Vagabond Food Truck in Pennsylvania: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Michael Madigan of Vagabond Food Truck in Pennsylvania. Vagabond is more than a food truck; it’s a journey on wheels. Each bite tells a story, and every dish brings the flavors of the road to your palate. From Thai chili tacos to Caribbean fried hand pies, you’re savoring a taste of the world.
Vagabond Food Truck in Pennsylvania: Meet the Chef
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My mornings usually start in motion — whether it’s prepping on the truck, sourcing fresh local ingredients, or planning a pop-up in a new city. I thrive on movement. Coffee, loud music, and a mental map of the day ahead is how I roll. I wind down under string lights, reviewing the day with a cold drink and the satisfaction of feeding people well.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I’m a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, a former executive chef at top-tier resorts and yachts, and founder of multiple Farm2bistro restaurants. In 2025, I was honored to be named one of America’s Best Food Truck Chefs by 5 Reasons to Visit, a milestone in a journey that’s spanned kitchens from California to Cambodia.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
Anthony Bourdain for his honesty, edge, and respect for culture. And Jeremiah Tower more on that below. My advice? Travel. Stay humble. Burn your ego. Learn from grandmothers in alley kitchens. Let your food tell a story, not just make a sale.
Vagabond Food Truck in Pennsylvania: Meet the Chef
What do you typically cook at home?
Global comfort food. Think rich curries, grilled meats, handmade flatbreads, or simple tomato toast with flaky salt. Whatever speaks to the soul that day. I have two wonderful sons so lots of French bread pizza and nuggggggies. And boatloads of Mac and cheese!
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Handheld global food …exactly why I’m launching Mike & Mike’s Hand Pies. Flaky fried pies filled with cherry, apple, dark chocolate, or spicy meat and international fillings. Street food with roots.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Balut in the Philippines with sweet chili and ice cold beer. Yes, it was strange. And yes, I’d do it again. The weirdest foods often become the most unforgettable memories.
What drink do you enjoy most?
A pint of Guinness in Dublin… or bourbon when in Kentucky. The setting changes the soul of the sip.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
Yes. One of my proudest moments was cooking for Chef Jeremiah Tower, the father of modern California cuisine. Having him enjoy my work was like a poet reading to Shakespeare it’s humbling, unforgettable, and a validation of everything I’ve lived for in this craft
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
@VagabondTacos oin the journey, one dish and one destination at a time.
Vagabond Food Truck in Pennsylvania: Meet the Chef
Why should readers visit Vagabond Food Truck in Pennsylvania?
Because Vagabond isn’t just a food truck : it's a passport on wheels. Every bite has a backstory. Every dish carries flavors from the road. Whether it’s a Thai chili taco or a Caribbean fried hand pie, you’re tasting the world.