Guide · Updated August 2026

How to Find Food Vans Near You

"Where's the ice cream van?" is one of the most-searched food questions in the UK — and yet most food vans still have no reliable way to tell people where they are. Here's what actually works.

What doesn't really work

• Instagram stories — great if you already follow the vendor and happen to check at the right time, useless otherwise.
• Word of mouth — works for regulars, not for anyone new to the area.
• Walking around hoping — self-explanatory. It's a gamble on your lunch break.
• Generic map apps — Google Maps shows fixed locations, not vans that move daily or hourly.

What actually works: a live map built for it

VanTrack is built specifically for food vans and street food vendors — not general businesses. That means:

• Live locations — vendors who are actively trading show up on the map in real time, updated as they move.
• Usual trading spots — even vendors who aren't live right now are shown with their typical days, hours and location, so you know when to check back.
• Search by cuisine or food type — looking for Turkish food, or just want ice cream? Filter instead of scrolling.
• Menus and directions — see what's on offer and get directions, without leaving the app.
• Favourites and notifications — save vendors you like and get notified when they're near you.

Currently covering London, Essex & Kent

VanTrack maps food vans and street food vendors across East and Central London, Essex, and Kent — including ice cream vans, burger vans, pizza vans, world food traders, coffee carts and more. New vendors are added regularly.

Are you a food van vendor?

If you run a food van and want to be easier to find, VanTrack lists vendors for free, with the option to go fully live with real-time GPS tracking when you're trading. Find out more.

Vendor availability changes daily. Always check the live map for current, real-time status rather than relying on this article alone.