LA's Best Vegetarian Food Trucks
March 17, 2021
From vegan street food to vegetarian food trucks and top meat-free options, we break down the best vegetarian food trucks in Los Angeles.
Lettuce Feast
With a name like Lettuce Feast, you might expect mostly leafy greens with this one. Guess again! This food truck specializes in thick southern-fried vegan chicken, served as tenders or on big, buttered buns with down-home pickle chips, and tangy apple slaw. Perhaps you'll also order up some red-hot Cajun fries and their signature Tropical House Juice, a mix of pineapple, passion fruit, and mango. Lettuce Feast cruises to Culver City, Downtown LA, Long Beach, and Northridge.
Cena Vegan
Your basic Spanish serves you well if you know that "cena" means "dinner." Though Cena Vegan does serve lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Otherwise, it's dinner-only with this popular food truck you can catch in Highland Park—though expect to wait in line for amazing plant-based tacos and burritos. What's on the menu? Tacos Al Pastor grilled with onions and pineapple. The Big Vegan Burrito is packed with your choice of different plant-based proteins. Or maybe you'll go really big with the Nacho Boat, a massive pile of nacho chips topped by plant protein, refried beans, pico de gallo, and chipotle crema.
Word of Mouth
Serving what they describe as "plant-based comfort cuisine," Word of Mouth has earned a reputation for making some of LA's best mobile Mac-n-Cheese. Deep-fried that is, bite-sized, dusted with herbs and parmesan cheese, and served with a side of homemade ranch dressing. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are indeed comforting, though perhaps less satisfying than a big Western Cheeseburger with mushroom bacon and onion rings, with your choice of either a Beyond Meat or a sweet-potato-and-black-bean patty. Normally their truck serves in North Hollywood.
G's Tacos Spot on Wheels
Self-described as a "gourmet food truck," G's Tacos Spot on Wheels delivers on that claim with authentic traditional Mexican cuisine. And while they do serve many meat dishes, they have lots of great vegetarian options, such as Tof-itos, grilled tofu stuffed with Julienned onions, and tri-colored bell peppers. Savor their popular vegetarian soft tacos with a mix of beans topped by red cabbage, a corn medley, green onions, and cilantro. Or maybe you'll go with a Vegetarian Burrito Bowl filled with a mix of vegetables and topped with sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese.
The Falafel Factory
With lots of vegan-friendly options, the Falafel Factory serves Mediterranean cuisine in and around Downey. And they offer their vegan falafels in a dizzying number of ways: in wraps, in seven-layer bowls, and in platters with made-from-scratch hummus and organic salads. Or how about a falafel burger with a side of sweet potato fries? Perhaps you'll go for the falafel taco with bell pepper, onion, tahini sauce, and guacamole. And you can't go wrong capping your meal with a serving of Mama's Baklava.
Richeeze Melts
Spotted in North Hollywood, Long Beach, Ontario, and all across Downtown LA, Richeeze (as you may have guessed) is all about cheese. While meat-lovers devour lots of items on their menu, their vegetarian sandwiches are just as popular. We're talking about wonders like the Ally's Special, marinated portobello mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and pesto sauce on sourdough bread. The Jalapeño Popper Melt has jalapeños stuffed with pepper jack cheese, plus tomatoes, and grilled onions. And the Caprazy? That's mozzarella, fresh basil, and tomato, with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Original Herbivore
Vegan fried chicken in a bucket? Oh yeah! Original Herbivore turns the fast-food classic on its end with its seitan-substitute strips in a Chick'n Bucket served in a variety of styles: barbecue lime, buffalo, spicy Korean, lemon pepper, and crispy. Unique takes on take-out classics don't stop there. How about Phish and Chips, deep-fried battered banana blossoms with tartare sauce and malt vinegar? Or you can go with (slightly) healthier fare such as their Pierogi Plate, pan-fried potato dumplings with a side salad. The Original Herbivore truck makes rounds in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and Long Beach.
Frozen Fruit Co
Have you saved room for a vegan dessert? Then check out the plant-based ice cream from the Frozen Fruit Co truck—bright pink with floral designs, it's hard to miss! One of their most popular treats is the Mint Choc Chip, ice cream made from coconut, peppermint, and dates. Or maybe you'll try their vegan strawberry ice cream, a delicious mix of strawberries with apples, peaches, and pears. The truck heads out to Studio City and Echo Park, plus they have a brick-and-mortar store in Santa Monica.
Who says street food must have meat? Some of the best LA food trucks have meat-free menus and they’re just waiting for your order.
Written by William McCleary for Knockaround.
