The Other Side of Fast Food: Gourmet Food Trucks in Cali

Introduction

If you think fast food in Cali is limited to packaged hamburgers and hot dogs with pineapple, you are missing out on a revolution rolling on four wheels. For a few years now, the city has taken a liking to gourmet food trucks, and today there is no event, nightlife district, or university hangout without its own caravan of food trucks. This is not about eating fast out of necessity: it is about eating well, on the go, but with Cali flavor and a touch of creativity. In this list, I tell you which food trucks are moving the gastronomic scene in Cali during May 2026, where to find them, and how to make the most of them.

The 5 Best Gourmet Food Trucks in Cali

1. La Hamburguesa de la Esquina (truck: "El Clásico")

This is not just any food truck: it is the one that restored faith in the traditional hamburger. Almost always located on Cra 66 with Calle 5, in front of the Universidad San Buenaventura, "El Clásico" offers hamburgers with artisan bread, 21-day aged beef, and a house sauce made with black garlic and honey. The secret is that the meat is grilled over charcoal inside the truck itself. The price is around $22,000 COP for a simple hamburger, and on Wednesdays they have a "2x1 on classics" promotion. Arrive early because a line forms from 6:30 p.m.

2. Tacos al Pastor del Valle (truck: "El Trompo Móvil")

This lime-green truck roams between the Zona Rosa of Granada and Parque del Perro. Do not expect any ordinary street taco: here they use handmade nixtamalized corn tortillas, pork marinated with achiote and grilled pineapple, and an avocado sauce with mint that is pure delight. Tacos come in orders of three for $18,000 COP. Fun fact: the owner is a chef who worked at a taquería in Mexico City and adapted the recipe with ingredients from the Valle. If you see the truck parked on Calle 9 with Cra 34 on a Friday night, do not think twice.

3. Arepas de la Abuela (truck: "La Arepera Rodante")

This food truck is the favorite of those looking for something hearty but unpretentious. Almost always parked on Calle 14 with Cra 5, in the San Antonio neighborhood, they sell stuffed arepas ranging from shredded beef with hogao and costeño cheese to vegan options with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The "La Paisa" arepa (with chicharrón, beans, egg, and avocado) costs $16,000 COP and is enough for an adult's lunch. The best part is they work Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and there is always a line of motorcycles parked waiting for their order.

4. Sushi en la Calle (truck: "Niguiri Express")

Yes, sushi from a food truck. And it is not just any sushi: this white truck with red letters specializes in gourmet rolls with local ingredients. The most popular is the "Caleño," a salmon roll with mango, avocado, and a touch of house-made chili sauce. You can find it on weekends at the Plazoleta de la Calle 66, near the Centro Comercial Jardín Plaza. An 8-piece roll costs $25,000 COP, and they have vegetarian options for $18,000 COP. The curious thing is they use rice prepared with sugarcane vinegar, giving it a slightly sweet flavor that no one expects. If you are team sushi, this truck will blow your mind.

5. Postres sobre Ruedas (truck: "Dulce Móvil")

To top it all off, this food truck is a paradise for sweet cravings. You can find it almost always on Cra 100 with Calle 5, on the way out to Jamundí, or at private events. They offer everything from passion fruit cheesecake to brownies with arequipe ice cream and nuts. The star dessert is the "Cali-Cake": a chocolate sponge cake filled with dulce de leche and covered in coffee ganache, costing $12,000 COP per slice. They also have gluten-free and vegan options. The best part is you can order the dessert to go and eat it while walking around the area.

Routes and Meeting Points

Food trucks in Cali do not have a fixed location all the time, but there are areas where they frequently gather. Here are the most reliable routes for May 2026:

• University Zone (Cra 66 with Calles 5 to 9): Monday to Friday, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., a caravan of at least 5 different trucks forms. Ideal for after classes or work.
• Parque del Perro (Cra 34 with Calle 8): On weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, there is a concentration of trucks from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here you find everything from hamburgers to desserts.
• Plazoleta de la Calle 66 (in front of Jardín Plaza): On Friday and Saturday nights, it fills with families and couples. There is improvised live music and several trucks competing for attention.
• Private events and fairs: Many trucks move to gastronomic fairs like the Feria de la Hamburguesa or the Festival de la Arepa. Check each truck's social media to track them down.

