). Spooky! Truck or Treat 🎃 — in Wells, Maine….. [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/knewpotatoco/photos/a.1707360059503878/2381107082129169/?type=3&theater

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L – Love Kupcakes: This cupcake truck is an antique Chevy that can be found at special events and other locations in Southern Maine. They serve a variety of baked goods including whoopie pies, muffins, cookies and cupcakes. I’ve tasted their delicious little treats before. Next on my list, their Chocolate Sea Salted Caramel.

Southern Maine. (Instagram: @lovekupcakes)

@lovekupcakes. (2019, July 29). TWO DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR HOT….. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B0f-turguYF/?utm_source=ig_embed

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M – The Marshmallow Cart. Nothing says summers like ooey-gooey s’mores and the Marshmallow Cart has you covered with some creative takes on this perennial classic. They have 24 signature marshmallow flavors that they hand-roast and serve on homemade grahams. How delicious is that? On my list is a cherry marshmallow over a chocolate graham cracker or possibly the cookies and cream over a toffee graham. They all sound so good that I might have to have more than one. Perhaps a visit on August 10th for National S’mores Day!

Portland. (Instagram: @themarshmallowcart)

@themarshmallowcart. (2019, May 22). It’s not raining and we’re not booked ….. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxxf4EjgTxA/?utm_source=ig_embed

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N – Nom Bai Street Kitchen. I love the breadth of food options that the surge in food trucks has brought to Maine. This one serves Cambodian and Vietnamese food using authentic family recipes. While they have a few locations, it looks like Thompson’s Point and Congdon’s After Dark are a few spots where you can try something from this food vendor. I’m intrigued by their coconut grilled corn.

Southern Maine. (Instagram: @nombaistreetkitchen)

@nombaistreetkitchen. (2018, October 21). We’re here on Anderson street in Portland ….. [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/BpM9NEcATL6/?utm_source=ig_embed

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O- The Ocean Roll. I had to have at least one seafood food truck on the list. We’re in Maine after all. I could eat seafood every day, especially when served from an antique truck originally commissioned as a mobile feeding unit for emergencies. Learn more about their unique vehicle HERE. While everything on their menu sounds good to me, I can never pass up fried clams so that’s on my list for this summer. Only the whole belly kind for me!

Kennebunk. (Facebook: @theoceanroll)

@theoceanroll. (2016, July 24). [No Text] ….. [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/theoceanroll/photos/a.335479279856243/1150145245056305/?type=3&theater

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P – PB&ME:  This truck specializes in combinations of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, available deep fried too. Other options include deep fried Oreos, burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Find the colorful truck at special events around Portland. I’ve tried their The King Ah made with peanut butter, banana, bacon and honey. It was amazing. Looking forward to trying it again on my next visit.

Southern Maine. (Facebook: @FoodTruckME)

@westbrookcommunitycenter. (2019, September 24). [No Text] ….. [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/westbrookcommunitycenter/photos/a.210122275688789/2742541505780174/?type=3&theater

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Q –  Fahrenheit 225 BBQ: This food truck specializes in Authentic North Carolina and Memphis style barbecue. I want to try their nachos with chopped brisket. Yum!

Wells. (Instagram: @fahrenheit_225)

@fahrenheit_225. (2019, September 24). Pork belly nacho! Nachos 4 ways tonight… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B14eS6igmBj/?utm_source=ig_embed

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R – Rolling Fatties - I’ve enjoyed a visit to this food truck in the past at the Spring Festival at Wolfe’s Neck Farm. They’re burritos are delicious. I think next time I’ll go for the Cheeseburger Fatty.

Kingfield. (Instagram: @rolling_fatties)

@rolling_fatties. (2020, March 5). If you order a #freedom fatty this… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B9WtvkJgEMQ/?utm_source=ig_embed

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S – The SaltBox Cafe - This tiny house food truck is actually a little shed on a trailer that serves breakfast and lunch on the Eastern Prom. I’ve tasted their delicious breakfast sandwiches before and will definitely be back this summer. The applewood BLT is on my list.

Portland. (Instagram: @saltboxcafemaine)

@saltboxcafemaine. (2019, September 27). SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 28th!
Final day for… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B27-1m2AJZ_/?utm_source=ig_embed

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T – Totally Awesome Vegan Food Truck. While not a vegan myself, my husband and I are trying to be more plant forward in our diets, although I’m not sure this is the healthiest alternative. But it does seem tasty! Plus, their about section on Facebook has the best description “Portland Maine chef Tony DiPhillipo slings the RADDEST gourmet vegan junk food on the planet from his 80’s synthwave zombie apocalypse survival vehicle.” While the menu varies, I’ll be checking out one of their burger creations.

