If there’s one spot that smells like summer, music and good vibes during Aste Nagusia, it’s the stretch by the Kursaal and Zurriola Beach. Every year a true on-wheels market pops up with international flavours: a line-up of food trucks that can lift your mood with a made-to-order crêpe, a crispy Roman pinsa, a bagel with a Basque twist, or a choripán that calls for an extra napkin. This guide breaks down what you’ll find, which trucks draw the biggest queues, what to order based on your cravings, and the smart tips to enjoy it all.
Dates, hours and where it is (need-to-know)
The set-up known as Zurriola Street Food takes place by the Kursaal terraces (Plaza de las Enfermeras), right in the Gros neighbourhood, from 9 to 16 August, 12:00–01:30. In other words, it runs pretty much all day and late into the night—ideal to pair with concerts and the fireworks. The offer is varied and includes 100% gluten-free options (especially pizzas and tacos), plus vegetarian and vegan choices at several trucks. (Source: Donostia Kultura official programme.)
What the experience feels like (atmosphere, music and views)
Part of the charm of the Zurriola Semana Grande food trucks is that you eat facing the sea. As the sun goes down the Zurriola breeze cools things off, the beach hum becomes your soundtrack and the Kursaal is steps away for sitting, socialising or hopping between high tables. Early evening is family-friendly (lots of prams and groups with kids) and it turns more festive from late afternoon, with music and a steady flow of people moving between the beach, Sagüés and the city centre.
A useful plus: it’s a wide, accessible area, comfortable for wheelchair users or anyone with reduced mobility. Getting around is straightforward, there’s space between the food trucks, and you can snack standing up, at a high-top or nearby with a view of the beach.
The confirmed food trucks and what to order at each
This year’s line-up is again generous and well balanced, with flavours for every mood. Here’s a walk-through with “can’t-miss” picks so you can choose fast:
Basque Truck
Their signature is chef-style bagels: artisan dough, well-built fillings and a local wink with produce from Navarre and the Basque Country. Can’t-miss: the Basque Bagel, with cured fish/meats or slow-cooked cuts.
Cal Pastor Food Truck
Tacos and totopos with street-food spirit and bold combos (from Buffalo chicken to Philly cheese steak done taco-style). Can’t-miss: taco + nachos to share.
Casamitjana Food
Wood-fired sandwiches, low-and-slow meats, crusty bread. Can’t-miss: the sweet beef or any pulled-meat sandwich with house sauces.
Crepería School Bus
A classic for snack or dessert. Sweet and savoury crêpes served from a vintage school bus. Can’t-miss: simple savoury (ham/cheese) then a Nutella crêpe to finish.
Gula (Argentine Flavour)
Juicy empanadas and sandwiches with shredded beef or pulled pork, chimichurri on the side. Can’t-miss: empanada + alfajor for dessert.
La Factoría
Cocas made to order, Iberian cold cuts, mollete and focaccia. Can’t-miss: gratin coca with Iberian meats—great to share.
La Rodante Street Food
Hand-made pizzas with a solid bake. Can’t-miss: four cheeses or the seasonal special.
Pizzería La Viajera
Pizzas, top fries and hot dogs. Can’t-miss: a slice + loaded fries for a sharing bite.
Parrilla Argentina Mcanudos
Reliable charcoal grill: criollo chorizo, blood sausage, pork loin, burgers and full parrillada. Can’t-miss: the choripán with chimichurri.
Panzer 8 Food Truck
Specialists in Roman pinsa: light dough, double-baked, crisp edge. Can’t-miss: half-and-half to sample two toppings.
Q Street Food
Chef-y burgers and dishes travelling from the Mediterranean to Asia, with vegan and coeliac-friendly options. Can’t-miss: their burger with “fine-dining”-style sauces.
The Craftsman Food
Gourmet sandwiches from around the world (pastrami, teriyaki chicken), with gyozas or nachos on the side. Can’t-miss: pulled pork American-style.
Toto Chicken
Argentine live-fire tradition: roast chicken, skewers, burgers and ribs. Can’t-miss: asado sandwich with house sauce.
Yong Wang Xef i Cuina
Asian street food for everyone: yakisoba, curries, sushi/maki, bao. Can’t-miss: panang curry or duck bao.
Quick tip: if you’re a group, split up and order from 2–3 food trucks. Meet back at a high-top for a shared tasting—you’ll try more and spend less time queuing.
Who draws the biggest crowds (and why)
It varies by day, but some patterns are consistent:
- Charcoal grills always pull a crowd. Choripán and parrillada are magnets at dusk and right after the fireworks.
- Roman pinsa from Panzer 8 is a hit for sharing: it’s light, easy to slice and a crowd-pleaser.
- Bagels from Basque Truck stand out for being different—global style with a local touch.
