Buffalo's American Food Co. is a food truck in Cromwell bringing the taste of classic American roadside diners to Central Otago. It's a family-owned business run by Alex and Paula Moore, who opened in November 2021 after perfecting a smash burger recipe they grew up loving.
The signature technique is smashing the patty flat onto a hot griddle, giving each burger a crispy crust outside and a juicy centre — paired with butter-toasted brioche buns and a secret sauce. Since opening, Buffalo's has sold over 15,000 burgers and won the Best Front of House Award in the 2022 Eat Taste Central Awards.
The menu runs from the best-selling Double Wagyu Smashburger through to a vegetarian halloumi burger, a fried chicken butty, kids' options, loaded fries, and deep-fried desserts. Buffalo's also caters for work parties, events, and weddings on request.
Buffalo's American Food Co. is a food truck parked on Barry Avenue in Cromwell, serving up classic American roadside diner food to Central Otago. It's a family-owned operation run by Alex and Paula Moore, who opened the truck in November 2021 after perfecting a smash burger recipe they grew up loving.
What sets Buffalo's burgers apart is the method: each patty is smashed flat onto a hot griddle, creating a crispy, caramelised crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The burgers are built on butter-toasted brioche buns and finished with the truck's secret sauce — a combination the team has clearly spent time refining, given the results.
Since opening, Buffalo's has sold more than 15,000 burgers, and the recognition has followed. In 2022 the truck won the Best Front of House Award at the Eat Taste Central Awards, and it's been featured by outlets including eHow, The News, and NZ Travel Tips.
The menu is anchored by the Double Wagyu Smashburger with Cheese & Fries, the truck's best-selling item — two Wagyu beef patties, American cheese, pickles and secret sauce on a toasted brioche bun, served with house-seasoned fries. For something spicier, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burger pairs breaded fried chicken with buffalo sauce and a cooling ranch, while the Missouri Fried Chicken Burger takes a Southern fried approach with ranch and American cheese.
Not everyone eats meat, and Buffalo's covers that with The Owen Burger, a grilled halloumi burger finished with tomato and red pepper relish, guacamole and Sriracha mayo. There's also an NYC Bacon, Egg and Cheese Butty for something more breakfast-leaning, and a newest addition, the St. Louis Smash, currently billed as the truck's most-wanted burger.
Families aren't forgotten either — Kids Cheeseburger Sliders and Kids Nuggets and Fries are both on the menu, sized and priced for younger appetites.
On the side, Buffalo's offers a Southern Style Chicken Strip Basket, classic seasoned fries, waffle fries, onion rings, and a loaded fries option piled with nacho cheese, buffalo chicken, ranch and spring onion. Boneless chicken wings round out the savoury side, served naked or tossed in buffalo sauce.
To finish, there's Ozark Oreos — battered and deep-fried Oreo cookies dusted with icing sugar — and Duncan Donuts, a half-dozen hot glazed donuts named after one of the truck's regulars.
Buffalo's American Food Co. is open Thursday to Saturday, 5pm to 8:30pm, at 5 Barry Avenue in Cromwell. Orders can be placed online through the Bopple app, or in person at the truck. Gluten-free buns are available as a substitute for an extra cost, so those with dietary needs aren't left out.
Beyond regular service, Buffalo's also caters for work parties, events, and weddings — worth reaching out about if you're planning something bigger than a truck-side visit. For a taste of proper American diner food in the heart of Central Otago, Buffalo's has built a loyal following one smashburger at a time.