Food truck built around a single signature dish
Starting costs about $46,900 in the United States and 8,280,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,900 net per month in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 21 months, with 55 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $46,900 | $2,900 |
| Nigeria | 8,280,000 NGN | 678,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £32,100 | £2,000 |
| Kenya | 2,110,000 KES | 94,400 KES |
| India | 1,050,000 INR | 68,900 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Opening a restaurant is very expensive and ties you to one location, while customers move between offices, markets and events.
The solution
A fitted truck or trailer with a short menu around a signature dish, at fixed pitches on weekdays and at events at weekends.
Your customers
Office workers on lunch break, market and festival visitors, weddings and corporate events.
How you make money
Average ticket of 10 to 14 €, private event bookings at 800 to 2,500 € each.
Competition
Restaurants and snack bars, other food trucks, delivery platforms and takeaway bakeries.
Who has an edge
A cook with a genuinely distinctive product, physical stamina and skill at negotiating pitches and event contracts.
The risks
Hard-to-get pitch permits, breakdowns, weather, high investment and burnout from long days.
The first 3 steps
- Test the signature recipe at a market stall for a month.
- Research pitch permits and vehicle standards.
- Buy a used, already-fitted and inspected truck.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €11,000 − costs €9,000 = €2,000 net per month. Revenue: 700 orders × €12 + 2 private events × €1,300. Costs: ingredients, pitch fees, fuel and gas, one helper's wages, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Food truck?
About $46,900 (United States), 8,280,000 NGN (Nigeria), £32,100 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,900 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,000 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 21 months, with 55 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Hard-to-get pitch permits, breakdowns, weather, high investment and burnout from long days.
Where do I start?
1. Test the signature recipe at a market stall for a month. 2. Research pitch permits and vehicle standards. 3. Buy a used, already-fitted and inspected truck.
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