Back-of-the-Truck Cooking: How We Cook Amazing Meals on Our Overlander Hilux

There’s something magical about cooking outdoors. The hiss of a burner, the smell of garlic in the air, a golden retriever snoozing nearby, and the sky changing colors behind the mountains. For us, cooking on the back of our overlander Hilux isn’t just about eating—it’s about living. It’s part of the rhythm of life on the road, and honestly, we wouldn’t trade it for any five-star restaurant.

Happy Cooking

Cooking Outdoors: A Different Kind of Joy

Morning Coffee with a Mountain View

Forget barista foam—our coffee routine is boiling water with a Jetboil and a french press and sipping it with the world waking up around us.

The Sound of Onions Sizzling at Sunset

Nothing says “home on wheels” like that sound and smell wafting through the trees or across a lakeshore.

It’s Not About Fancy—It’s About Flavor and Vibe

We don’t cook Instagram-perfect meals. We cook real food. And the vibe? That’s 10/10.

What’s in Our Mobile Pantry?

Dry Goods We Always Bring

• Pasta

• Couscous

• Lentils

• Rice

• Tortillas

Spices That Make Anything Delicious

• Smoked paprika

• Cumin

• Curry powder

• Chili flakes

• Garlic granules

Fresh Ingredients We Grab Along the Way

We stock up on:

• Onions, garlic, carrots

• Eggs and cheese

• Local produce (especially at roadside stalls)

Tools of the Trade: Essential Gear

Our Trusty Dual-Burner Stove

Compact, reliable, and hot enough to cook anything from pancakes to stir-fry.

Cast Iron Pan, Cutting Board, Collapsible Sink

Can’t live without our well-seasoned cast iron pan. The collapsible sink keeps cleanup simple.

The All-Important Knife Roll

A good knife makes all the difference. We carry a sharp chef’s knife and a paring knife, safely rolled in canvas.

Real Meals We’ve Cooked on the Road

Pasta with Garlic, Zucchini & Tuna

Takes 15 minutes, uses just two pans, and tastes like comfort.

Chilli con Carne on a Chilly Night

Hearty, spicy, and easy to stretch across multiple meals.

Breakfast Burritos

Eggs, cheese, leftovers, wrapped in a tortilla—fuel for the whole day.

Cooking Challenges and How We Solve Them

Wind, Rain, and Dust—Oh My!

We use a windscreen for the stove, and sometimes just cook from inside the canopy. Dust? Keep everything covered.

Keeping the Food Cool

Our YETI is efficient, but we’re careful with what we store. Cheese and meat go fast. Meal plan accordingly.

Cleanup in the Dark

Headlamps. Always. And a collapsible tub that makes washing easy, even in the dark.

Meal Prep Hacks That Save Time

Pre-Chopped Veggies

We chop onions and garlic in bulk, store in small containers. Game changer.

One-Pot Recipes Are King

Less mess, less stress. Plus, who wants to do dishes at camp?

Cook Extra, Eat Twice

We often double recipes. Dinner becomes lunch the next day. Easy win.

Finding Local Ingredients on the Road

Markets Over Supermarkets

Fresh, local, and usually cheaper. Plus, it’s a fun cultural experience.

Ask Locals What’s in Season

We’ve discovered amazing ingredients just by asking a shopkeeper what’s good today.

Cooking with Local Flavors

Trying to replicate flavors of where we’re camping connects us more to the place.

Keeping Things Clean and Safe

Water Tanks and Soap Stations

We always have a 33L water tank with a tap and biodegradable soap. Simple and eco-friendly.

Trash Storage and Disposal

We keep a small bin on the back of our car and dispose of trash properly in towns. Never leave waste behind.

Keeping Animals Away

All food is sealed. Nothing’s worse than waking up to a squirrel party in your pantry.

The Vibe: Campfire Meals and Starry Skies

There’s no better feeling than cooking dinner with the stars above, maybe a fire flickering nearby, and music playing low. It turns a simple meal into an experience.

Why We Wouldn’t Trade This Kitchen for Any Restaurant

Every Meal Comes with a View

Mountains, rivers, forests—our dining room changes daily.

Freedom to Eat Wherever We Land

Don’t need to hunt for restaurants. We eat when and where we want.

Cooking Slows You Down—in a Good Way

Prepping, cooking, and eating becomes ritual. It grounds us. It makes us present.

Conclusion

Cooking on the back of our Hilux is more than convenience—it’s a lifestyle. It brings us closer to the places we visit, gives rhythm to our days, and feeds more than just our bellies. Whether it’s a morning coffee with dew still on the grass or a hearty dinner after a long drive, these meals are the ones we’ll always remember.