Happy summer time friends! The other day I heard DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's Summertime on the radio so I feel like I can officially say that. 

Last summer I started doing a ton of different things in the RDU area with my friend Sarah but nothing captured our heart or attention like the Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo. Imagine a half mile of food trucks with food ranging from arepas to Belgian waffles. I know, it sounds like love. It is. 

The Food Truck Rodeo is an annual event that occurs once a month from late spring to early fall. If you're in the Raleigh area I've included a link that tells your more about it here.  Food truck rodeo has introduced me to some of my favorite food trucks in the Raleigh area and I'm not ashamed to say that I've essentially become a food truck groupie. Check out my favs below:

1. Chirba Chirba 

Chirba Chirba means "Eat Eat" in Mandarin Chinese and that's all I want to do whenever I see this truck. They're well known for some amazing dumplings but my personal favorite is the Red Moon. This dumpling has grass fed beef, Japanese sweet potatoes, red curry, and green onions. If you're one of my vegetarian friends or if you don't eat red meat I would strongly suggest trying the Garlicky Greens dumplings (it's equally delicious I promise). Top it off with any one of their sauces but if you're into spiciness like me, top it off with their Chirba spicy sauce. I know for a fact you won't regret trying out Chirba Chirba!

2. Pho Nomenal Dumpling Truck 

Pho Nomenal is an award winning food truck that serves homemade dumplings, pho, and more. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about all of their dumplings and I would assume they're correct considering their truck won Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race in 2015. When I was first introduced to the truck I was still pescatarian so I've been stuck on their Veggie and Tofu Dumplings and their Vegan Thai Curry Noodles for the longest. Regardless of what you get here, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

3. FRESH. Local Ice Cream 

Anyone that knows me knows I would never leave ice cream off this list. Ice cream is my go to sweet snack all year long. The truck from Fresh. Local Ice Cream, which has two stores in the Raleigh and Cary area, is called FRESH. The ice cream is simply amazing, flavorful and you get a good amount for your money. Any ice cream lover needs to try their truck or even their brick and mortar store.

4. The Wandering Moose  

Slow cooked meats have been some of my favorite foods since I started eating meat again. You'll find no shortage of tasty slow cooked meats at The Wandering Moose food truck. My personal favorite is the brined jerk chicken sandwich. So I'll go ahead and say it, no it doesn't taste anything like my Jamaican family's jerk chicken but I didn't expect it to. The cilantro -jalapeño coleslaw really sets this sandwich off and I will say it was exceptionally tasty.

5. The American Meltdown 

Grilled cheese with a twist is the specialty of this truck. So imagine all of your snow day grilled cheeses with pesto, grilled chicken or other delectable toppings. I really like the Scarborough Fare because after Jesus pesto truly has my heart, but I would venture to say that any of their grilled cheeses are delicious. If you're lucky they'll also be serving the Fordham. I'd definitely suggest checking this truck out when you're looking for something filling and delicious. 

There you have it folks! Check out some of these amazing trucks that are oftentimes owned by local foodies. Whether you find them at a brewery, an arts festival, or the next Food Truck Rodeo, they won't disappoint.

Raleigh folks, what are your favorite food trucks? Hop on my social media and tell me what other trucks I should be checking out!

Stay sassy,

Steph