Bay Area Top Twenty Food Trucks - 2012

Hundreds of the world's best roam the streets of the Bay Area. We talk not of business men and celebrities, but of food trucks and carts. This growing movement has become a fixture in Bay Area culture from San Francisco to Oakland to San Jose. Here are the Bay Area's top twenty mobile eateries.

#1 - Sam's Chowdermobile, Half Moon Bay

Sam's, of Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, is our top truck because of the amazing food. It simply does not get any better than a Lobster Roll and cup of Clam Chowder on a cold San Francisco morning.

#2 - Spencer on the Go!, San Francisco

This on-wheels version of Chez Spencer serves up traditional French fare, earning the title of San Francisco's first "mobile bistro". This top-tier truck plates everything you can think of including their famous escargot lollipops, giving them solid control of the second slot on our top twenty board.

#3 - Creme Brûlée Cart, San Francisco

Another San Francisco legend, the Creme Brûlée Cart pulls in at number three because of it's traditional and not-so-traditional array of French desserts that has stolen the hearts of thousands of Bay Area foodies.

#4 - Chairman Bao, San Francisco

A creative name, appealing truck design and, above all, outstanding food puts this truck at number four in our countdown of the Bay’s top twenty. From Pork Belly Steamed Buns to baked duck ones, The Chairman shows a mastery of all meats - and displays how different styles of Chinese Bao can taste so good.

#5 - Hapa SF, San Francisco

Hapa gets the five spot for it’s modern take on Filipino food that leaves us all in awe. Still, it sticks to tradition in it’s menu with delicious offerings such as Chicken Adobo and Sisig. Fresh ingredients and amazing flavors greet the customer at every trip to Hapa.

#6 - Sanguchon, San Francisco

Peruvian cuisine has found itself a home on the streets in Sanguchon, the first truck of it’s kind in San Francisco. Sandwiches are the highlight at this mobile Sangucheria, with options ranging from Pan Con Chicharron (fried pork) to Lomo Saltado (seasoned steak).

#7 - Treatbot, San Jose

The South Bay’s crown jewel, Treatbot, claims number seven with it’s decadent ice cream and futuristic style. Inventive flavors and smooth, rich ice cream help push it above dozens of other worthy wagons.

#8 - Curry Up Now, San Francisco

CUN is a Bay Area favorite. Great, innovative food has earned it that title. Their Tikka Masala Burritos are just one example of their iconic Indian/Mexican-fusion fare.

#9 - Bacon Bacon, San Francisco

Yes, they serve bacon, and a lot of it. Bacon Bacon is the first of it’s kind - an eatery that serves little but bacon. Vegetarians beware everything from their bacon burgers to the famous Bacon Bouquet, a dish consisting of five slices of the heavenly meat.

#10 - KoJa Kitchen, San Francisco

This Korean/Japanese truck serves up new-age Far East fare with options such as the short rib rice bun. This is essentially two rice cakes with a helping of spiced meat layered inside topped with sauce and sesame seeds. Oh, is it delicious.


#11 - Grillstars, Union City

BBQ has never been so good. Grillstars hits the streets with smoked meats, sandwiches, and hotdogs unlike any seen before in the Bay. Since the meats are left to smoke for a full twelve hours, this truck sells out quick at rallies. How can you be disappointed with commitment to excellence?

#12 - Senor Sisig, San Francisco

Mexican fusion is nothing terribly new on gourmet food trucks. Filipino-Mexican fusion? Yeah, that’s a little different. Senor Sisig gets this slot for it’s ability to pump out great Filipino fare in South of the Border packaging, such as tortillas and taco shells.

#13 - An the Go, San Francisco

Our first Vietnamese slot goes to An the Go and it’s famous Garlic Noodles. Don’t be fooled - that’s not all they serve. This truck has versatility, as it also aces Coconut Shrimp and barbecue Pork Skewers.

#14 - The Rib Whip, San Francisco

The Rib Whip is San Francisco’s Grillstars, with barbecued meats and hot sandwiches being their specialty as well. They too run out fast any time they serve, so get there fast for a taste of Southwestern flare off of a killer truck.

#15 - O Mi Ninja, San Jose

Meet the second of our Vietnamese star trucks, O Mi Ninja. This truck is known for serving large and over the top Bahn Mi sandwiches. Their specialty, the Ninja, has a whopping eight proteins including Vietnamese Sausage, tofu, and bacon stuffed inside a foot-long French Roll. Add in some veggies and Ninja Sauce, and you are good to go.

#16 - MoGo BBQ, San Jose

One of San Jose’s most popular stops, MoGo delights customers with Korean-Mexican fusion. Their centerpiece is the Short Rib Burrito, a giant concoction consisting of meat, cabbage, tortilla, and sauce that can be yours for just seven dollars. They may be one of the better deals in town, as even their tasty tacos are an affordable two dollars each.

#17 - Nom Nom, San Francisco

The brother of the Los Angeles sensation, San Francisco’s Nom Nom gives out Bahn Mi on par with many trucks in the state. The menu is not limited to sandwiches, but it is what the truck is known for - great Bahn Mi.

#18 - BBQ Kalbi, San Jose

This truck ranks eighteenth for one reason, the food. Sure, the truck is nice and the service excellent, but the fare stands out. Amazing meats fill their affordable, good-sized tacos, which sell for a measly three dollars apiece, allowing you to escape with top-notch food for a little over ten dollars.

#19 - We Sushi, San Jose

This landmark truck simply had to be placed in the top twenty. It is the first time a sushi serving vehicle has rolled down Bay Area streets. The truck is similar in layout to an Izakaya bar, with equally excellent food. Even with the expensive equipment and high-caliber ingredients, We Sushi maintains a large, expansive menu at a low price to the customer.

#20 - Seoul on Wheels, San Francisco

Rounding out the top twenty is this gem. This truck pumps out delicious food at a slow pace, one so sluggish, you wonder when it’s coming. Still, the tacos are indeed excellent, prompting the masses to crowd around this rising star in the food truck community.

And there you have it, the Bay Area’s Top Twenty Trucks (2012). Feel free to comment on the results. Just remember, not everyone can be a winner, and there’s another dozen worthy of this list. Eat well, and submit more of your favorites for consideration in the next Top Twenty!

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