A key fact: most of these trucks post their daily location on Instagram or Facebook. If you want to hunt down a specific dish, follow their accounts. The prices I mentioned are a reference for May 2026, but it is always good to confirm before you go.

Tips to Make the Most of the Experience

Eating at a food truck is not like going to a restaurant. There is a ritual worth knowing to avoid ending up frustrated:

• Arrive early: The most popular trucks run out of stock before 8 p.m. If you arrive at 9 p.m., you will probably only have limited options left.
• Bring cash: Although many accept Nequi or transfers, not all have a card terminal. Better to be prepared with bills of $10,000 and $20,000 COP.
• Order the dish of the day: Many trucks offer specials that are not on the fixed menu. Ask the cook what is new.
• Do not be afraid to try: The charm of food trucks is that they are experimental. If you see a weird combo (like an arepa with sushi), give it a chance. The worst that can happen is you get a laugh out of it.
• Share: The portions are usually generous. If you go in a group, order several and share. That way you try more variety without breaking the budget.

Conclusion or Final Recommendation

Gourmet fast food in Cali is not a passing fad: it is a way to eat well, quickly, and without paying a cover charge. Food trucks are teaching many established restaurants a lesson in quality, price, and creativity. If you are one of those who think street food is only for tourists or for drunken nights, I invite you to give these trucks a chance. Plan your own route, follow the social media of the trucks I mentioned, and discover why in Cali the best hamburger, the best taco, or the best dessert sometimes comes on wheels. The city moves, and so does its food.

Numbered List (minimum 5 items with mini-review)

1. Platillos al Paso

   This food truck is famous for its innovative fusion of Colombian and Peruvian flavors. Try their shrimp ceviche accompanied by fried yuca. A true delight for the senses.

Insider Tip: Visit Platillos al Paso during lunchtime, when they offer a special combo that includes a drink at a very attractive price.

El Horno de Piedra

Known for its artisan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, this food truck has gained popularity among Italian food lovers in Cali. The combinations of fresh ingredients are its hallmark.

Insider Tip: Do not miss their prosciutto and arugula pizza, especially recommended by locals. They sometimes offer a "happy hour" promotion on Fridays.

Burguesas de la Casa

This place has elevated the hamburger to another level, using locally sourced beef and artisan bread. Each hamburger is made to order, guaranteeing freshness and flavor.

Insider Tip: Ask for their special sauce, which is only served on weekends. It is a well-kept secret among regular customers.

Arepas de la Abuela

Recreating the traditional recipes of Cali grandmothers, this food truck offers stuffed arepas with both classic and innovative options. A tribute to local gastronomy.

Insider Tip: Accompany your arepa with a natural soursop juice. It is the perfect combination that many locals prefer.

La Taquería Rodante

A corner of Mexico in Cali, where tacos are made with handmade tortillas and a variety of sauces that make each bite explosive. Ideal for those seeking authentic flavors.

Insider Tip: Visit La Taquería Rodante on Tuesdays, when they offer half-price tacos at their "Taco Tuesday" event. A great opportunity to try different flavors!

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Map or How to Get There

La 70

This is one of the most popular spots to find gourmet food trucks in Cali. The variety is impressive, from tacos al pastor to sweet crepes. Insider Tip: Visit on the weekend to enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere that complements the gastronomic experience.

Parque del Perro

Known for its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Parque del Perro hosts various food trucks offering options for all tastes. Insider Tip: Do not miss the vegetarian and vegan options that usually appear in this park; they are truly delicious!

Plaza de Caicedo

Located in the center of Cali, this square is ideal for enjoying gourmet fast food while observing the daily life of the city. Insider Tip: Visit in the afternoon to try the specialties that vendors bring at specific times and pair your meal with a locally sourced coffee.