Welsh Champ
The Welsh just get street food. Jonathan, the seaweed forager from Pembrokeshire, won the British Street Food Awards back in 2012 – and earnt Cafe Mor the right to trade in the Olympic village. Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese won in 2019 with those dumplings hand-made on site. But they both started with a victory at the Welsh Street Food Awards. And with all the press interest around the finalists, this year promised to be more hotly contested than ever.
El Cabron Tacos – started during lockdown, and bringing a real dedication to their work. Importing their chillis and flying in their hot sauce from the US.
Rickshaw Rodeo – one mouthful of those bbq burnt ends and soured lentil Hush Puppies tells you that this lot will change the world. And soon.
Pasta Al Sugo – genius idea, serving fresh home-made pasta on the streets. With 80% Welsh ingredients, including a white garlic pesto to die for.
Cosmo’s Mexicana – finalists in last year’s British Street Food Awards busy doing it again with “a really well-balanced burrito” says the Michelin-starred chef James Sommerin. “Stunning”.
Tiffin Meal – with a Bombay dog, and a lentil dumpling soaked in yoghurt, Tiffin Meal bring a playfulness to what they do.
Ringo’s Dirty Diner – the Ribwich burger is now a real thing. Not just a meme from The Simpsons. And the world is a better place because of it.
Day’s Bakes – with freshly-cooked Welsh cakes, hot off the griddle, and slathered in salty Welsh butter. Need I say more?
What a line-up! The street food classics of Ringo’s Dirty Diner pitted against the fresh pasta vibes of Pasta Al Sugo, the boss burritos of Cosmo’s Mexicana, the Indian BBQ fusion of Rickshaw Rodeo, the cookies of Day’s Bakes, the vada pavs of Tiffin Meal and the top tortillas of El Cabron Tacos. Who would be going to London for the final of the 2023 British Street Food Awards and, maybe, the final of the 2023 European Street Food Awards in Germany?
This is how it all went down….
Judges’ Choice:
1. Cosmo’s Mexicana
2. Day’s Bakes
3= Pasta Al Sugo
3= Rickshaw Rodeo
People’s Choice
1. El Cabron Tacos
2. Day’s Bakes
3. Rickshaw Rodeo
Choosing the Welsh champions were judges James Sommerin and Kacie Morgan. James has won two Michelin stars in his career – one at The Crown at Whitebrook and another at his eponymously named restaurant in Wales – and Kacie has a considerable reputation as the food critic and travel blogger The Rare Welsh Bit. They were joined by the award-winning food writer, and the founder of the Awards, Richard Johnson.
We loved parking up in the latest venture from DEPOT – the rainbow-coloured Tiger Yard. DEPOT has been a cornerstone of Cardiff’s creative scene since 2015, hosting everything from street food raves to full-on festivals. Building on the venue’s success, the team launched Tiger Yard food court this summer. Bingo. The perfect site for the 2023 Welsh Street Food Awards. See you in London!
El Cabron Tacos – started during lockdown, and bringing a real dedication to their work. Importing their chillis and flying in hot sauce from the US.
Rickshaw Rodeo – one mouthful of their burnt ends and soured Hush Puppies will tell you that this lot will change the world. And soon.
Pasta Al Sugo – genius idea, serving fresh home-made pasta on the streets. With 80% Welsh ingredients, including a white garlic pesto to die for.
Cosmo’s Mexicana – finalists in last year’s British Street Food Awards do it again with “a really well-balanced burrito” says the Michelin-starred James Sommerin. “Stunning”.
Tiffin Meal – with a Bombay dog, and a lentil dumpling soaked in yoghurt, Tiffin Meal brought a playfulness to the competition.
Ringo’s Dirty Diner – the Ribwich burger is now a real thing. Not just a Simpsons meme. And the world is a better place because of it.
Day’s Bakes – with freshly-cooked Welsh cakes, hot off the griddle, and slathered in salty Welsh butter. Need I say more?