This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a street food restaurant.
Our business plan for a street food restaurant will help you build a profitable project
Opening a street food restaurant is thrilling, but choosing the right equipment can seem daunting.
The challenge lies in selecting portable, efficient equipment that maximizes your cooking capacity while staying within budget.
Every street food concept has unique requirements, and equipment costs can escalate rapidly without proper planning and prioritization.
Complete Street Food Restaurant Equipment List
Starting a successful street food restaurant requires strategic equipment selection. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to serve delicious food on the go.
Cooking Equipment
- Food truck/cart - Mobile kitchen base with proper ventilation and power
- Commercial griddle - High-heat surface for burgers, sandwiches, and proteins
- Deep fryer - Essential for french fries, chicken, and fried appetizers
- Gas grill - Versatile cooking for various meats and vegetables
- Flat top grill - Large cooking surface for multiple orders simultaneously
- Char broiler - Creates authentic grill marks and smoky flavors
- Steamer - Keeps food warm and cooks vegetables quickly
- Rice cooker - Consistent results for Asian street food concepts
- Wok burner - High-heat cooking for stir-fries and Asian dishes
- Sandwich press/panini grill - Creates crispy pressed sandwiches efficiently
- Hot holding equipment - Keeps prepared food at safe serving temperatures
- Warming lamps - Maintains food quality under service conditions
Food Prep Equipment
- Prep tables - Stainless steel surfaces for ingredient preparation
- Cutting boards - Color-coded boards for different food types
- Commercial knives - Sharp, durable tools for efficient prep work
- Food processor - Quickly chops vegetables and prepares sauces
- Mandoline slicer - Creates uniform cuts for consistent presentation
- Can opener (heavy-duty) - Opens large quantities of canned ingredients
- Mixing bowls - Various sizes for sauce preparation and mixing
- Measuring cups/spoons - Ensures recipe consistency and portion control
- Tongs/spatulas - Essential tools for safe food handling
- Ladles - Portions soups, sauces, and liquid ingredients accurately
Refrigeration & Storage
- Refrigerated prep table - Keeps ingredients cold during service
- Reach-in refrigerator - Stores perishable ingredients safely
- Freezer unit - Preserves frozen ingredients and prepared items
- Ice machine - Provides ice for drinks and food cooling
- Cooler/ice chest - Backup cooling for outdoor events
- Food storage containers - Organizes ingredients and prevents contamination
- Ingredient bins - Stores dry goods and frequently used items
- Shelving units - Maximizes storage space efficiently
Service & Display
- Serving counter - Customer interaction and order assembly area
- Heat lamps - Keeps prepared food visible and warm
- Sneeze guards - Protects food from contamination during service
- Menu boards - Displays offerings and prices clearly
- Cash register/POS - Processes payments and tracks sales
- Order ticket system - Organizes orders during busy periods
- Food containers/packaging - Takeaway containers for customer orders
- Napkin dispensers - Provides customers with necessary supplies
- Condiment stations - Self-service area for sauces and extras
Cleaning & Sanitation
- Three-compartment sink - Washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes
- Hand washing station - Separate sink for staff hygiene
- Sanitizer dispenser - Maintains cleanliness throughout service
- Dish drying rack - Air dries clean equipment properly
- Cleaning supplies - Degreasers, sanitizers, and cleaning tools
- Trash receptacles - Waste management during busy service
- Floor mats - Anti-slip surfaces for safety in cooking area
- Paper towel dispensers - Quick cleanup and hand drying
Power & Utilities
- Generator - Provides electricity for outdoor locations
- Propane tanks - Fuel for gas-powered cooking equipment
- Extension cords - Heavy-duty electrical connections
- Water tank/pump - Fresh water supply for remote locations
- Grease trap - Manages cooking oil waste properly
- Ventilation fan - Removes cooking smoke and odors
- Fire suppression system - Safety equipment for cooking areas
Specialized Equipment by Cuisine
- Taco press - For authentic Mexican street tacos
- Gyro spit - Vertical rotisserie for Mediterranean cuisine
- Crepe maker - Thin, even cooking surface for French crepes
- Tandoor oven - Traditional clay oven for Indian bread and meats
- Waffle maker - Belgian or American style waffle production
- Churro machine - Specialized equipment for Spanish pastries
- Kettle corn popper - Large capacity popcorn production
- Soft serve machine - Ice cream for dessert offerings
Safety & Compliance
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment for cooking operations
- First aid kit - Handles minor injuries during service
- Thermometers - Monitors food temperatures for safety compliance
- Timer - Ensures proper cooking times for food safety
- Non-slip shoes - Required footwear for kitchen safety
- Cut-resistant gloves - Protects hands during food preparation
- Hair nets/hats - Maintains hygiene standards during food service
- Aprons - Protects clothing and maintains professional appearance
Our financial plan for a street food restaurant will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most street food restaurant owners spend between $30,000 and $150,000 on equipment, depending on their concept and mobility needs. You really can't go below $20,000 for even the most basic setup because you need essential cooking equipment, refrigeration, and a mobile platform to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Food Cart
A small food cart with basic grilling and prep capabilities needs around $20,000-$40,000, with most of the budget going toward the cart itself and essential cooking equipment.
