Lovin' Life Music Fest's most popular dishes
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
I saw so many people walking around with these roti-style tacos from Roti Rolls, I had to get one for myself. This is the "Eye Opener" made with a sunny egg, smoked pork, kimchi, arugula and salsa verde. Unreal. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Lovin' Life Music Fest will return in May 2026. In the meantime, you can track down some of the festival's most popular bites.
Why it matters: The food, like the talent, came from all over. Some vendors are Charlotte favorites, others are road-trip worthy and a couple have built their brand on being regulars at festivals and events across the country.
Here are the most popular dishes we spotted in the festival's Culinary Village, in no particular order.
Fried spring rolls and pork dumplings from Saku
What to expect: You won't have to go far to try these crispy, golden bites. Saku's brick and mortar restaurant in Uptown is a sought-after spot for sushi and cocktails before a night out.
Stop by: Saku Yakitori and Sushi Bar is at 123 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
The Funky Farmer from Roti Rolls
What to expect: Roti Rolls, which claims to be Charleston's first food truck established in 2010, still regularly operates around the city with a menu of roti-style tacos, rice bowls and sides like creole mac n' cheese.
What's in it: Coconut curried veggies, pickled onions, arugula and salsa verde.
Stop by: Check their Instagram for food truck schedules and upcoming pop-ups.
Rice Bowls from Bun'd Up
What to expect: A DC-based Korean eatery known for its modern twist on Asian street food like steamed buns and rice bowls.
What's in it: This particular rice bowl is filled with a heaping serving of Chicken Fried Rice, an order we saw flying out of their vendor tent frequently.
Stop by: Bun'd Up has a stall D.C.'s Union District Market and a full-service restaurant in Arlington, V.A.
Teriyaki Chicken Soba Noodles from Island Noodles
What to expect: You might have a hard time tracking down this Hawaiian food truck, known for its wok-fried soba noodles. Island Noodles has built its brand around serving at "high profile events across the U.S. and Canada," according to its Instagram.
- But if you're a festival regular, there's a chance you'll cross paths with them again.
What's in it: Wok-fried soba noodles topped with teriyaki chicken — bonus points for the takeout packaging.
Loaded fries from The Chili Man
What to expect: The Chili Man is a Charlotte legend. Owner Vic Werany (AKA The Chili Man) ran his popular Chili Dog Stand in Uptown for 16 years before retiring in 2020.
- Lovin' Life brought him back for the weekend, much like they did with Mr. K's last year.
What's in it: Fries topped with chili, cheese and crushed Fritos. It's not that far off from The Chili Man's most famous item — the "Frito Pie Dog."
Context: While The Chili Man is technically no longer operational, this gives us hope that perhaps another exit from retirement could happen again.