Typically, in early May, an entire industry begins to light up – the Columbus food truck scene. This year, when the stay-at-home order came into play, the uncertainty of these events caused the industry to pivot. “We rolled out a feature for online ordering, reached out to neighborhoods, elevated food handling protocols, and took the trucks to the people,” says Zach James, President of the Central Ohio Food Truck Association.
Making and maintaining connections with customers as a group is very important to the Central Ohio Food Truck Association. Buckeye Living hit the streets and found some of the cool locations where food trucks are being stationed and what interesting offerings they have for people in our community. Find one in your area today by visiting www.centralohiofoodtrucks.org.
Photography by Al Tucker
Cupzilla
Cupzilla offers Columbus residents authentic Korean BBQ, in a cup! This exotic cuisine is perfect for on-the-go eating. Their menu includes five delicious cups that will take your flavor senses to new heights.
You can customize your spice level and choose the Korean-style barbecue Beef, Tofu, or Chicken Cup – each packed full of noodles, veggies, and rice, or the Combo-Cup.
We turned up the hot factor and braved the Fire-Cup, a Korean fried chicken dish with a tasty blend of sweet and spicy, served with a rice, noodles and veggies. $10
Schmidt’s Sausage Truck
This Columbus landmark opened in German Village in 1886, and soon became a thriving meat-packing house and restaurant. Their mobile business actually got its roots in the early 1900s, when the Schmidt family added a fleet of trucks that delivered sausage to the community.
That tradition continued in 2012 with the launch of their first Food Truck, which took their legendary favorites on the road. The Schmidt’s Sausage Truck offers guests their famous Bahama Mama and Jumbo Cream Puff; Pork or Chicken Bratwurst, Knockwurst, The Fat Daddy (homemade spicy German bologna), and the All Beef Frankfurter.
As Columbus natives, we chose the classic Bahama Mama! We savored its blend of hickory smoked beef and pork with mustard seeds and paprika spice. $8
The Little Kitchen Truck
The Little Kitchen is a plant-based kitchen on wheels. This artfully-designed truck focuses on using in-season fruits and veggies because they taste better and are easier to find, more cost efficient, and support the hard-working farmers and artisans in our community.
Their eclectic menu of comfort health food is sure to please everyone. They offer street tacos, handcrafted hot dogs, signature sandwiches, delicious salads, bowls, smoothies, and more!
We dug into The Little Kitchen Buffalo Chickpea Salad topped with their house-made vegan ranch dressing – it’s the perfect summer salad, filled with mouthwatering flavors and bright colors. $14
Tortilla Street Food
Tortilla hit the streets serving up authentic Mexican food out of a truck, that was better quality than many restaurants. They’re known for fast, friendly service with customizable meal options.
They now have three food trucks operating full-time, year-round, and a seasonal restaurant in Downtown Columbus. Build your own Burrito, Taco, or Quesadilla; or enjoy their Nachos piled high with your favorite toppings.
They also offer delicious bowl options – burrito, salad, or taco – filled with fresh ingredients for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. $9