Portland. (Instagram: @totallyawesomeveganfoodtruck)

@totallyawesomeveganfoodtruck. (2020, March 5). Caribbean BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich made with… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B9XOkbiAPYS/?utm_source=ig_embed

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U – The Uproot Pie Company.  A mobile wood fired pizza oven with a focus on sustainable food serving up amazing looking pizza and bialys. While it looks like their menu varies depending on what is in season, I’m hoping to catch their bacon, egg, and cheese pizza this summer on a trip up to the mid-coast. If not available, I’m sure I can find something else equally delicious to try. Check out their website for some beautiful pictures.

Midcoast. (Instagram: @theuprootpieco)

@theuprootpieco. (2019, October 3). It’s mushroom season ! Come to the… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B3KJccRA6Mm/?utm_source=ig_embed

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V - Vagabond Coffee Car. This mobile experience comes to you out of the back of a 1949 International Harvester. They’ve expanded to include a cart too. They serve nitro cold brew coffee from a keg along with teas and fresh-pressed juices. While I’m not a coffee drinker myself, I have a friend who visits every summer who loves iced coffee so I think we’ll need to check this stop out. Looks like they have a semi-permanent spot in Kittery in the summer months.

Southern Maine. (Instagram: @mainevagabond)

@mainevagabond. (2019, August 15). Nitro Cold Brew and Nitro Chai on… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B1M74fOAtkC/?utm_source=ig_embed

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W – Wicked Maine Pops. This recently launched mobile food business is associated with Northwoods Gourmet Girl. I blogged about their delicious sauces in one of my previous A to Z challenges: N is for Northwoods Gourmet Girl | The special joy of a blueberry dessert sauce. Their new gourmet popsicle business looks equally delicious and they’re available year round! I’ve always been partial to orange popsicles. My Mom craved them like crazy when she was pregnant with me and I think the flavor just stuck so I’m going to go with the Tangerine Creamsicle, although the Maine Wild Blueberry Cheesecake is tempting too.

Mid-Coast Maine. (Instagram: @wickedmainepops)

@wickedmainepops. (2020, January 18). It’s always popsicle season. Even when the… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B7de5p1ApzD/?utm_source=ig_embed

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X – X Marks the Spot. Where can you go to maximize your chances of running into one of these amazing mobile food experiences? Congdon’s Doughnuts created the Congdon’s After Dark Food Truck Park which runs from 4pm through late night during the summer months. There’s also a beer garden at the location featuring a couple of Barreled Souls craft beers, made with doughnuts that were created especially for the food truck park. You can read more about Barreled Souls on my post Our Travels Along the Maine Beer Trail for 2018.

Congdon’s After Dark Food Truck Park, 1100 Post Road, Wells, Maine. Opening May 2020.

Wells. (Instagram: @cadfoodtrucks)

@cadfoodtrucks. (2019, October 13). Last day, last opportunity for Honey Dip… [Instagram post]. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kvh5wAn8Z/

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Y – YumBus. Serving sweet and savory crepes at Farmer’s markets and tacos at local breweries, fairs and other events, it’s understandable why Yum is in their name. They also focus on locally grown ingredients. I love their tag line, “The Great Belly Carnival”. So much delicious stuff to choose from, but I’m going to have to try the Blueberry Maple Riccotta made with Maine organic blueberries, Maine Ricotta and Maine Maple Syrup. What a great combination of some Maine favorites!

Mid-Coast Maine. (Facebook: @yumbuslocalvore)

@yumbus. (2019, May 29). [No text]… [Facebook post]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/yumbuslocalvore/photos/a.959548490840166/2051373871657617/?type=3&theater

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Z – Ziggy’s, which was previously Gusto’s Italian Food Truck, appears to be no more. There does seem to be high turnover in this the business although not always because of bad news. Often they evolve into actual brick and mortar locations like my “A” and “J” above, but sometimes they just fade away. The key takeaway? Be sure to check them out while they’re around.

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I was amazed when I started researching this blog post at how many food trucks there are in Maine. I was able to come up with 25 food trucks in no time and it wasn’t even an exhaustive list. Many letters had multiple options.

Why does this bring me bliss? There is something so festive about grabbing a meal from a food truck that makes it an extra special experience. A visit to a food truck is a great opportunity to try new things and experiment with new flavors. Good food definitely brings me bliss.

Do you have a favorite food truck?

 

 

I’m participating in a Blogging A-Z Challenge for April 2020. I will be posting new content every day this month except most Sundays. Each post is associated with a letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. My theme for the challenge is Bliss. To read more of my A to Z posts from this year, click HERE.