Food Trucks, Coffee Vans & More in Melbourne
Melbourne is a bit of a dream for anyone who likes to eat their way around a city. We are lucky to have such a huge range of food on offer, with influences from all over the world and plenty of people doing interesting things with them. Food trucks are a big part of that, bringing everything from familiar favourites to less expected dishes to markets, festivals, beer gardens and events across the city. It means there is always the chance of stumbling across something new, whether you are looking for a quick lunch or planning an afternoon around food.
What makes Melbourne’s food truck scene particularly good is the quality as well as the variety. These are not just convenient options for feeding a crowd. Many of the people behind the trucks are serious about their food, and you can find everything from properly made burgers and wood-fired pizza to Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern food. Add in places like Welcome to Thornbury, Grazeland and the many markets and festivals around Melbourne, and there are plenty of ways to discover something different without having to go far.
Browse Melbourne spots by cuisine
Tacos in Melbourne
Dessert in Melbourne
Doughnuts in Melbourne
Burgers in Melbourne
More cuisines
5rokuBao Buns · Japanese · Poke Bowls
Chef CalamariFish and Chips · Lemonade · Seafood
El ChiviChivitos · Churros · Steak sandwiches
Greek Street FoodChips · Greek · Salad · Souvlaki
Meet GertrudePreston · Asian fusion · Lemonade · Matcha
Miss VenezuelaPreston · South American Street Food
Mr MomoDumplings · Nepalese
Nem'n'NemSalad · Vietnamese
Pasta FaceItalian · Pasta
Purple RabbitVegan
Señor GustoLatin American
Sparrow's Philly CheesesteaksPreston · Fried Chicken · Fries · Philly Cheesesteak · Wings
The Real JerkCaribbean · Jamaican
ToastaSandwiches · Toasted Sandwiches · Toasties
Toasted Truck and DeliSandwiches
Woking AmazingThornbury · Vegan
Melbourne food truck FAQs
CurrentSpot lists 26 food spots in Melbourne. New spots are added every week, so the count keeps growing.
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most multicultural cities: more than a third of Greater Melbourne residents were born overseas, and its food reflects that. Generations of migrants have shaped how the city eats, from the Italian espresso culture of Carlton to Vietnamese food in Richmond and Footscray, Greek food in Oakleigh and Middle Eastern bakeries along Sydney Road in Brunswick.
On CurrentSpot, Melbourne’s 26 spots cover 41 cuisines. The most common are Tacos (5 spots), Burgers (3) and Churros (2), along with Dessert, Doughnuts and Fried Chicken.
Food trucks and market stalls in Melbourne gather at markets, food truck parks, breweries and events. Coffee vans and hole-in-the-wall spots are spread across the city and suburbs.
Welcome to Thornbury, Grazeland and Queen Victoria Market are hubs of food trucks and vendors.
Yes, but only in set locations. To trade on the street in the City of Melbourne, which covers the CBD, a food van needs a City of Melbourne food van permit. The permit lets operators trade at designated on-street sites, for up to two years. Markets, events and festivals aren’t covered by this permit; they use separate approvals. Food trucks are also common on private property, such as breweries and food truck parks, with the owner’s permission.
In Victoria, mobile food businesses register with their local council through FoodTrader, the state’s online system (it replaced Streatrader). To trade on the street in the City of Melbourne, you also need a City of Melbourne food van permit. That needs a current food premises registration, $20 million public liability insurance, and a van that fits in a standard parking bay. Other councils have their own rules, so check with the council where you plan to trade.
Run a truck in Melbourne?
Upload your menu, take QR orders and let regulars follow where you're parked next.