Patti's & Cream

Patti’s & Cream is, hands down, one of the best food trucks we’ve found in New Zealand. As the name suggests, the business specialises in burgers and ice cream, and while that salty-sweet combination isn’t new, Patti’s & Cream does it in a way that totally is.

Starting with the truck itself; a 1984 Bedford affectionately known as Betty. When owner Olive purchased Betty, it'd already served as a paddy wagon and ice cream shop on wheels. Stark white, this food truck is often parked up in St. Clair on the weekend and beckons passersby closer with its glowing red arrow and welcoming service window.

You’ll find burgers and scoops on the menu that will simply knock your socks off. Olive makes all the ice cream and even the waffle cones from scratch. Inspired by the scoop shops of Portland, she uses local milk and fun flavours sourced from Dunedin’s growers, producers and brewers (you read that right) to hand-craft small batches of deliciousness.

Flavours such as Blue Cheese and Pear are outside the box yet incredibly moreish, while classics like Strawberry are made with local Mosgiel berries. Speciality flavours have included Beer and Nuts (Arc Brewing Co.’s stout with pecans), Lemon Curd and Marshmallow, Earl Grey Tea and Vanilla, Birthday Cake, and more. The ice cream is made with minimal air content meaning it’s thick and creamy and is served up in a crunchy, slightly caramelly cone – the perfect vehicle.

Burger-wise, Patti’s serves up LA-style numbers on pillowy milk buns at an approachable price point. Each one is juicy, filling and made to order. The classic cheeseburger is constructed with a brisket mince 'patti', melted cheese, iceberg lettuce, special sauce, bread and butter pickles and caramelised onions. Add beetroot and a free-range egg if you wish, and don't miss the cajun chicken burger made with Wild Fennel Co. spice rub marinated chicken tenders, pickles and mayo, either.

Patti’s & Cream has a huge local following and often sells out. Find Betty’s location via Patti’s & Cream’s social media pages.