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Authentic pho on wheels? Korean BBQ served on a bun? Yes, please!
In the past few years, Kansas City has seen a surge of food trucks opened by Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) chefs and foodies, serving up innovative dishes, classic street food and more.
With summer farmer’s markets, vendor events, and art fairs happening all over the metro, these food trucks will give you another reason to get out of your home and embrace the heat.
GOCHEW
Somewhere around Kansas City, you’ve probably seen a purple jacket-wearing anime girl holding her burger with the happiest smile in the world. That’s the iconic symbol of GOCHEW Burger Bus, a Korean American fast food truck that serves up its own take on a smash burger.
It’s a juicy 1/3 lb patty topped with a signature sweet and creamy GOCHEW sauce, and you can also add kimchi for an extra $2.50. The saucy fries are drizzled with the signature sauce, a Gochujang-based red sauce and a creamy lime sauce, served plain or topped with your choice of spicy pork or K-BBQ.
- Usually spotted at: 10200 E 63 Terr, Raytown, Missouri
Vy's Kitchen
A newcomer to Independence, Vy’s Kitchen serves up delicious pho, fried rice, and American comfort food, plus various Vietnamese and Thai-inspired side items. The pho broth is made from scratch every day using a home recipe, and topping choices include beef, chicken, meatball, or combo.
The tempura shrimp, unlike the lightly breaded Japanese version, feature a puffy, chewy batter and creamy, soft center. The owners also announce limited-time items via Facebook, such as mango sticky rice.
- Usually spotted at: 3730 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Smoke 'n' Seoul
There are valid reasons why Smoke ‘n’ Seoul claims to be the hottest food truck in KC. Spicy food lovers must try their Demonbap: traditional bibimbap with mango kimchi, hot cherry peppers, pickled red onions, shiitake mushrooms, spicy cucumbers, and drenched in spicy gochujang mayo.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, our top choices are the Pig Pen Burrito, filled with pulled pork, smoked pork belly, cheddar, and rice; and the Kimchi-Q Pork Sandwich, featuring a tower of pulled pork and tangy sautéed kimchi, topped with crispy house-made onion straws and gochujang mayo.
Many of their menu items can also be made gluten-free or soy-free. And the team rotates through menu items due to the food truck’s space limitation, so some items may not always be available.
- Usually spotted at: Hampton Inn Conference Center, 151 Cedar Niles Rd. Gardner, KS, on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Irvzilla's Hawaiian Grill
Is your appetite suffering from this unbearable heat? Some refreshing, tangy Hawaiian food might be the fix you need!
Blue Springs-based Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill features Hawaiian and Asian fusion food like huli huli chicken and teriyaki meatball meals. The Zilla Wings are also a must-try: Fried to crispy perfection, they are covered in the food truck’s homemade tangy buffalo “Zilla” sauce. The entrees come in half or full size, perfect for a light lunch and a full dinner.
- Usually spotted at: Near 54th Street Grill & Bar in Blue Springs, off MO-7
Uce Kitchen
Based in Independence, Uce Kitchen serves authentic Hawaiian and Samoan plates, alongside some Asian-fusion options. Our favorites are the kalbi ribs plate, which are Korean BBQ beef short ribs, and the Kalua pork nachos with a generous amount of teriyaki sauce and spicy mayo dressing.
As for side orders, the tangy and savory pineapple pork sausages will keep you coming back. You can also add side items to your plated meal.
- Usually spotted at: In the front parking lot at Tractor Supply Co., off Hwy 291 and 23rd Street
Sugarcane Juiceman
Sugarcane Juiceman brings a Southeast Asian classic to Kansas City. Originating in New Guinea, sugarcane juice is a popular beverage in Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and various regions in China.
In addition to its light and refreshing flavors, sugarcane juice also offers various health benefits. It is rich in iron and potassium, serving as a natural energy boost, and is especially effective in countering heat strokes during high temperatures. For those not accustomed to sugarcane’s flavors, Juiceman offers several mixed juice flavors, adding in coconut, fresh berries, and dragonfruit.
- Usually spotted at: At Home Lee’s Summit, 601 Rte 291, Lee's Summit, MO
Other AANHPI pop-up vendors to follow
True foodies know some of the best food businesses start as pop-ups. If you are down to supporting early-stage AANHPI food vendors who haven’t reached the point of running a regular food truck, here’s a list to follow:
- Kimchi and Bap: Korean pop-up with delicious japchae and Korean seaweed rolls
- Dragon Wagon: Vietnamese food truck serving banh mi, pho and other street food favorites
- Jchang Kitchen: Small batch chili oil and Asian-fusion chicken sandwiches.
- Makin Come Eat: Laotian sammies and appetizers
- Fire Roasters: Flavourful roasted corn
- Chamoy Boi: Chamoy gummies that give back to the community