- Medium Food Truck
A medium-sized food truck with diverse menu capabilities typically runs $40,000-$80,000, including specialized cooking equipment and proper refrigeration systems.
- Large Food Truck
A large food truck or one with extensive offerings can easily hit $80,000-$150,000, especially when you add premium cooking equipment and custom kitchen layouts.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Food Cart ($20,000 - $40,000)
Small food carts focus on essential equipment for a limited menu. The goal is maximizing efficiency with minimal space while maintaining food safety and quality standards.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cart/Platform | Basic food cart with wheels, propane connections, small prep area, basic ventilation, permits and licensing | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Cooking Equipment | Commercial griddle or grill, single fryer basket, basic hot holding unit, propane tanks and regulators | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Refrigeration | Small reach-in refrigerator, ice chest for beverages, prep table with refrigerated drawers | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Prep Equipment | Stainless steel prep table, basic knife set, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring tools | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Service Items | Simple menu board, cash box or basic POS, takeaway containers, napkins and utensils | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Safety & Cleaning | Hand washing station, sanitizer, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, basic cleaning supplies | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Setup & Permits | Equipment installation, health department permits, business licenses, initial setup costs | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Medium Food Truck ($40,000 - $80,000)
Medium food trucks offer more menu variety and higher volume capacity. You're investing in better equipment that handles diverse cooking methods and increased customer demand.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Food Truck | Custom food truck with full kitchen setup, commercial ventilation system, electrical and plumbing systems | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Cooking Equipment | Commercial griddle, deep fryer with filtration, char grill, steam table, rice cooker or specialty equipment | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Refrigeration | Two-door reach-in refrigerator, under-counter freezer, prep table with refrigerated base, ice machine | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Prep Stations | Multiple stainless steel prep tables, food processor, commercial can opener, extensive knife set | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Service Equipment | Digital menu boards, POS system with card processing, heat lamps, condiment stations | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Utilities & Power | Generator for electrical power, water tank and pump, grease trap system, propane system | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Safety & Compliance | Fire suppression system, comprehensive cleaning station, safety equipment, health permits | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional equipment installation, staff training, permits and inspections, initial supplies | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Large Food Truck ($80,000 - $150,000)
Large food trucks operate with restaurant-quality equipment in a mobile format. The focus is on maximizing menu diversity, efficiency, and the ability to serve high volumes quickly.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Food Truck | Custom-built truck with full commercial kitchen, advanced ventilation, multiple cooking stations, professional design | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Advanced Cooking | Multiple griddles and grills, double-basket fryer, steamer, specialized equipment for signature dishes | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Commercial Refrigeration | Walk-in cooler section, multiple reach-in units, blast chiller, extensive freezer capacity | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Prep & Production | Multiple prep stations, commercial mixers, automated slicers, extensive prep tool collection | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Service Systems | Multiple service windows, advanced POS systems, digital displays, customer ordering technology | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Cuisine-specific equipment like tandoor ovens, wok stations, pizza ovens, or dessert stations | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Power & Infrastructure | High-capacity generator, shore power connections, comprehensive water and waste systems | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Premium Features | Advanced fire suppression, sound system, LED lighting, custom branding and wrap | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Professional Setup | Complete installation, comprehensive training, all permits and certifications, marketing launch | $5,000 - $10,000 |