By Kathy Hanrahan | WRAL.com
A few months ago we asked you to tell us your favorite food truck in the Triangle. We took those suggestions and went on a mission to try as many food trucks as we could.
We also counted your votes to determine the fan favorite, who will occupy the fifth spot on the list.
In no particular order our Five Fave food trucks:
Sarge’s Chef on Wheels – They describe their menu as “chop soul” – down-home cooking with an Asian/Caribbean flair. We just call it delicious! This family-run mobile kitchen was inspired by and dedicated to the chef’s parents. His father served in the Air Force for 30 years and his mother loved to cook.
 Menu items to try: Shrimp and grits (spicy, cheesy and perfect on a cold day!), shrimp po-boy and jerk chicken taco.
Baguettaboutit – The idea for this truck came from a lunch the creators had in Switzerland in 1999. Now, everyone is enjoying North Carolina-made sausages topped with handmade sauces and stuffed inside toasted baguettes. They even offer vegetarian options! Their food is the epitome of food truck fare – you can walk around and eat it with one hand! Menu items to try: U Betcha (Bratwurst and beer garden mustard) and the United Nations (Chicken Chipotle Sausage topped with Chimichurri Sauce).
Porchetta – When I see this truck going down I-40, I actually point at it and yell. I am that excited about this food truck. (I know I am pathetic!) They specialize in slow-roasted Italian style pork sandwiches on toasted kaiser rolls, but they also offer pork burgers, roasted eggplant flatbreads and more. They know how to cook! The pork is tender, perfectly seasoned and the juices that soak into the rolls create a perfect topping! Menu item to try: The Mediterranean (their famous pork served with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella and herb aioli).
Klausies and Pie Pushers – We couldn’t decide between these two, so we decided to let them share a spot on the list. They are opposites – Raleigh-based Klausies is all about the thick, hearty crust. Pie Pushers is based in Durham and has what they call “Durham style” crust – hand tossed and thin. Each love to top slices with great combos – like Klausies’ Gyro and Pushers’ State of Nirvana. You really can’t go wrong with either for a great slice in the Triangle.
FAN FAVORITE WINNER: American Meltdown – Grilled cheese on wheels – that is what we call this truck. Who doesn’t love a great grilled cheese sandwich? They take it to a new level though, offering creations like Pig N Figs (goat cheese, speck, figs and balsamic reduction) and Beer and Bacon! That is why they managed to edge out Chirba Chirba by ONE VOTE to win the bragging rights as your favorite food truck!
FAN FAVORITE RUNNER UP: Chirba Chirba – They missed being the official fan favorite by only one vote, but we love some Chirba Chirba dumplings!!
Along the way we tried some great food! Here are a few of the items we are now hooked on:
Mama Duke’s falafel tots, Valentino’s cannolis, Deli-icious’ crab quesadilla, Humble Pig’s pork tacos and Kokyu BBQ’s duck fat tots.
And if you are craving something sweet, check out our Five Favorite Dessert Food Trucks.
