How often do you find yourself doom-scrolling on TikTok looking at the latest viral food vans? From Tamworth’s Spud Man to JJ’s Ices in Merseyside, social media-friendly food trucks are all the rage right now – especially now that the weather’s improving and we’re all looking to eat al fresco.
In fact, searches for ‘food vans near me’ have increased by 30% in the last three months alone, while #foodvan has over 37.3 million views on TikTok. That’s why Vansdirect has been delving into the details. And (analysing the social media of all British Street Food Award winners and runners-up over the last five years) found that Birmingham’s Flying Cows is the most Instagrammable food van in England.
If you already follow the award-winning burger spot on Instagram, you’ll already be aware of its cheesy, bacony smash patties. Endless photos and reels showcase a consistent output of mouthwatering burgers making us want to chomp through the screen. But do they taste as good as they look in real life? Well, 19,400 people can’t be wrong.
Since launching in 2011, Flying Cows and its sleek and stylish food van has picked up numerous accolades – including winning UK’s Best Street Burger (2017 and 2019), ITV Food And Drink Award in 2020, and being a National Burger Awards finalist in 2019 and 2023. Proving it’s not all about the looks, these burgers taste great too.
Flying Cows certainly likes its classic-looking burgers – award-winning The High Flyer uses aged beef, bone marrow, streaky bacon and American cheese. But can also get creative, like with the Seoul Brother, which uses blue cheese, gochujang and a teriyaki glaze. Or what about a Poutine Burger? You’ll find it often parked up at Herbert’s Yard, but keep an eye on socials for where it’s next popping up across Birmingham and beyond.
10 most Instagrammable food vans in the UK (followers)
- Wanderers Kneaded, Edinburgh (20,100)
- Flying Cows, Birmingham (19,400)
- Unagi, Manchester (17,500)
- Pizza Leonati, Eastbourne (12,000)
- Bao Bros 23, Leeds (10,600)
- LJ Hugs, Bath (10,100)
- Fire and Flank, Cardiff (10,100)
- Homeboys, Nottingham (9,800)
- Bao Selecta, Cardiff (8,300)
- Oi Dumplings, Huddersfield (7,600)