Top Food Trucks in South Dade

Believe it or not, some of the best bites in South Dade come piping hot straight from a food truck. Food trucks might not be the ultra-trendy scene they once were, but plenty of these takeout-style roadside concepts continue to dazzle locals and visitors alike with global flavors and inventive culinary treats. Whether you’re craving citrusy ceviche, sticky hot wings or authentic Mexican tacos, discover some of South Dade’s top food trucks below, including late-night spots and even a Brazilian steakhouse concept.

Aja Food Truck

When cravings of salchipapas (sliced fried sausages and French fries) and arepas hit, head to Aja (pronounced like “aha”) Food Truck for your Colombian and Venezuelan fusion fix. The casual food truck whips up affordable Latin street food, including tequeños (Venezuela’s answer to mozzarella sticks), hamburgers with fried bananas and maicitos (a Colombian-style loaded sweet corn dish with shredded meats, cheese, potato sticks and sauces). Wash it all down with a refreshing Frescolita soda or Maltin. South Dade locations include Homestead and Kendall, with additional outposts in Westwood Lakes, Coconut Grove, Doral and Bird Road.

Address: 14804 SW 136th St., Miami, FL 33196 (Kendall); 30000 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033 (Homestead)

Hours of Operation: Open daily from 6 p.m. to midnight

Fat Boy Ricks

With locations in Kendall and Bird Road, you’re never too far from a juicy smash burger and loaded fries at Fat Boy Ricks. These half-pound burgers come piled high with the works between buttery brioche buns. The Lau’s smash burger features American cheese, sautéed onions, bacon, and a new “fancy” sauce, available in single or double. Don’t forget an order of WTF fries, which comes with a trio of mouthwatering sauces. Save room for a Nutella- or guava-filled pastelito drizzled with condensed milk.

Address: 12900 SW 128th St., Miami, FL 33186 (Kendall); 7379 SW 40th St., Miami, FL 33155 (Westchester)

Hours of Operation: Open Sunday to Thursday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 6 p.m. to midnight

Taquería 5 Hermanos Food Truck

Wooden chairs scattered around makeshift tables and Mexican flags set the scene at Taquería 5 Hermanos Food Truck, located beside a gas station in Homestead's Redlands. The inexpensive and authentic Hidalgo-style Mexican food draws crowds daily with a menu of burritos, flautas, gorditas, quesadillas, tostadas and, of course, tacos. These hearty bites are brimming with carne asada, al pastor and more.

Don’t leave without heading to the back for fresh fruit with chamoy (a popular Mexican condiment made from pickled fruit) and Tajín (mild Mexican chili seasoning). Need another reason to go? There’s plenty of parking, traditional music on the speakers and occasionally even live mariachis.

Address: 27200 SW 177th Ave., Homestead, FL 33031

Hours of Operation: Open daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed on Mondays

1821 Sandwich Shop

Find this Peruvian street food truck perched at a church in Kendall, whipping up classics like lomo saltado (Peruvian beef stir-fry), grilled anticuchos (marinated meat skewers) and fresh, citrusy ceviche. Of course, you must try one of 1821's Peruvian-style sandwiches. The half-pound Angus 1821 Burger comes with bacon, a fried egg and Swiss cheese. The Parrillera Burger is another favorite, featuring chorizo, Swiss cheese and chimichurri sauce. You can’t leave without trying one of the signature alfajores (sandwich cookies), renowned for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet fillings.

Address: 9225 SW 137th Ave., Miami, FL 33186

Hours of Operation: Closed Mondays; Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday 7 p.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

El Toro Loco Steakhouse

No one does grilled meats quite like El Toro Loco, a popular Brazilian steakhouse concept with food-truck locations popping up all over South Dade, including Pinecrest, Bird Road, Kendall and West Kendall. Meat lovers can drool over everything from juicy tomahawk and ribeye steaks to chorizo, picanha, churrasco, lomo and bacon-wrapped filet mignon, all seared to perfection on a charcoal grill and served on a platter.

Start with the Manchego cheese croquettes with a guava sauce or the USDA Prime Toro Tacos. Pro tip: Take home one of El Toro Loco’s Hot Toro jars. The addicting signature sauce blends red and green peppers with onions, hot sauce and other seasonings that pair perfectly with every bite.

Address: 11381 SW 40th St., Miami, FL 33165 (Bird Road); 6603 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33143 (Pinecrest); 10501 SW 88th St., Ste. 101, Miami, FL 33176 (Kendall); 10201 Hammocks Blvd., Ste. 119, Miami, FL 33196 (The Hammocks); 12795 SW 137th Ave., Miami, FL 33186 (West Kendall)

Hours of Operation: Open daily from 11 a.m.; closing times vary by location

Matanga Food Truck

Formerly known as Q’ Sabroso, Matanga sits just outside the Miami Executive Airport in Kendall, awaiting hungry diners seeking familiar Venezuelan eats. Try a pepito (an over-the-top street-food sandwich with meats and melted cheese), a Venezuelan-style hot dog piled high with toppings like crispy potato sticks and an array of sauces, or a cachapa. These sweet-and-savory corn cakes are grilled until golden and filled with a soft white cheese. You can’t go wrong with an order of empanadas or tequeños dipped in garlic sauce.

Address: 13205 SW 137th Ave., Miami, FL 33186

Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Fridays 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and weekends 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

CJ’s Hot Spot

Open only Friday and Sunday, CJ’s Hot Spot is the kind of food truck you plan your weekend around. The menu is pure comfort. Think: messy wings (boneless or traditional), baby back ribs, Philly cheesesteaks, cheese fries and hearty plates seasoned to perfection. It’s low-key, satisfying and very much worth the drive south.

Address: 421 SW Fourth St., Homestead, FL 33030

Hours of Operation: Open Friday and Sunday 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.