Sizzling aromas and delectable flavors draw food lovers from far and wide to New Jersey’s renowned food truck festivals. In Spring 2023, South Jersey alone saw at least four food truck festivals, from Duffield’s Farm Food Truck Festival in April to Hammonton Food Truck Festival in June.
Upcoming food truck festivals
South Jersey boasts a diverse lineup of food truck festivals each year. In October 2023, food lovers can look forward to Mount Laurel Township’s Food Truck Festival at the Municipal Complex. Over 30 food vendors, from Big Swerve’s BBQ and Not Your Mama’s Tacos, are expected to attend.
If you hope to immerse yourself in South Jersey food truck festivals, here are some essential tips to make the most of your visit.
Tips and tricks for food lovers
Craft your culinary adventure
With many food trucks vying for your attention, planning your food journey in advance is wise. Most festivals have websites to publish lists of their participants in advance. In contrast, many food trucks have custom mobile apps or a solid social media presence as part of their marketing strategy. These can help you pick out four or five most appealing trucks before setting out. Otherwise, it might be easy to feel overwhelmed by many choices and miss out on any must-have dishes.
Stay protected under the sun
Attending a food truck festival involves spending long hours outdoors under the sun. To make the most of your experience, protect yourself from potential sunburn and the discomfort and pain it can bring. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally to safeguard your exposed skin. The New York Times explains that the best sunscreen you will apply liberally and often, with a high SPF. They recommend the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+.
As the festival is outdoors, you should also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes against UV rays, which can cause eye damage, such as redness and blurred vision. If you require prescription eyewear, consider doubling up and investing in prescription sunglasses from major brands. Established brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Versace are guaranteed to provide the right protection while ensuring you look great at the food festival. You can easily suffer from the effects of prolonged sun exposure at a festival, so ensure you are protected to enjoy the festival worry-free.
Hydration is key
Amid the excitement of exploring different food trucks and indulging in their offerings, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Remember to carry a reusable water bottle and take regular sips throughout the day. Brands such as best-selling Hydro Flask or Klean Kanteen can also retain temperature very well, ensuring you can access cold and refreshing water for over 10 hours. Staying hydrated additionally ensures you can fully enjoy the flavors and textures of the diverse foods on offer.
Capture the memories
With many captivating visuals, a food truck festival is a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. You can easily use camera tricks with your smartphone to capture your food photos, such as a side-angle profile shot for layered foods like pancakes and a downward-angled profile shot for others. You can also snap pictures of the colorful trucks and the joyous crowd to share on social media, potentially inspiring others to embark on foodie adventures.
South Jersey food truck festivals provide an unparalleled opportunity for food lovers to indulge their taste buds. By planning ahead, you can embark on a gastronomic journey that promises to delight every sense.
What food truck festivals in South Jersey are you looking forward to?
Marilyn is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of South Jersey. You can find more of her writing on Philly Grub and NewsBreak.