The Great Food Truck Race Season 16 winner: Surging to the final victory

With two food trucks battling it out for the $50,000 Food Network prize, only one could be crowned The Great Food Truck Race Season 16 winner. After numerous challenges and feeding much of Los Angeles, the last food truck standing earned the crown with flavorful, thoughtful, and colorful food.

The theme for this season’s popular Food Network series was David vs Goliath. While it might have been touted as food truck rookies versus veterans, the reality was that all the participants had food experience. They might not have run a food truck, but they had perfected their signature dishes over the years.

For The Great Food Truck Race Season 16 finale, The Easy Vegan took on Khana. While some expected the veterans to walk away with this competition, it was two rookies making it to the end. Still, the women leading these trucks proved their culinary creativity throughout the season.

Although it might not necessarily be the nicest commentary, some viewers cheered for one team over another. Khana never shied away from working the competition angle of The Great Food Truck Race. Some people might not appreciate that they switched up team members and used advantages as part of a clear strategy. Still, it is a game with a substantial prize on the line.

Still, great food does and will always have a place on The Great Food Truck Race. The sales numbers are not just a popularity contest. If that food does not satisfy the guests, it will show in Tyler’s black book.

Who was The Great Food Truck Race Season 16 winner?

In the finale, the head to head battle between the Easy Vegan and Khana saw a few twists and turns along the way. While the extra money challenges were both flavor and sales based, those items did not seem to dramatically swing the results. Since both food trucks won two of the four challenges, those extra elements were basically a wash.

The biggest takeaway from The Great Food Truck Race Season 16 finale was the last day’s single entrée item. The Easy Vegan served pink tacos and Khana served a lamb smash burger. Although burgers are a popular choice, lamb can be a little divisive. Some people might not prefer that protein. Even if it was flavorful, it can be a hard sell.

The Easy Vegan went all in with a visually creative food item. While the name got chuckles all around, the idea of a beet flavored taco, which created the bold color was smart as a final menu item. From good timing to great marketing, this dish was definitely a huge statement.

More importantly, it was more than a gimmick. The use of walnut meat and carrots felt hearty, yet was vegan. Without the need for meat substitutes, it satisfies. Overall, it was a big statement that vegan food is flavorful, satisfying, and creative.

Looking at the final totals, there was a clear winner. Whether it was the humor, the creativity, or the flavor, The Easy Vegan earned the title as The Great Food Truck Race Season 16 winner. Will they become as popular as former winners The Lime Truck? No one will know, but their food deserves to be highlighted beyond this show. Maybe these chefs can be showcases at an upcoming Food Network festival or other event.

As another season of The Great Food Truck Race closes, it will be interesting to see how Food Network can add some new elements to this popular food television competition. Maybe it is time to roll out some celebrities on the food trucks.

Want to catch up on previous seasons of The Great Food Truck Race? Stream this food television show and other Food Network programming on MAX.