We’ve always loved a good food truck.

And one positive we’ll take from 12 months of lockdowns is an explosion of new mobile vendors selling everything from espressos to truffle chips in unexpected locations.

While the Level 5 restrictions remain in place for now, once we can travel again there’s a long list of exciting new snack slingers we’re looking forward to visiting.

In the meantime, dig  out a map and check whether any of this tasty little lot are within your 5km travel limit:

Here are 5 to put on your road trip list:

1. FRY GUYS, SHANAGARRY

Their pizzas, burgers and organic wild boar hot dogs come with fancy sides such as truffle or chilli, garlic and parmesan fries, but it’s Fry Guys seafood specials that have us craving a trip to Shanagarry.

Keep an eye on their social media for word of a fish supper fresh from the pier in Ballycotton; as well as breaded haddock, scampi and fish tacos, they’ve also been known to do Rossmore oysters by the half dozen and a huge seafood box stuffed with shrimp, monkfish fritters, Pier 26 chowder, mussels and Jack Cuthbert’s ciabatta for dipping.

What a way to finish a day by the beach in East Cork. They’re open from 4pm – 7pm with delivery and collections available. You can WhatsApp your pre-orders to 085 845 1722.

 

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2. THE FRENCH BEANS CAFE 

Parked up in Rostellan, East Cork, the French Beans Café has been treating locals to Nutella and espresso rolls, Provençal loaf, gooey gougères cheese puffs and top-notch coffee for over a year now.

Once we’re free to roam the Cork countryside again, we’ll be teaming a visit with a stroll in Rostellan woods.

 

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3. TOAST CORK

With a tricked out retro van almost ready for the road, well-known Cork artist Sebastian Thommen is putting down his paintbrush for a little while in order to make another passion a priority.

Toast is Thommen’s dream of melty sandwiches, hearty snacks and gourmet goodies to-go realised. Expect Stone Valley Roasters coffee, Arbutus Bread, organic veggie soups and butter-smothered toasties, launching later this month.

 

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4. COFFEE BROTHERS

Brothers Adrian and Sean J Twomey opened their Coffee Brothers businesses in a converted vintage horsebox late last year. As well as the usual coffees and teas, they do a mean Oreo hot chocolate and their Lotus Biscoff cupcakes are to die for.

Based at the Sacred Heart Church in the Mardyke (T12 CA34) Coffee Brothers is open Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 5om and weekend 10am to 5pm.

 

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5. TOTO’S PIZZA

Sell-outs are a regular occurrence, so if you’re local and you’re determined to eat Toto’s Pizza for dinner, it’s probably best to get there early.

Their perfect thin-base pies are worth a trip alone, but do not leave the counter without a loaf of their Wild Garlic Bread – fresh from the oven and dripping in garlic butter.

You’ll find Toto’s Pizza every Thursday in Belgooly, Friday in Compass Quay, Kinsale (2pm to 7pm) and Saturday at Kinsale Bridge (1pm to 7pm). Call 087 707 1354 to place an order.