Food is a vital part of daily life that can unite people across cultures. Bellingham embraces this idea with a diverse selection of delicious dishes from 25 different food trucks.
Whether you’re craving something familiar or looking to explore new tastes, Bellingham has a food truck for everyone.
Connie Williams is a Bellingham resident who enjoys supporting local food trucks for their various offerings. Williams highlighted the importance of approaching all culinary experiences with respect.
“I enjoy going to the El Salvadorian food truck because it is good. My favorite is JT’s Smokin BBQ, but if I want authentic Mexican food, I go to a food truck rather than a restaurant,” Williams said.
As food truck culture has grown, so has the variety of options in Bellingham, including Tacos El Tule. The Mexican food truck is located downtown at 200 Prospect St. A second truck, located at 3548 Meridian St., was opened by Jose “Joey” Robles after working alongside his uncle at the original location for almost 10 years.
In 2019, the food truck at Meridian St. was devastated by an arson attack. Robles was motivated to keep going, drawing strength from the overwhelming support of the community and other businesses.
“It is a very intimate setting. Being face to face with customers for 2-6 minutes while they wait for a fast, high-quality and convenient meal is different. In restaurants, you sit, you wait, they check on you, and that’s it,” Robles said. “We build relationships.”
Robles highlighted the Tacos El Tule bestsellers, the Tule Burrito and Grilled Stuffed Cruncher.
Laura Provolt is the Operational Manager at the Western Small Business Development Center. Location and community engagement can be critical for a new food truck to succeed, and it will likely be part of the marketing strategy within the business plan, Provolt said.
“Involvement in community organizations gives new business owners opportunities for networking and resources they otherwise may not encounter,” Provolt said.
Dumpling Girls, located at 2620 Northwest Ave., is a popular Chinese food truck rated 4.6 stars on Yelp. According to customer ratings, in-person recommendations, and reviews, they serve some of the most delicious dumplings in town.
Dumpling Girls food truck at 2620 Northwest Ave. in Bellingham, Wash., on March 7, 2025. This truck is open from Wednesday to Sunday. // Photo by Mabaindu Mbawa
Another must-visit stop is the Greektown food truck, located at 2238 James St. This mobile eatery offers a menu inspired by Greek cuisine, bringing the taste of Greece to the streets.
The Port of Bellingham serves a variety of roles in Bellingham. It works together with local businesses, like food trucks, to provide food and entertainment for the community.
“The Port provides power for up to 4 food trucks in the Container Village and offers a covered dining area,” Michael Hogan, the public affairs administrator at the Port of Bellingham, wrote in an email. “For the 2025 season, the Port is pleased to welcome Galley 2 Go, Curries N Things, and Back East BBQ and will likely add one more food truck.”
The Port allows patrons to explore a variety of dishes in one location, Hogan said.
Food trucks offer a fast, cheap alternative to restaurants with an opportunity for customer connection.
“Our customers are amazing,” Robles said. “Those consistent customers turn into family, and those family members are what keeps us driven to continue to do what we do.”
GreekTown food truck at 2238 James St. in Bellingham, Wash., on March 7, 2025. The truck is a family-owned business, operated by a mom and son. // Photo by Mabaindu Mbawa
Mabaindu Mbawa (She/ Her) is a city reporter for The Front this quarter. She's a third-year News/Ed Major and an anticipated Political Science minor. Outside of reporting, Mabaindu enjoys styling, taking pictures, and writing poetry. You can reach her at mbawam.thefront@gmail.com.
