Those who have ventured south of the border and followed a taco truck around for a cheap eats on the go  have grown to love lining up at for their take out. One L.A. taco truck, Kogi, even uses twitter to tell its customers its exact location on any given day. But here in Vancouver we are sadly underpriviledged when it comes to such dining options.  Our strict health laws have made such fun illegal in this city.  We rejoiced when Japadog hit the scene, but since then this has been the only variance in the hotdog-only street cart scene. 

Now, however, we’ve got our own little version of L.A.’s taco trucks, albeit for now, just around the corner in Richmond.  Last year I noticed the appearance of Tenku Bakudanyaki  on the corner of Richmond’s Elmbridge and Gilbert.  Bakudanyaki is a Japanese savouy fritter baked full of flavours of your choice, and today when I drove by, this sweet little trailer has been joined by Fumisen, a rice wrap trailer (think sushi cones), and Shoryumen Noodle House.  According to the noodle house owner, Kan Ogata, these trailers are licensed not only for Richmond, but also on track for Vancouver.  Amazingly good news! 

The three trucks are now nestled into the parking lot on Elmbridge and Gilbert, across from the Rona.  There’s even a little hut to eat in if its raining and a cleverly crafted Innuksuk made from stacked container boxes crafted by the city of Richmond to welcome visitors during the Olympics.  Its a welcoming beacon, calling foodies from near and far. 

Owner Kan Ogata is working on a dessert truck for the lot. Let’s hope the concept catches on and we soon have street foods full of other ethnic eats.  A curry truck?  A trailer with a woodfired pizza over?  I’ll be there.