Hidden Food Truck Gems in East Austin

East Austin has always been where creativity thrives. From art collectives to craft breweries, this side of town pulses with energy and experimentation—and nowhere is that spirit more alive than in its food trucks. While South Austin might get much of the attention, East Austin hides some of the city’s most inspired, flavorful, and community-driven trucks.

Golden Tiger – A spread featuring crispy chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and smash burgers. This vibrant scene captures the indulgent, Asian‑fusion comfort the truck is known for.

Here are a few gems you need to add to your food crawl list—each serving bold flavors and bringing people together in true Austin fashion.

1. Golden Tiger

Golden Tiger has earned a cult following for their indulgent fusion eats. Known for their crispy chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and a particularly irresistible General Tso’s chicken sandwich, they serve comfort food with an Asian-American twist. This is late-night grub elevated to must-try status.

📍 Location: 1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
📞 Phone: (512) 988-9498
🌐 Instagram – @goldentigeratx

2. Cuantos Tacos

Cuantos Tacos – A colorful lineup of Mexico City–style street tacos, sprinkled with cilantro and served with lime and salsa on the side—simple, fresh, and wildly craveable.

If you want a taco experience that feels like a trip to Mexico City, Cuantos Tacos is the move. Their small, Mexico City–style tacos are loaded with tender meats like suadero, pastor, and longaniza, all topped with fresh salsas and served on perfectly griddled tortillas.

📍 Location: 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
📞 Phone: (512) 903-3918
🌐 Instagram – @cuantostacosatx

3. Dee Dee

Dee Dee (Northern Thai Street Food) – A box of authentic Northern Thai goodness, likely a larb or pad krapow, topped with cucumbers and a perfect fried egg. It’s flavor-packed, humble, and deeply satisfying.

Authentic Northern Thai street food in the heart of East Austin—Dee Dee is beloved for fiery dishes like their larb moo, som tum (papaya salad), and pad krapow (holy basil stir fry). Bold, unapologetic flavors that pack real heat make Dee Dee a standout.

📍 Location: 2500 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 (inside the Radio East food truck park)
📞 Phone: (512) 903-6665
🌐 Instagram – @deedeeatx

4. Discada

This truck specializes in a one-of-a-kind dish: discada tacos—a northern Mexican tradition where meats are slow-cooked together in a disc-like pan, yielding deep, layered flavors. Simple menu, unforgettable tacos.

📍 Location: 1319 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
📞 Phone: (512) 666-1117
🌐 Instagram – @discadaatx

5. Sammataro Pizza

A little slice of New York in East Austin, Sammataro crafts wood-fired pies with thin, blistered crusts and rich toppings. Their pepperoni pizza and white pie are must-orders, often selling out on busy nights.

📍 Location: 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 (same lot as Cuantos Tacos)
📞 Phone: (512) 555-9876 (check socials for hours)
🌐 Instagram – @sammataropizza

Why East Austin’s Food Trucks Shine

• Authenticity: Many of these trucks are family-run and deeply rooted in cultural tradition.
• Creativity: From fusion sandwiches to Northern Thai street food, expect bold experimentation.
• Community: Lots are often shared by multiple trucks, breweries, or coffee shops—making them perfect hangouts.

Wrap-Up

East Austin might not flaunt the giant food truck parks, but what it does have are gems that feel personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Golden Tiger’s loaded fries, Dee Dee’s fiery Thai dishes, Cuantos’ perfect street tacos, Discada’s slow-cooked specialty, and Sammataro’s pizza pies all prove that some of the best meals in Austin are found not in restaurants, but rolling kitchens parked in hidden corners of the East Side.

Grab a few friends, order across trucks, and let East Austin show you why it’s one of the most exciting places to eat in the country.