- The Asian line-up (Yong Wang) tends to move fast: quick-fire dishes, aromatic sauces and portions made for grazing on the go.
Overall, the winners are tasty and hand-friendly: juicy sandwiches, pizza/pinsa slices, plump baos—things you can eat standing up, no fuss, feeling like you’re in the middle of the party.
What to order based on your mood (quick profiles)
Visiting with kids
Pizzas and top fries from Pizzería La Viajera, sweet crêpes from School Bus and simple hot dogs. Anything you can cut into bite-size pieces makes life easier.
Plant-leaning
Vegan tacos or nachos at Cal Pastor, veggie options at Q Street Food and savoury crêpes to order. Always ask to confirm ingredients at the truck.
Gluten-free
The organisers highlight 100% gluten-free items in pizzas/tacos, and several food trucks label suitable choices. Still, ask about cross-contamination when you order. (Source: official programme.)
In the mood for meat and fire
Think of it as a quick trip to Buenos Aires at Mcanudos or Toto Chicken, then split a coca or a pinsa.
Craving Southeast-Asian flavours
Head to Yong Wang for yakisoba with crunchy veg or a fragrant panang curry—perfect even on a warm night.
Sweet tooth
Classic crêpe, alfajor or a fruit smoothie—ideal for the stroll back along Zurriola.
Best time to go (and skip the queues)
The biggest crowds gather before and after the bay fireworks. A trick that works: early dinner around 19:30–20:15 (queues still manageable) or head back after the show when the wave thins out. The fireworks start around 22:45 and last about 30 minutes. (Reference: Aste Nagusia official programme.)
More useful ideas:
- Two-round plan: a light bite first (pinsa slice, a bao) and a treat on the way back (crêpe or choripán).
- Carry a bit of cash: most trucks take cards, but at big outdoor events a few euros help if card readers drop.
- Light jacket: the Zurriola breeze can feel cool at night.
- Set a meeting point: pick a fixed spot (e.g., the Kursaal side) if you split up to order.
- Mind the sand: if you head down to the beach, keep food in closed containers; that friendly breeze… can carry extra “seasoning”.
Ready-made mini-itineraries
Pre-fireworks (families and laid-back groups)
Meet around 19:30 at the Kursaal terraces, share a pinsa and add a portion of top fries. With kids, finish with a sweet crêpe. Around 21:30 stroll along the river, reach the bay and find a spot for the fireworks. On the way back, if you’re peckish, grab a quick bao or an empanada.
Post-fireworks (lively vibe & music)
Arrive around 23:15, when the bulk of the crowd has moved on. Order a bagel or a gourmet sandwich, split a coca and end with a cold drink. Bonus: the vibe stays upbeat and service runs until 01:30.
Food-curious (I want to try new things)
Start at Basque Truck (bagel with a local twist), swing by Yong Wang (panang curry or bao), then finish at Panzer 8 (pinsa half-and-half to compare). If there’s room for dessert, grab an alfajor from Gula.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegan tacos and nachos at Cal Pastor, coca from La Factoría (veg version), and a veg/cheese crêpe. To drink: a fruit smoothie for proper summer vibes.
Courtesy and sustainability tips
The magic of the Zurriola Semana Grande food trucks also depends on how we use the space:
- Waste: use the recycling islands; if you picnic on the sand, take a small bag for packaging.
- Reusables: bring a bottle or reusable cup if you can.
- Keep paths clear: think of prams, wheelchairs and anyone moving through the trucks.
- Peak-time patience: crews are flat out; a smile often comes back as a tip or a friendly extra.
FAQ
Where exactly is it?
At the Kursaal terraces (Plaza de las Enfermeras), right on Zurriola Beach, in the Gros neighbourhood. From the City Centre, cross the Kursaal bridge and it’s on your left.
What days and hours?
9–16 August, 12:00–01:30. Ideal for lunch, a late-afternoon bite and dinner before or after the fireworks. (Official programme.)
Is there music or activities?
Yes—a steady buzz and daytime animation. The area meshes with the broader Aste Nagusia schedule.
Good with kids or older visitors?
Yes. It’s an open, accessible space with easy circulation and nearby spots to sit.
What about coeliacs or vegetarians?
There are 100% gluten-free items (pizzas/tacos) and several veggie/vegan choices. Still, ask about traces and how things are cooked on the spot. (Official programme.)
Wrap-up: seaside street food, pure summer
The Zurriola Semana Grande food trucks hook you with their simplicity and vibe: a postcard setting, flavours from Italy to Asia via Argentina… and that feeling of being in celebration mode even if you only stop for a quick bite. If you want something tasty by the Cantabrian Sea and to experience Aste Nagusia without the formality, this is your playground: eat well, share, and come back. Zurriola will save you a spot.
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