Love food trucks? Explore Washington's 6 best budget-friendly mobile

Fresh Afghan Cuisine | Photo: Lillian L./Yelp

Out and about, hungry and on a budget? You're in luck: We've found the freshest food trucks to fill the bill.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable mobile joints in Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to check out when in need.

1. Basil Thyme

Topping the list is Basil Thyme. This truck — which offers fresh, from-scratch pasta, lasagna and other Italian fare — is the highest rated affordable food truck in D.C., boasting 4.5 stars out of 260 reviews on Yelp.

The food truck, founded in 2011, travels throughout the District of Columbia and will even come right to your doorstep, the business says on Yelp. To catch Basil Thymes' appearances in Washington, check out its Facebook page.

2. Fresh Afghan Cuisine

Washington-based Fresh Afghan Cuisine is another top choice. The truck can be found primarily in Navy Yard, and with five stars out of 44 reviews on Yelp, the food truck and Afghan spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an affordable option.

Customers can expect to find an assortment of Afghan kebabs, gyros and chicken sandwiches. Check out the food truck's Facebook page to keep track of its whereabouts in Navy Yard.

3. Stella*s PopKern

Stella*s PopKern, a truck serving up gourmet popcorn, is another much-loved, inexpensive go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 82 Yelp reviews. The mobile outfit features unique small batch flavors of popcorn in dark chocolate, cheddar and caramel varieties.

It also has a storefront location in the District and offers catering services. Head over to the shop at 4414 Georgia Ave. NW to see for yourself, or catch the truck at one of its stops in the D.C. area. (Check out its Instagram for updates on locations.)

4. Puddin'

Next up is Puddin', a Cajun and Creole spot originating out of D.C.'s historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. Owner and chef Toyin Alli has since grown her eatery to include Union Market, two food trucks and various local marketplaces.

With four stars out of 239 reviews on Yelp, the mobile kitchen has proven to be a local favorite for those seeking a budget-friendly option. Offerings include classic comfort food dishes like gumbo, étouffee, oysters, catfish po'boys and her signature dish — Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Puddin'. (Visit the Puddin' website for a list of food truck locations.)

5. Arepa Zone

Arepa Zone is another popular go-to with four stars out of 162 reviews on Yelp. The mobile outfit features fast-casual Venezuelan fare in the form of arepas and pabellón bowls — a hearty dish consisting of basmati rice, black beans, sweet plantains and your choice of chicken or beef.

The eatery also has a brick-and-mortar location just below Thomas Circle. Head over to the storefront at 1121 14th St. NW to see for yourself, or track down the food truck at one of its many locations across Washington. As with others, stay updated via its Facebook page.

6. Margarets

And then there's Margarets, a local favorite with four stars out of 140 reviews. The mobile food joint and catering company specializes in classic Southern cuisine in the form of fried fish, hush puppies, collard greens, pulled pork and more.

The food truck also provides catering services and is available for any event. Visit Margarets' website here to inquire about booking the food truck or its current location.