You might be surprised to know how many Native-owned food trucks and buses there are across the United States. From Minnesota to New Mexico to California, these spots are scattered throughout the U.S., offering Indigenous-inspired dishes, fry bread, soups and drinks! We put together a comprehensive list so you can refer to it on your next family vacation or road trip. Did we miss any? Let us know if the comments or email us at www.sweetgrasstradingco.com.
Tatanka Truck
The Tatanka Truck features mushroom, bison or turkey Indigenous tacos. The food truck opened summer 2022 and is located just outside of the Sioux Chef Sean Sherman’s restaurant, Owamni. According to the Tatanka Truck website, the food truck features “regional Indigenous Foods from the MN and Dakota Territories. We prioritize buying our foods from local Native Producers. Our foods represent the flavors, histories, and cultures of the land we stand on.”
Off the Rez Café and food truck
This cafe features classic tacos, wild rice bowls and salads using fresh, local ingredients. Off the Rez Cafe is located in the Burke Museum at the University of Washington in Seattle. The cafe also features Seattle’s first Native food truck that can be found at various locations throughout the week (check the schedule here). The food truck offers tacos, burgers, fry bread and salads.
Emerson Fry Bread
This Phoenix-based food truck features classic Native foods with a modern twist. Choose from a Navajo burger, Mutton sandwich or steamed corn stew and wash it down with a prickly pear lemonade! Visit their Instagram page linked above for daily locations and specials.
NAICCO Cuisine
This food truck in Columbus, Ohio, was founded by The Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) in an effort to bring more public awareness to indigenous foods. The menu includes fare such as “NDN” tacos, fry bread, taco bowls and buffalo burgers. Visit the NAICCO Cuisine web page for schedule and locations.
Strawberry Coffee
Strawberry Coffee is described as “an exploration of sweetness, ritual gathering spaces and everyday encounters.” Owned by Catherine Zingg (Ho-Chunk), the bus features specialty drinks that tie in Native heritage. For example, maple syrup from the Passamaquoddy Tribe and local coffee from Xanadu are among the many traditional ingredients featured here.
The Fry Bread Truck
The Fry Bread Truck is a family owned and operated food truck business in Phoenix Metro area, and is available for private events and catering. Visit the website for daily locations and times. The menu consists of different variations of fry bread, including garden chile beef, halona steak, red chile carnitas and more. The truck also serves breakfast and dessert fry bread options.
White Eyes Fresh Fry Bread
Based throughout Arizona, White Eyes Fresh Fry Bread travels the state to bring sweet, savory fry bread to the people. The menu features various toppings for the bread including green chili pork, ground beef and beans, vegetarian beans and salsa, powdered sugar, honey and more. Check the website for a full schedule.
Big Foot Fry Bread
This Northern California-based food truck features a spin on the classic fry bread dish. One of their most popular items is the res dog – a massive, frybread battered hot dog. The truck also dishes up Indian tacos and Native shortbread. You can learn more and see a schedule on their Facebook page.
Manko: Native American Fusion
Under the leadership of Chef Ray Naranjo, Manko: Native American Fusion has three locations in New Mexico: Espanola, Albuquerque and Los Alamos. The truck features typical Native American comfort foods with a modern twist, such as buffalo green chile bacon burgers, cactus tempura turkey sandwiches and pueblo enchiladas.
Yapopup: Indigenous Soul Food
Also located in New Mexico, Yapopup prides itself on offering indigenous soul food and comfort foods. One of the most popular items on the menu are pueblo birria tacos featuring Coahuila chiles and New Mexican-grown red chiles. Owner Ryan Rainbird Taylor hails from the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.
Ryan’s Rezipes
Ryan’s Rezipes is a food truck and catering service based out of Tulalip, Washington. The menu includes classics like pulled pork nachos and street tacos, in addition to specialties such as lemon shrimp bowls, loco moco and sockeye salmon sandwiches. Visit the website for a weekly schedule/locations.