Our Executive Chef, Darren Deadman, loves nothing better than exploring London's foodie scene - so he's the man to ask if you're on the hunt for some extra special street food. Here's his pick of London's finest street food stalls, from the classic Rib Man to healthier picks like Savage Salads. Who's hungry?
SAMBAL SHIOK
Sambal Shiok serves amazing with Malaysian dry rubbed pop sticks – they’re aromatic and fiery without blowing the back of your throat out! Their twist on western burgers using eastern spices and also dry rubs is also fantastic, and the vendors offer huge portions of tasty food with happy and friendly service. Their vegetarian offering too is amongst the best out there.
Every Friday: Street Food Union, Rupert Street, Soho
MOTHER CLUCKER
This former US Army ambulance dishes out the finest fried chicken in town. The flavours showcase the best of England the American South; the chicken is always juicy and spicy – it’s brined in tea, soaked in buttermilk and twice battered. Darren recommends eating them in a brioche bun, smothered in hot sauce.
Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, seven days a week
SAVAGE SALADS
If a street food stalls attracts huge queues, you know you’re on to a good thing. For £5 you get a box packed with a mix of salads, including red cabbage, kale and orange zest, and chargrilled aubergine, quinoa and pomegranate, topped with grilled chicken or halloumi. Forget Pret – this is the way forward!
Broadwick/Berwick Street, Monday to Friday
THE BOWLER
A famous festival food stall, The Bowler is an eye-catching grass-covered van, nicknamed the Lawn Ranger. When it’s not peak festival season you can try their food at KERB. Darren loves the free-range meatballs piled onto pasta or wedged into a chewy ciabatta roll. There are great options for veggies too – try the chickpea-and-ricotta balls with spiced tomato sauce, cumin sour cream and wild rice.
KERB, check weekly rota at www.kerbfood.com
MIKE + OLLIE
This busy, spice-jar-lined stall in South London serves fluffy, smokey-tasting flatbreads stuffed with Middle-Eastern-inspired ingredients. Options include roasted lamb, mackerel or deep-fried aubergines, all of which come in a giant flatbread with hummus, toasted seeds, salad and yogurt.
Brockley Market, Saturday
MORTY + BOB’S
For a comfort food fix head to this little Alpine-inspired shack in the corner of Netil Market. Here you can get what is, undeniably, the best cheese toastie in town. It oozes a blend of three Neal’s Yard cheeses and you can even add extras including bacon, avocado and truffled mushrooms. Get a kicking Bloody Mary on the side if you’re after a Saturday morning cure!
Netil Market, every Saturday
KORRITO
Mexican-Korean fusion may sound like an odd mix, but it’s actually a craze which has already taken LA by storm. Korrito has brought the phenomenon to London, with dishes including barbecue with Seoul sizzle and kimchi-fried rice in whopping burritos. It’s eye-watering but so addictive!
Real Food Markets, Southbank, Friday to Sunday
RIB MAN
The Rib Man is something of a celebrity on the street food scene. Mark has a butcher from the age of 15 – quality has always been the most important factor him, but of course it helps if you can cook a bit too – and this man definitely can! The Rib Man won’t disclose his secret cooking methods, but we can confirm that they’re amazing! His top secret sauces are a must-try too.
Brick Lane Market, every Sunday
YUM BUNS
Darren loves the beautiful little steamed bundles of flavour and textures served up by Yum Buns. These light-as-air Chinese steamed buns are filled with pork belly and hoi sin sauce or crispy prawn and chilli sambal. Even star chef Nuno Mendes calls Yum Buns his ‘guilty pleasure’
Hawker House, Friday and Saturday
BAD BROWNIE
We only have to hear the words bad brownie and we’re already heading to Maltby Street Market. These incredible gooey brownie monsters first emerged two years ago, and now they’re championing the sweeter side of street food. Flavours include salted caramel, nutty orange, and bacon and maple syrup. Darren tell us you can pick up a chef’s selection box to try out the always-changing specials. You don’t actually have to be a chef…
Maltby Street Market, Saturday and Sunday. Venn Street Market, Clapham, Saturday
Have you got any recommendations for us? Tweet @createfood and let us know!