23 traders in 11 days: street food from around the world is coming to Albert Square

The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is almost upon us. That means almost two weeks of foodie events, collaborations, talks and demos to look forward to.

There’s also, of course, the annual awards, celebrating the region’s best restaurants, chefs, bars and cafes.

But the festival also means the chance to try some superb street food at the Festival Hub in Albert Square. Here’s the who, where, and when.

Thursday 27th September – Tuesday 2nd October

Los Churros Amigos

Expect hot, sweet, deliciously fresh churros served with their famously rich Belgian chocolate sauce.

Diamond Dogs

Think handmade frankfurters fashioned in Salford made with free range pork. They’re seasoned with paprika, mustard and garlic, made with traditional natural casings and smoked over English fruit woods in a method unique in the hot dog industry.

Chaat Cart

One of our favourite restaurants in Marple, Aaarti Ormsby specialises in South Indian snacks and small plates such as bhel puri, gunpowder fries, homestyle lentil dal and masala dosa that champion British produce.

The Ottomen

You may have caught The Ottomen at other Manchester street food events – but if not, you’re in for a treat. They do contemporary Ottoman and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine created with passion.

Cottonopolis

Expect ‘Japanese junk food’ from this Northern Quarter bar, once again shortlisted for best in the city. From a kitchen that really understands Oriental street food, from tempura to gyoza.

Cyprus Kouzina

Traditional Cypriot food made using locally sourced ingredients. Think chicken souvlaki, halloumi fries and meze.

Doughology

Everyone loves pizza. These Neopolitan-style woodfired pizzas are made using the best quality ingredients to top their delicious pizza bases.

Big Lebowski

Classic Philly cheese steaks made various ways – classic, Korean and jerk – plus fries and fresh lemonade. Thursday 27th September only.

Tampopo

Pan Asian street food and signature dishes from across East Asia, with a variety of textures and flavours taken from the various cuisines of the countries Tampopo’s creators have visited and fallen in love with – from the bustling street markets of Bangkok to the hawker stalls of Singapore.

Vive La Crepe

Bringing a sweet twist to a great French classic, mixing fresh local British produce and spinning amazing crepes in front of your eyes.

Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 7th October

Cafe Cannoli

These sweet treats are  a staple of Sicilian cuisine as well as Italian-American cuisine. Expect freshly filled traditional cannoli, made with the finest Sicilian ingredients.

Proove

Napoli-style pizza from the Didsbury traders. Think San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte
mozzarella, parmigiano regiano, and fresh herbs.

Knuckle Sandwich Co

Not just a great name, this is a meaty new venture from the people behind Diamond Dogs. Expect the likes of Philly cheese steak and jerk pork meatloaf.

Baratxuri

The 2017 Manchester Food and Drink Awards’ casual restaurant of the year winner (with chef Rachel Stockley nominated in best chef category this year) brings its Basque pintxos to the festival. If you’ve not yet discovered the Ramsbottom restaurant, you can check out what everyone’s raving about when they come to Albert Square.

Beastro

Expect gourmet burgers made from the finest meat from the superb team behind the Spinningfields Left Bank restaurant Beastro.

Rockin Buddha

Founded by three families from different parts of China, expect modern Chinese vegan street food that ticks lots of healthy boxes.

Waffle Island

Instagram-worthy sweet and savoury bubble waffles and coconut macaroons to fulfill all your waffly cravings.

Bundobust

We love Bundobust’s meat-free menu, and they won Manchester’s restaurant of the year in the 2017 awards with their winning combo of Indian veggie snacks and craft beer.

Mcr Coffee

A local, independently owned and run company that sells freshly ground coffee and crepes.

Love Is Churros

Authentic, freshly made sugary Spanish churros with hot chocolate dipping sauce.

Salvi’s

A taste of southern Italy from the city centre indie chain that prides itself on its authentic sourcing from Naples. They’ll bring a touch of la dolce vita to the street food scene.

The Melted Cheese Hut

Who doesn’t love gooey melted cheese? Expect classic cheese dishes with a modern twist including gourmet toasties and melted cheese sides.

Grandad’s Sausages

It’s 50 years since Grandad Bernard set the standard for this family-run Bury banger business. These days the artisan flavours are more global, but don’t miss the classic award-winning pork and Bury black pudding sausage.

The Manchester Food & Drink Festival runs from 27th September until 8th October.

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