12 Best Food Trucks in Ottawa

This summer, we're excited that we can celebrate with international flair when the city's food trucks hit the downtown streets again. Here are 12 of our favourite food trucks in Ottawa.

If you're on the east side of downtown—playing at Strathcona Park, maybe, or taking in a free kids' Chamberfest show at City Hall—head over to Wilbrod Street near King Edward for the fabulous food at Nacho Cartel. Order up some beef nachos for the kids, and treat them to a freshly made milkshake. Meanwhile, pick up a steak taco and a shrimp taco for yourself (both are fantastic, and it's just too hard to decide). There's a sweet little picnic area next to the truck that's perfect for savouring a relaxing meal.

Spending the day at Parliament Hill? Cool off with freshly made gelato from Stella Luna, now available from their classic push cart at the corner of Bank and Sparks. We can't wait to try their newest flavour, Raspberry Cheesecake with a swirl of graham crackers—but for kids with a real sweet tooth, we recommend yummy coconut or dulce de leche.

If you'll be spending the day splashing around at the Plant or Hintonberg Park, trek over to Bytown Bayou at the corner of Wellington and Spadina. You can't go wrong with classic pulled pork or pulled chicken with slaw on the side, although kids might prefer poutine or their awesome bacon macaroni and cheese.

Located in Orleans (on Youville north of St. Joseph) Big Bert's makes the perfect picnic lunch for a day spent in Forest Glen Park. Pick up a luscious grilled cheese with classic cheddar or a blend of exotic cheeses, some fresh cut fries and beignets with icing sugar and grab a spot on the grassy picnic area nearby. It's cash only, so make sure you have bucks on hand.

The Merry Dairy moves around, but it's worth checking their schedule to try to track them down (tip: they stick mostly to the Westboro/Tunney's Pasture area in the summer). Their frozen custard is a unique, flavourful frozen treat, and kids just love dressing it up with a variety of sprinkles and toppings. There are also classic floats, merry pops made from fresh fruit, and homemade ice cream sandwiches. Don't bother trying to choose, just get them all!

Flapjack's is a secret gem of a food truck that hides in the back alley behind Mrs. Tiggy Winkles. They serve unbelievably good stacks stuffed with fruit and topped with sweet or savory sauces. Our pick? A tall stack with raspberries with caramel sauce—and don't forget the sprinkles!

One of the biggest of the new trucks, Ottawa Streat Gourmet specializes in fresh, local dishes that are as healthy as they are delicious. Try their gluten-free, vegan lettuce wraps—a treat for all types of diets. They're usually parked near Queen and O'Connor in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

The well-known cafe goes mobile with their new LUNCH truck, found near Albert and Lyon, in front of the Place de Ville. Grab a roast beef sandwich (packed in a compostable cardboard container), some freshly made cookies and a LUNCH box (featuring cheese and fruit), and head over to the Garden of the Provinces for a downtown picnic.

Located in the heart of downtown (on Bank Street, between Albert and Slater), Raon Kitchen is a hot spot for weekday lunches. Avoid the lines by hitting the cart on off-hours; it'll be worth it. Their 'bap,' a Korean dish featuring a mix of warm rice, veggies and meat or tofu, is just the kind of exotic delight that will turn a day of sightseeing in Ottawa into something special.

Sitting just on the edge of Commissioner's Park at the corner of Carling and Preston, Olive Green is a great little cart to introduce your family to Indian cuisine. Not to be missed: their gently spiced chicken chapaati wraps, perfectly fried samosas and, best of all, paraatha, a kind of flatbread stuffed with mashed potatoes.

Located just outside Dundonald Park in centretown, Dosa Inc. is one of the most highly anticipated new food trucks. Grab a dosa—an Indian crepe made from gluten-free rice and lentil flours—stuff it with any number of delicious curries and settle down in the park for an al fresco lunch while the kids explore the play structure.

Never heard of a churro? You won't ever forget the name after trying one of these sweet, fried Mexican delights from Mr. Churritos. One of the few carts that plans to stay open year-round, you can pick up some churros and a hot chocolate chaser on O'Connor, just south of Sparks Street.