This N That Kitchen No. 1 — Lowcountry Soul Food from a Charleston Food Truck

What This N That Kitchen No. 1 serves

This N That Kitchen No. 1 is a food truck operating in the Charleston area that specializes in Lowcountry soul food — the regional cooking style built on seafood, collard greens, cornbread, and slow-cooked meats that define Charleston's food culture. The truck serves dishes rooted in the Gullah Geechee traditions and African American culinary heritage of the coastal Lowcountry, prepared fresh to order and sold from a mobile kitchen rather than a fixed restaurant location.

The menu rotates based on what's available and what the operator decides to prepare on a given day, which is typical for food trucks in South Carolina. You'll find items like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, okra, mac and cheese, and rice dishes — the kind of food that has fed Charleston families for generations. Prices are generally lower than sit-down restaurants, and the experience is casual: you order at a window, receive your food in a container, and eat standing up or take it with you.

Key Takeaways

• This N That Kitchen No. 1 serves Lowcountry soul food from a mobile truck, with a menu that changes based on daily availability.
• The truck specializes in regional dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and rice-based meals connected to Gullah Geechee and African American culinary traditions.
• Food truck dining means ordering at a window and eating on-site or taking your meal with you, at prices lower than traditional restaurants.
• Location and operating hours vary, so checking social media or calling ahead before visiting ensures the truck is where and when you expect it.

Where to find the truck and when it operates

Food trucks in Charleston move between neighborhoods and events rather than staying in one spot. This N That Kitchen No. 1 may be found at different locations on different days — common spots include parking lots, street corners in residential areas, and community events like farmers markets or festivals. The truck's exact location and hours change week to week.

The most reliable way to find out where the truck will be is to check its social media pages (Facebook or Instagram) or call the operator directly. Many Charleston food trucks post their location the morning of or the day before they plan to operate. If you have a favorite spot where you've found them before, that location may be regular, but it's never may provide — weather, events, and the operator's schedule all affect where the truck shows up.

What Lowcountry soul food means

Lowcountry cooking comes from the coastal region of South Carolina and Georgia, where African American cooks developed a cuisine from the ingredients available in marshes, rivers, and gardens: shrimp, crab, okra, rice, collard greens, and corn. This food reflects centuries of Gullah Geechee culture — the distinct African American community whose ancestors were enslaved on rice plantations and whose traditions, language, and foodways remain central to the region's identity.

Soul food, as a broader category, emphasizes flavor built through slow cooking, seasoning, and technique rather than expensive ingredients. A pot of collards simmered for hours, fried chicken with a crispy crust, or rice cooked with shrimp and vegetables are soul food dishes because they're made to nourish and satisfy, and because they carry the history of the people who created them. When a food truck like This N That Kitchen No. 1 serves these dishes, it's continuing a tradition that's been part of Charleston since before the city was formally established.

Typical menu items you might find

Shrimp and grits is perhaps the most iconic Lowcountry dish — fresh shrimp served over creamy grits (cornmeal cooked until smooth), often with a savory sauce. Fried chicken appears on most soul food menus, prepared with seasoning and a golden crust. Rice dishes — sometimes called Frogmore stew or Lowcountry boil when they include shrimp, corn, and sausage — are another staple, as are sides like okra (fried or stewed), mac and cheese, and collard greens.

Cornbread, biscuits, and other bread items round out the meal. Because the menu changes, you might also encounter seasonal specials, fish preparations, or regional variations depending on what the operator has sourced that day. Prices for a full meal from a food truck typically range from $10 to $18, though this varies. The best approach is to ask what's available when you arrive — the operator can tell you what they're serving and how long it will take to prepare your order.

Why food trucks matter to Charleston's food scene

Food trucks allow cooks and entrepreneurs to serve their communities without the overhead of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. For Lowcountry soul food specifically, food trucks have become an important way that family recipes and regional traditions reach people across different neighborhoods. A truck can set up in areas where sit-down restaurants aren't located, making authentic food more accessible.

Charleston's food culture is often associated with upscale dining and tourism, but the everyday food that sustains the city — the food that families have cooked for generations — lives in places like food trucks. This N That Kitchen No. 1 is part of that landscape, serving the kind of meal that's been central to Lowcountry life long before Charleston became known as a culinary destination.

How to order and what to expect

When you find the truck, approach the service window and look at the menu board or ask what's available. The operator will tell you what they're serving that day and how long each item takes to prepare. Some dishes are made to order and take 10 to 15 minutes; others may be ready immediately if they've been prepared in advance. Tell the operator what you want, pay, and wait for your name or number to be called.

Food comes in disposable containers — typically a foam box or paper wrapper — so you can eat standing nearby, sit in your car, or take it home. Bring cash if possible, though many trucks now accept card payments through mobile systems. If you're ordering for multiple people, mention that upfront so the operator knows how much to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This N That Kitchen No. 1 open every day?

No. Food trucks operate on varying schedules based on the operator's availability, weather, and demand. Some days the truck may not be out at all. Check social media or call ahead to confirm the truck is operating and where it will be located.

Do they take card payments or only cash?

Many Charleston food trucks now accept both cash and card payments through mobile payment systems like Square or PayPal. It's worth asking when you arrive, but bringing cash ensures you can pay regardless of their system.

How long does it take to get food?

This depends on what you order and whether it's made to order or prepared in advance. Simple items might be ready in 5 minutes; dishes cooked fresh can take 10 to 20 minutes. Ask the operator for an estimate when you place your order.

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Most food trucks operate on a first-come, first-served basis and don't take advance orders. Some operators may accept phone orders if you call ahead, but this varies. Your best option is to show up, order, and wait — the line usually moves quickly.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Tell the operator about your restrictions when you order. They can tell you what ingredients are in each dish and whether they can modify a meal. Because menus change daily, what's possible one day may not be the next, so always ask.