Don’t Miss Kissimmee’s World Food Trucks!

Food trucks aren’t a new phenomenon, at least not in Orlando. They have been part of the culinary scene in Central Florida for some 20 years, and the first full food truck bazaar, or gathering event, was held in 2011. Thousands of people turned up back then and continue to form queues wherever trucks congregate. Some have even given rise to full-scale restaurant spin-offs, like the Crooked Spoon in Clermont.

But something that is new(ish), and a first-of-its-kind phenomenon, is right in the heart of tourist Kissimmee, opposite Old Town on Highway 192, and is fast becoming one of the area’s most sought-after dining delights, especially at weekends and for special events, when the place can be busy until 2am. Yes, really.

But, before we get carried away on a tidal wave of foodie faddishness, let us ask a quick question: How many food trucks would you consider a lot? Ten, maybe? Twenty, probably? Thirty, for sure? So, how about 102? That’s right, go all the way up to one hundred, and then a little bit more. Do we have your attention? Welcome to World Food Trucks.

The Food Trucks Story

The site that is now World Food Trucks was also, for the longest time, the Visitors Flea Market, an extensive bargain basement of merchandise of all kinds, from tourist souvenirs and collectibles to clothing and jewellery. It attracted both locals and visitors alike and, for more than a decade, was the Big Dog in local flea markets. Then the retail winds changed, and many shoppers looked elsewhere. That’s when the idea for something different on this site occurred to owner Nadeem Battla. But let him tell the story:

“World Food Trucks began as part of a broader effort to revitalise the property. The initial goal was to increase foot traffic and create a more engaging destination for visitors to the area. Through careful observation of customer behaviour and market demand, it became clear food could play a central role in bringing people together.

“We started by introducing a small number of food trucks at the front of the property, and the response was immediate. What began as a modest addition evolved organically over time into what is now the largest permanent food truck park in the United States. Nearly a decade later, World Food Trucks functions as a small business incubator, providing local entrepreneurs with an opportunity to share culinary traditions from around the world. The success of the park is the result of long-term commitment, strong community relationships and an exceptional group of vendors who have helped shape it into a true destination.”

The Trucks

Ah, those vendors! One hundred and two of them (and still counting), and every one an individual with a level of flavours and dishes that absolutely boggles the mind. The whole site is arranged in neat rows and sections, each with its own picnic table seating and umbrellas, making for a wonderfully eye-pleasing vista before you order a single item. There are trucks specialising in seafood and steaks; in coffees and other beverages; in pizza and pasta; in desserts, ice cream and pastries; and in a wide variety of Latin-influenced cuisines, including Colombia (Que Parchef), Puerto Rico (El Rincon de la Papas), Mexico (Tacos Padrisimo and Los Juanos), Argentina (Matias), Venezuela (El Sospechoso), Peru (Bien Taypa) and many more. In all honesty, if you’d like a Latino culinary tour, you can probably find every kind of empanada and arepa under the sun!

In fact, this is most definitely the place to come for a dining adventure. “One park, every flavour,” they proudly proclaim, and they’re not far wrong. We didn’t actually see any Mongolian food trucks, nor any repping Slovenia, but just about everywhere else has its proud culinary promoter, and this is as authentic as you will find in Florida.

Fab Fusion Choices

Plus, this is also the place to indulge your tastebuds in some fascinating fusion kitchens. Like to try Puerto Rican sushi? Head for Sushi Boricua. A mash-up of Venezuelan and Mediterranean tastes? That would be Chicho’s Fusion Cuisine. South American barbecue? Sample the delicious wares of Al Barril. Puerto Rican and Chinese? Find that at La Muralla China. A mix of Dominican and Argentinean? Seek out the spicy goodness of Dominican Chimi. A taste of Haiti? That’s here, too. Venezuela’s take on hot dogs? That would be Caracas Dog. Perhaps the biggest combo on offer, though, comes from Salvadoran specialist Los Cipotes, which proudly proclaims a mix of Brazilian, Colombian and American choices, along with their national delicacies of yuca con chicharron and pupusas. Yummy stuff!

For the simpler things in culinary life, how about a combo of Mac ’n Ribs or just good, old-fashioned alligator? Yes, you just need to find the Gator Bites truck. Chicken wings? That would be Wings on Wheels, of course. Ready for drinks or dessert? Look out for Frappes and Limonadas, Chamoy Loco and Mr Juice for tasty aguas frescas, frappes, mocktails, smoothies and horchatas. Or how about the mega munchies of Le Michoucana, where you’ll find magnificent macarons, creamy crepes and indulgent ice creams. The current fad for Dubai chocolate is also well represented at Dubai Sweets & Ice Cream and Korean Ice Cream. And, for our must-try recommendation, don’t miss that Mexican delicacy of churros at the aptly-named Happy Churro! Think you’ve seen it all? Head for Bobalicious, where the combination of Bubble Tea and Dragon Breath (ice cream) is the mix du jour.

When you need a break from all the foodie frolics, be sure to head indoors for the original Flea Market, now revived by the extra traffic here each week. With more than 200 booths at peak periods, there is a veritable barrow-load of apparel, bric-a-brac and services on offer. Need a haircut? Just head inside. For the kids, there is also a huge indoor arcade, Fun Games, featuring the latest video games and other amusements, ensuring all the family is fully entertained.

The Future

While 102 trucks is definitely an eye-catching number (especially with the variety), there is still room for growth on this central site in the heart of Kissimmee. But just how much bigger could World Food Trucks get? Back to owner Nadeem Battla: “The potential for growth is significant. We strongly believe in creating opportunities for small entrepreneurs, particularly in the food industry where traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants can be financially challenging. Food trucks provide a more accessible starting point, and we have seen vendors begin with small carts and grow into multiple trucks and additional business ventures beyond the park.”

So, stay tuned, as they say, and get ready for a trucking future! It costs $5 to park in the main Food Trucks car park ($3 if you have a Florida driving licence), while there is free parking at the neighbouring empty parking lot at 2925 International Drive (but not at the next door hotel, apartments or Denny’s restaurant – violators will be towed). Hours are 11am-2am (Sun-Thur) and 11am-4am (Fri and Sat) and you can look up more details at www.worldfoodtrucks.com.

What catches YOUR eye about the World Food Trucks?