Hobart taste test hits the road as 12-month food van trial begins

FOOD vans are set to roll out gourmet delights across Hobart in a 12-month trial of mobile food vendors.

Dining guide ,Taco Taco food van run by Matt Hidding (left) and Chris Quinn,.

FOOD vans are set to roll out gourmet delights across Hobart for a year-long trial of mobile food vendors.

Sites range from the Springs on Mt Wellington to spots dotted around Hobart aimed at capturing locals, commuters and tourists.

The 11 vans will move between 21 zones for the Hobart City Council trial, with a website so diners can track locations.

Many businesses are familiar to festival-goers but others are new, including Sip & Spoon, Hometown Taste and Melbourne’s Mr Burger.

“Mobile food vans are becoming increasingly popular around the world and the quality of the goods sold from the food vans participating in this program is exceptional,” Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said.

They aim to promote local produce and encourage economic activity that brings the community together.

The locations of food vendor vans around Hobart range from The Springs to Long Beach to the Queens Domain. Image: HCC

Many quieter areas were chosen to enliven them, while others had no available outlets.

Big Henry’s Food Truck offers American-style tucker by Richard Parkes.

The former Wrest Point revolving restaurant chef and farmer’s son started Big Henry’s in June and was pleased at its reception at Dark Park, part of Dark Mofo.

“We have poutine which is chips with cheese and gravy, smoked pulled pork with apple slaw with chips and Korean-fried popcorn chicken,” Mr Parkes said.

Husband and wife team Richard and Sarah Parkes with their food truck, Big Henry's. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Other vans are Dos Trucos, Eat Street Van, Funky Cactus, Taco Taco, Van Demons Cafe de Wheels, Wingseed and Bentwood Coffee.

Vans can move around, although Bentwood will stay at the Springs from 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday.