What is Street Food? |
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If you like your food you’ll already know how it feels to stand among the smokes and aromas, beer in one hand, burger in the other, chatting to your friends over the buzz of the crowds around you.
Street food started in Asia, is massive in America, and now Europe’s getting a taste of the action too. In particular, the UK. Right now, street food is eaten at markets, at special events, in disused warehouses, at food festivals and on the high street. There are dedicated street food events popping up all over the country, and on any given weekend, there’s a high chance you’ll find a street food trader serving up some high quality, delicious dishes somewhere near you. UK Street food: where's it come from?
Years ago, street food was very common in Europe, but when restaurants and fast food outlets swept us all off our feet, buying food on the street became less fashionable.
The UK’s traditional market scene took a bit of a nose dive at the end of the nineties. The supermarkets undermined their value for food sales. It was a difficult time for independent traders and small businesses. Low cost, low riskDue to this it’s no surprise that street food has seen such rapid growth over the last few years. The low start-up cost and risks coupled with low legal entry barriers created new opportunities for those with cooking skills and a taste for good food.
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Change or closeIn the early noughties markets devolved into stalls that mainly sold low quality imported products and only seemed to attract an ever-aging demographic. There was a problem there. And the solution? Change or close.
Stall owners went back to their roots and recreated farmers’ markets. They were some of the only places that quality products could be bought directly from the producer. Prices were higher but so was product trace ability and confidence in ethics. Some chose change
Instead of selling just veg, traders moved on to making soups and sandwiches. Customers enjoyed it, as it was their only opportunity to buy great food made from fresh, ethical produce.
Moving forwardAfter the recession consumers wanted cheaper alternatives without the loss of quality. To find a solution to this, young entrepreneurs stepped in. People like Petra Barran, Yianni Papoutsis and Nichola Smith. They created food that pleased the public without the high prices.
One event back in 2010, Towpath Festival, transformed a cold, unloved canal path into a vibrant and exciting place to meet. British people came together to eat in a casual, carefree way. They moved from van to van, chatting with the chefs and watching their food being cooked in front of them. 
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And now...?
Since then, more off-grid events have emerged. Pop-ups in warehouses, disused factories, on roofs and even in people’s front rooms. The street food revolution took grip of London and spread throughout the nation. And now it’s everywhere.
These days, cities look to street food to develop their night time economy, kick start entrepreneurship and create a tourist destination. Street food revitalises city centres. It rejuvenates out-of-favour markets. It brings people together. That’s why we love it.
These days, cities look to street food to develop their night time economy, kick start entrepreneurship and create a tourist destination. Street food revitalises city centres. It rejuvenates out-of-favour markets. It brings people together. That’s why we love it.
Types of Street Food
There is no limit to the types of food you can sell as a street food trader. The crucial thing to remember however, is that it must be made from high quality ingredients. Customers will be willing to pay higher prices than they would in a fast food restaurant if they know what they’re getting is more than worth the cost.
Popular types of Street Food
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Baked potatoes
Baklava BBQ Breakfast foods Burgers Burritos Cakes Chicken wings Churros Cider Cocktails Coffee and tea |
Corn on the cob
Crepes Curries Donuts Enchiladas Fajitas Falafel Fish and chips Fries German sausage Hog roast Hot dogs |
Ice cream
Jerk chicken Kebabs Lamb Milkshakes Nachos Noodles Ostrich burgers Paella Pancakes Paninis Pasta |
Pasties
Pies Piri Piri Pizza Popcorn Pulled Pork Ribs Rice Samosas Sandwiches Sausage rolls Scampi |
Soup
Souvlaki Sushi Sweets Tacos Tagine Tapas Teppanyaki Vegan Vegetarian Waffles Wraps |