By Kevin Revolinski | Photo by Hillary Schave
Suffice to say, Madison knows how to do food trucks. Here are nine of the best, serving globally-influenced eats.
LIBRARY MALL
Fresh Cool Drinks
Serving fresh juices, including the award- winning mango tango and berry blast smoothies, Kim Nguyen’s cart is also hugely popular for her single spring roll that’s as big as four normal rolls! (The avocado roll is also legendary.) Get there early and expect a wait as each order is meticulously prepared.
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Surco
Often near the top of the city’s annual Food Cart Review rankings, Surco serves Peruvian fare. Arroz con pollo (a gluten-free dish with marinated chicken and rice) is the top seller, and the two- cheese scalloped potatoes can be served vegetarian or with chicken. Condiments include three sauces of varying heat.
Open daily, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. surcocart.com
Bombay Fast Cafe
Named for a city famous for 24/7 food carts, Milind Ranade’s cart serves only vegetarian fare — and five of her seven dishes are vegan, too. Sides include naan, rice and chutneys. The potato burger is made with deep-fried curry mashed potatoes and is a must-try.
Open Tues-Fri, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (plus Saturdays during the Dane County Farmers’ Market). facebook.com/bombayfastcafe
Bulgogi Korean Taco
A student favorite, their name says it all — they hawk Korean marinated proteins married with Mexican tortillas. Find bulgogi tacos or quesadillas and bibimbap burritos, all with steak, chicken and tofu options.
Open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Caracas Empanadas
The sauces almost steal the show at this city staple known for empanadas and arepas. This cart offers food that’s both delicious and economical.
Open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (plus Saturdays during the Dane County Farmers’ Market). facebook.com/caracasempanadas
CAPITOL SQUARE
Braisin’ Hussies
Michael “Solli” Sollinger serves slow- cooked foods — braised, sous vide and slow-roasted meats and veggies served over jasmine rice, grain (rye, farro, barley), couscous or soba noodles. Count on creativity with ingredients including lentils, sweet potatoes, wild mushrooms, pork belly or yogurt chicken. It’s also ranked number one in the city’s Food Cart Review rankings since 2019.
Open Mon- Fri, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. braisinhussies.com
Common Pasta
Owner Jon Rosnow serves his handmade pasta, sourdough focaccia and from- scratch sausage from his popular food truck. The bestselling mac ’n’ cheese has won awards at Taste of Madison.
Open Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. facebook.com/commonpasta
OTHER LOCATIONS
Saigon Sandwich
Ken Duong’s mother sold banh mi back in Vietnam in the ’70s, and his cart brings the tradition to Madison. Choose from seven protein options, served on crispy baguettes, with a variety of fillings, from pickled veggies and fresh herbs to paté and sriracha. The special combo (BBQ pork and steamed pork roll) is the most popular, along with veggie tofu.
At Johnson & North Charter Streets. Open Mon-Fri, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. saigonsandwichwi.square.site
Paddy’s Patties
This family-operated truck serves single and double smashburgers with perfectly crisp edges, made with local beef (or an Impossible Burger patty). There’s an Oklahoma-style version
with abundant onions, a Cowboy with spicy barbecue sauce and fried onion rings, and the Ouch packs serious heat.
At Karben4, The Boneyard and more. paddyspattiesllc.com
