The Vendy Awards, Which Honor The Best Street Food, Have Announced This Year's Finalists

Sometimes the most memorable food can't be found in a restaurant. You know what we're talking about: creative grilled cheese, kimchi tacos, and lobster rolls from your favorite food carts and trucks. The Vendy Awards are back this fall to celebrate the champions of street food. Last month, we announced that the 11th annual Vendy Awards will make their return to Governor's Island. Now we know the street food finalists for the Rookie of the Year, Best Market Vendor, and Best Dessert categories.

For Rookie of the Year, the finalists are Coney Shack Tacos (Southeast Asian-inspired tacos, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and quesadillas), Kaya NYC (Taiwanese gua bao or pork belly buns, popcorn chicken, and more), Lil Zeus Lunch Box (traditional Greek food), Old Traditional Polish (authentic pierogis and kielbasa), and Shuka Truck (varieties of the spicy Israeli egg dish shakshuka).

For Best Market Vendor, the finalists are Burmese Bites (classic Burmese dishes with a twist), Carnitas El Atorodero (home-style Mexican comfort food), Gumbo Bros (authentic Cajun/Creole cuisine), Home Frites (French fries and dipping sauces), and Karl's Balls (serving Takoyaki, a ball-shaped pancake stuffed with octopus).

For Best Dessert, the contenders are Booqoo Beignets (serving the New Orleans pastry in unusual flavors), Butter & Scotch (boozy and sweet pastries), Doughnuttery (small doughnuts with unique toppings), Play J Ice Cream (Korean ice cream), and Squish Marshmallows (grown-up marshmallows).

More finalists will be announced in the coming weeks.