In the heart of Central Europe, street food culture has found fertile ground to evolve with a contemporary twist.
Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland currently represent a particularly dynamic ecosystem for those operating in the food truck sector, thanks to a winning combination of culinary tradition and entrepreneurial innovation.
Street food between tradition and modernity
In German-speaking countries, street food is not just a passing trend but an integral part of contemporary urban culture.
Germany boasts a long history of street foods, that goes far beyond the famous Currywurst and Bratwurst seen at popular fairs.
In cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne, many entrepreneurs from the hospitality sector and beyond have launched street food and catering projects as a way to expand their presence and strengthen their brand image.
In Austria, the tradition of kiosks has evolved into mobile projects that skillfully combine a taste for aesthetics with the promotion of local products. Vienna, Graz and Salzburg stand out for their variety of gourmet offerings and events dedicated to street food and gastronomy. Food trucks are no longer just mobile kiosks, but roving stations offering unique culinary experiences.
German-speaking Switzerland, for its part, boasts a clientele highly attentive to quality and sustainability, perfectly aligned with the characteristics of a well-designed food truck. In Zurich, Basel and Lucerne food trucks have become a fundamental part of the urban fabric, fueled by the Swiss enthusiasm for original and well-designed mobile solutions.
Why the german-speaking market is particularly favorable for food trucks
There are at least five reasons.
A clear and well-defined regulatory framework that reassures entrepreneurs, valuing investments and new ideas.
Economic stability and high purchasing power: a context that rewards those offering high-level products and innovative formats.
A conscious, quality-driven demand: the average german-speaking consumer is curious, demanding, and willing to invest in authentic gastronomic experiences.
Increasing attention to design and customisation, making high-end, aesthetically appealing food trucks very attractive to customers.
A well-established network of events, markets and thematic festivals, providing business opportunities and returns on investment even for emerging businesses.
Numerous events where food trucks take center stage
In Austria, Germany, and german-speaking Switzerland, the gastronomic sector is energized by a solid network of street food events and festivals, which represent important showcases for operators:
- Street Food Festival (various cities in Germany): a traveling circuit visiting major German cities, hosting hundreds of trucks from across Europe;
- Eat & Style (Hamburg, Stuttgart): a gastronomy fair that includes a major section dedicated to mobile street food and food truck design;
- Karlsruhe Food Truck Convention: an event more oriented toward industry professionals, where technical innovations and future trends are discussed;
- Wiener Genuss Festival (Vienna): a key event in Austria, with a strong presence of local and international food trucks;
- European Street Food Festival (Vienna): the largest street food event in Austria, featuring a wide array of international and local cuisines;
- Street Food Festival Zürich: one of the largest in Switzerland, hosting dozens of food trucks and thousands of visitors annually;
- Streetfood Festival Basel (Basilea): held at Messeplatz in the heart of the city, this lively and colorful street food event features numerous stands and trucks offering international cuisine in a festive atmosphere.
This list includes very well-known festivals, alongside numerous smaller events spread across the entire german-speaking area.
Businesses participating in these events are not only selling products, they are promoting their brand, testing new concepts, and gathering valuable feedback.
VS contribution: high-end food trucks to stand out from the competition
VS Veicoli Speciali specialises in the design and production of food trucks certified to circulate and operate in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland.
Each vehicle is built in compliance with current road and health regulations, including those related to electrical systems, ventilation systems, food certifications and safety.
We work closely with each client to develop a functional vehicle with a strong brand identity, perfectly aligned with the standards required by each country.
Whether it’s a unique project or a fleet for an established brand, we offer turnkey solutions with complete assistance on design, materials, equipment and additional options.
In an increasingly demanding and competitive market, we believe that customisation and quality make all the difference.
Below are some EXAMPLES of food trucks produced for Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland.
GERMANY
Der Bar
AUSTRIA
GERMAN-SPEAKING SWITZERLAND
