A GUIDE TO 'POP-UP' FOOD TRUCKS
A family dinner at a pop-up food truck on the Darwin foreshore has got to be one of the easiest and most fabulous ways to eat out with kids in these parts. You don't have to cook, the kids can play, and the sunsets are always glorious. And, this dry season, things are ramping up with new pop-ups literally popping up! The variety of cuisines on offer is mind boggling. So, here's information on the what, where, and when of a selection of food trucks for this dry season - be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Salty Plum Cafe
You can't beat the location of the Salty Plum Cafe overlooking Fannie Bay. Matthew AhMat is back this dry season operating from Thursday through to Sunday from 7am to 7.30pm. So, you can head here for breaky, lunch or dinner and anywhere in between. They do bacon and egg rolls, hamburgers, milkshakes and the like. There are lots of bean bags to lounge on, cool tunes playing, and lights at night. This is a winning combo for kids and parents. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 7am to 7.30pm, southern car park, East Point Reserve
Haensel und Gretel There's lots to love about Haensel und Gretel, a charming family-owned affair which serves up homemade Austrian and German fare. Ben and Kamala, the lovely owners of this new little gig, hail from Germany, and have lived for many years in Vienna, so their Viennese Schnitzels are the real deal. You can find them on Tuesday nights at Chapman Rd car park on Nightcliff foreshore, which is my favourite spot for families. They have lights and tables so it’s a cosy affair here. Wir sehen uns dort! (See you there!) Tuesday Nights - 5pm to 8pm, Chapman Rd car park, Nightcliff foreshore
Ken's Crepes Mindil Erica and Anthony totally get what makes for an easy outdoor dinner with kids because they have 2 of their own. They have lots of options that kids love, and they also do a weekly sweet and savoury special. Their location on the foreshore (at Windsurfers Corner) is fabulous for families and they create a lovely ambience with picnic rugs, chairs and tables. For an easy midweek "value for money" family dinner, check these guys out. They also frequent Mindil, Palmerston and Coolalinga markets. Wednesday Nights - 5pm to 8.30pm, Windsurfers Corner, Nightcliff foreshore (near Aralia Street)
Jetty and the Fish Since 2014, Kate and Grant have been cooking up "arguably" the best fish and chips in town! This little food truck rated as Darwin's best restaurant for a while on Trip Advisor. Their fish tacos are my pick. Heading to the Darwin Surf Club on Friday night and eating take away from these guys is a 10/10 family outing in my book. They now do lunch at Nightcliff Jetty. Keep watching their Facebook page for new locations this dry season. Friday Night - 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Darwin Surf Life Saving Club (Casuarina Beach) Saturday & Sunday - Lunch 11.30am to 2pm, Dinner 5pm to 8pm, Nightcliff Jetty
Other “Pop-Ups” on the foreshore include: Cucina Sotto le Stelle; The Box Jelly Fish Café; Noi Pad Thai; The Rush'n - Hour; Needle in a Haystack - Street Bistro; Kens Crepes; The Potato Man; La French - Food Cart; The Salty Plum Cafe; Yummy Yianni's Greek Cuisine; Mitch & Mario BBQ Smokehouse; Harrys Mobile Kitchen; and Jay's Coffee Bar.
This is an edited version of an article from Growing up Troppo, the brainchild of Libby Larsen. You can find details of all the other food trucks on the Darwin foreshore on the website - http://www.growinguptroppo.com. Check the Facebook pages of the food trucks individually for last minute cancellations or changes before you head out. The information here is a guide only and is subject to change.
Pop-up food truck Haensel Und Gretel Photo credit: Libby Larson.
Go to: www.growinguptroppo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growinguptroppo/ Or follow on Instagram: @growinguptroppo
