Darwin’s food vans see strong 2020 as working-from-home fuels local businesses

DARWIN'S food vans have exploded in number across the city, as council points to coronavirus restrictions for a boom in business.

THE number of food vans serving Darwin has surged as business booms off the back of increased use of the city’s idyllic parks.

The City of Darwin has revealed that the number of vendors partaking in the Street Food Van Season has jumped from 11 last year to 20 this year.

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The jump came amid coronavirus restrictions, which forced gym-goers into our green spaces and those craving restaurant-quality food to dine in the great outdoors.

33 permits to operate food vans were handed out in financial year 2019-20, up from 27 in 2018-19 to 33 in 2019.

The Street Food Van Season typically starts in April, with many operators opting to shut up shop during the wet season.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis welcomed the surge in food vans’ popularity, saying the closure of cafes, restaurants and gyms increased foot traffic at East Point and Nightcliff Foreshore.

Vendor Nee Cassidy set up her food van in August. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

“The demand for food vans increased in the early stages of coronavirus restrictions,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The suburban location of food vans gave the community easy access and increased food options,” he said.

Mr Vatskalis said the vans had become attractions in their own right, attracting Darwinites outdoors and promoting healthier activities.

“Street Food van businesses activate public places, and enhance outdoor activity,” he said.

Amid operators who have recent set up business is Sirikorn “Nee” Cassidy, who owns Nee’s Kitchen.

“I set up the business in August here in Darwin because I moved from Katherine,” Ms Cassidy said.

Vendor Pasindu Sandanayake on the Nightcliff foreshore. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

“Darwin is a very nice place, especially along the foreshore,” she said.

“People can enjoy delicious food with the magnificent views of the sunset.”

Ms Cassidy said business was “tough” however, with consumers keeping their wallets closed due to the post-pandemic effect.

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Thiwanka Perera, who moved to Darwin four years ago, said business at his food van Ow Machan boomed during restrictions so much that he hired three new staff.

Mr Perera said hygiene was also an important selling point.

“The people can see we are cooking in front of them. It’s an open kitchen,” he said.