Red Letter Blue Collar
Looking at the line-up of finalists, the 2023 British Street Food Awards season promises to be something special. New talent – thrown up by the chaos of the last few years – bubbling over with new ideas. And the word is out. We’ve got great heats in hot new locations – see here – plus a legendary London final at Hackney Bridge, ready to find a British team to take to the European Street Food Awards in Germany. We’re kicking things off this weekend with the South Eastern heats at Blue Collar Corner (our favourite street food arena, that recently celebrated its first birthday), with James Greatorex – the Head Chef at L’Ortolan – choosing the Champion, and YOU deciding on the People’s Choice. So come down to eat, drink and vote! Here are our 12 finalists:
Rosto – The ultimate steak sandwich, with fire roasted Rhug Estate bavette steak strips.
Oreno – Street sushi PLUS the UK’s only robata grill to go.
Cafe 77 – Two-fisted burgers made using farms, growers and producers from within 25 miles of Cafe 77’s Hertfordshire hometown.
The Hash Hut – Homemade hash browns, loaded and ready to go.
Avila – Arepa Patacon and Pabellon specialists from London
Amani – Bringing big, authentic Iraqi flavours to the street
Vegan n Fries – The power plant people, with vegan “chicken” and kebabs.
Main St Tacos – The sweet potato taquito signature from MST sees sweet potato, wrapped like a cigar in corn tortillas, and fried til crispy – served with lime and coriander naked slaw, mango-chili-lime drizzle and tropical salsa.
Mighty Soft Shell Crab – OGs and originators in the soft shell crab game.
Hot Rocket – Elevating the classic Cubano to an art form.
It’s All Gravy – Celebrating gravy culture, with everything from burgers to toasties, and a slow roast beef sandwich – stuffed with beef fat onions, confit garlic mayo, house mustard, crispy onions – that comes with beef gravy for dipping.
Parma Medics – Presenting an Aussie fast food classic to a British crowd. In an ambulance!
Address of venue: Blue Collar Corner, 15 Hosier Street, Reading, RG1 7QL
Trading times: Saturday 15th April: 11am – 9.30pm & Sunday 16th April: 11am – 8pm.