Takoyaki cart or trailer in a regular spot

Office workers, shoppers, tourists, students and night-time crowds walking past.

Boxes of takoyaki sold throughout the day or evening, with repeat trade from regulars. A fitted-out cart lets you trade more often, so income is steadier than occasional markets.

• Cooking to order at speed
• Managing stock and ingredient costs
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Mobile food vehicle registration and fit-out rules, which differ by state and council
• Street trading permits are limited in some areas and may have waiting lists or fees
• Food safety supervisor and food handler requirements
• Public liability insurance, plus vehicle or trailer insurance
• Gas safety compliance for cooking equipment
• Quiet days, bad weather and seasonal foot traffic can affect income

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the cart or trailer and its fit-out. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your location and how many days you trade.

Check mobile food vehicle registration and fit-out rules, which differ by state and council. Also check street trading permits (limited in some areas, with waiting lists or fees), food safety supervisor and food handler requirements, gas safety compliance, and public liability and vehicle or trailer insurance.

Plan on at least around 20 hours a week. Useful skills include cooking to order at speed, managing stock and ingredient costs, customer service and basic bookkeeping. Quiet days, bad weather and seasonal foot traffic can affect your income.