We New Yorkers do not believe in taking it easy, slowing down, or taking a breather. We are quite content in leading fast-paced lives where newspapers are read on the subway, morning news is watched in taxi cabs, coffee is drank from to-go cups instead of mugs, and land lines become obsolete. We have managed to create a faster way for doing everything, including life’s necessities and sometimes luxuries. Fast food has taken on new meaning in NYC. We’re serving up some of the city’s best food mobiles and Vendy Award nominees* to help you get your gourmet fix on the go.
*Vendy Awards = Awarded to the city’s best food vendors. In other words, it’s a big deal.

NY Dosas
Looking for a mobile vegetarian option? A past runner up at the Vendy Awards, The Dosa Man on the Southwest side of Washington Square Park has got you covered. One dollar appetizers like delicious samosas served with two dipping sauces and affordable entrees like dosas and assorted chutneys have hungry New Yorkers lining up around the block to get a taste of the Dosa Man’s South Indian options. This food mobile knows how to cater to any and everyone, with offerings that are sweet, savory, and spicy to give every customer a culinary experience they’re bound to enjoy. This vendor knows how to help his customers get their money’s worth and find the dish that’s right for them – he is always friendly and more than happy to help you if South Indian flavors are foreign to your palate.
NY Dosas, Washington Square Park, West 4th Street at Sullivan Street,
917-710-2092

The Mud Truck
Need your morning caffeine fix ASAP? Running too late to head to your local coffee shop? Enter the Mud Truck. One of the East Village’s trendiest coffee spots has taken to the streets and parked in the bustling Cooper Square to bring its espresso, drip coffee, and pastries to those too busy to make it to their shop. You’ll know the mud truck for its bright orange hue, 60’s music blaring from its speakers, and peace sign flags draping it on all sides. The Mud Truck is on the fast track to ensuring peace and love even at the wee hours of the morning, a happy New Yorker is one with caffeine.
Cooper Square at the Uptown 6 train entrance.

Bistro Truck
Initially looking to start his own Bistro with a menu peppered with Mediterranean and Moroccan influences, owner Yassir Raouli compromised with the recession and took his plans to the street, focusing on bistro quality food at affordable prices. Serving up daily specials as well as traditional items like Bistro burgers and roasted lamb over couscous, Bistro Truck reigns over the Union Square area with its cross-cultural take on mobile gourmet. With their restaurant savvy, Bistro Truck is also available for catering! They will visit your next event to serve up their to-go treats especially for you and your guests.
Follow Bistro Truck on Twitter or call them to find out where they’re stationed. I found them on 5th Avenue at the corner of 16th St! 800.290.4924, Yassir@bistrotruck.com.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Truck
Now here’s a truck that knows how to balance out its carbon emissions with products that are undoubtedly green. Using hormone-free milk from local farmers, Van Leeuwen artisans have perfected environmentally conscious sweets, using disposables made from 100% renewable resources and all natural ingredients. The result? Authentic, pure, and decadently simple ice creams that focus on bringing the best out of each ingredient without being too pretentious. Stop by one of Van Leeuwen’s two trucks in downtown Manhattan for a frozen treat that puts Mr. Softee to shame.
Corner of Greene & Prince Sts., University Place at East 11th St., Follow them on Twitter.

Rickshaw Dumpling Truck
When it comes to take-out, chopsticks have pretty much replaced cutlery for the average New Yorker. So much of our dining out leads us to eat Asian – Chinese take out, sushi, Korean BBQ, and more. Thankfully, Vendy finalist Rickshaw Dumplings is making our favorite appetizer faster than take-out, serving up creative dumplings for dinner and dessert out of their Rickshaw Truck. You can find these dumpling connoisseurs in the Financial District catering to the bankers and financiers. Start off with an option from their lengthy list of savory dumplings and finish off with their dessert specialty, chocolate soup dumplings.
For Rickshaw Truck hours & locations,follow them on Twitter

Waffles and Dinges
Ever wish you could get breakfast outside of a diner at any hour? Wish the world of New York vendors included a Euro-inspired food option for an affordable price? Your wish has been granted. Wafels and Dinges, a truck that advertises “good things Belgian” brings you freshly pressed Belgian waffles and a full menu of dinges (“Belgian for toppings or ‘whatchamacallits’”) to top them off with. Visit the waffle window and choose how you’d like your wafel pressed - choose the Brussels Wafel for a lighter, crispier option or select the Liege Wafel for a softer and chewier consistency. Tackle the dinges menu where you’ll have various spreads, fruits, nuts, and other toppings to choose from. Perfect for an indulgent breakfast, snack, or late-night treat, Wafels and Dinges is the ideal European infusion to downtown street food.
Click here to figure out where to find Wafels and Dinges.

Cupcake Stop
This vendor’s mission is to bring sweet treats and indulgences to every New Yorker, especially those on the run. Making delicious sweets accessible to New Yorkers “on their terms,” Cupcake Stop does as its name implies, stopping in convenient NYC locations armed with freshly baked goodies, ranging from popular cupcake flavors to more exciting twists on the classics. Stop at Cupcake Stop to try everything from their famous red velvets to their PB&J and Fluffernutter cupcakes.
For Cupcake Stops click here or follow them on Twitter