29 | Jun | 26

Richard Johnson

Dead Heat!

The Welsh Street Food Awards 2026 delivered a nail-biting finish in the sunshine on Saundersfoot Harbour — and the judges were left with one very delicious dilemma. Eight of Wales’ best street food traders (see the full list of finalists below) rolled into Saundersfoot Harbour on the Pembrokeshire coast with specially created menus packed with brilliant Welsh produce and big, bold flavour. But who would take the winner’s A-board and represent Wales at the 2026 British Street Food Awards finals?

The WSFA judging panel was legendary. Hywel Griffith – Chef Director of Michelin-starred Beach House on Oxwich Bay and one of Wales’ leading champions of local produce. James Greatorex – Formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s legendary 3 Michelin-starred Fat Duck and now Head Chef at the award-winning Fernery at Grove of Narberth. And Gwen Matthews – Pembrokeshire-born food reviewer @ohgetstuffed, hospitality insider and Cardiff-based champion of independent food businesses.

The weekend weather couldn’t have been better – Street Food Circus always think to arrange that. But then came the hard part. The tasting was done. The scores were in. And the harbour was still buzzing with debate, second-guessing and a whole lot of “but what about…” as the judges tried to separate two outstanding traders.

They couldn’t.

After plenty of debating, head scratching and maybe a little too much eating, the judges still couldn’t split Hungry Cowboy and Cegin Halfnhalf.

So instead of choosing between them, they didn’t.

No rock, paper, scissors here. They crowned them JOINT CHAMPIONS instead. And they shared the Majisign trophy! 🏆🏆

🥉 Third place went to Mama Lala.

And the crowd had their say too…

❤️ People’s Choice: Pudd
🥈 Sri-licious
🥉 Flying Fillet

Massive congratulations to every trader who cooked their hearts out on the dock in front of an incredible crowd.

Next stop for our champions and People’s Choice winner: the British Street Food Awards Final at Peddler Market, Sheffield (4–6 September).

Then, if they wow the judges there…

🇩🇪 Germany awaits for the European Street Food Awards Final (18–20 September).

What a result. What a crowd. What a celebration of Welsh street food. Bring on the finals!

👇 Finalists:
🥩 Flying Fillet – Serving premium steak sandwiches stacked with juicy slices of ribeye and sirloin, dripping with flavour and paired with golden loaded fries, Flying Fillet delivers serious steakhouse quality from a street food trailer. Expect perfectly seared cuts, rich beefy flavour and indulgent toppings that make every bite unforgettable.

🌶️ Mama Lala – Bringing vibrant street food inspired by bold global flavours, Mama Lala serves fragrant curries simmered with aromatic spices, colourful rice bowls piled high with fresh herbs and crunchy toppings, and flavour-packed dishes balancing heat, sweetness and zing. Every plate is a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

🍌 Pudd – Dessert lovers, this one’s for you. Pudd creates indulgent sweet treats loaded with silky sauces, fresh fruit, crunchy toppings and decadent extras. Think warm puddings, rich chocolate creations, creamy layers and seasonal specials designed to satisfy even the most serious sweet tooth.

🍛 Cegin – Showcasing Welsh-inspired cooking with plenty of flair, Cegin combines locally sourced ingredients with modern street food creativity. Expect slow-cooked meats, rich gravies, comforting Welsh flavours and beautifully crafted dishes that celebrate local produce while adding a contemporary twist.

🥪 The Dough Thrower – Masters of freshly baked dough and generously filled creations, The Dough Thrower serves everything from artisan sandwiches packed with premium fillings to irresistible street food favourites layered with bold flavours, crisp textures and freshly baked goodness.

🐷 Hungry Cowboy – Think low-and-slow barbecue, smoky pulled meats, loaded brioche buns and generous portions piled high with house-made slaws, sauces and toppings. Hungry Cowboy brings big western comfort food energy with melt-in-the-mouth meats and bold barbecue flavour in every bite.

🔥 Sri-licious – Bringing the vibrant flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine to the streets, Sri-licious serves fragrant coconut curries, crispy hoppers, spicy street snacks and aromatic rice dishes bursting with authentic spices. Expect warming cinnamon, cardamom and curry leaf aromas alongside layers of rich, complex flavour.

🧀 Born Chippy – Crispy golden chips are just the beginning. Born Chippy loads its fries with molten cheese, rich sauces, crunchy toppings and indulgent flavour combinations that turn a humble portion of chips into a fully loaded feast. Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this.