Street food is made for long summer days in the sunshine. Here’s our guide to some of the region’s finest street food restaurants and traders.
Artisan Social at The Biscuit Factory
Discover some of the best street food names in the business every Wednesday night, 4pm-8pm, until the end of August at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle. The weekly Artisan Social features a different street food vendor every week, including Papa Ganoush, Fire and Dough, Phi Pie, The Little Fishy, Mexicatessen, Grumpy Panda, Tandoori Naan Hut, The Calabash Tree and Lola Jeans. See the website for details of who is coming on which Wendsday.
Artisan, Stoddart Street Newcastle, NE2 1AN, tel 0191 260 5411, www.artisannewcastle.com/artisan-social
Acropolis Street Food
When it comes to authentic Greek food, Acropolis is one of the best. Winners of two BBQ Battles at Wylam Brewery (2018 & 2019) and a viral hit after a video of the team making gyros reached 3m people on social media, the team are experts in chicken gyros, veggie souvlaki, halloumi fries, a variety of kalamaki and more, having learned their skills in Greece before moving to the North East. Founded by brothers Filip and Viktor Tachan, and their friend Yusuf Yenil, Acropolis has won thousands of fans at the region’s biggest festivals and markets as well as private events – covering as many as seven locations in a single day. The team has recently opened its first permanent outlet in Newcastle’s Grainger Market. www.acropolisstreetfood.co.uk
Barista Sisters
When it comes to coffee to go with your street food, Barista Sisters are our go-to. Run by expert baristas, this gorgeous converted horse trailer is filled with fine freshly ground coffee along with homemade treats created by local bakers. There’s tea and hot chocolate available too, plus cold non-alcoholic drinks. There are decaffeinated options too plus plant-based milks, including soya, almond and oat, and the hot chocolate is vegan!
www.facebook.com/baristasistersLtd
Chucho’s
Chucho’s is our top pick for real Mexican food – whether we’re out and about at By The River Co’s HWKR MRKT or popping into Chucho’s on Shields Road, Byker or Acorn Road, Jesmond. We also love to see them out and about when they pop-up at festivals and one-off events. Founded in 2014, Emma Wass and Jesus Tavizon Sosa – AKA Chucho – have been cooking up a storm since with top-notch tacos, nachos, quesadillas and more, including breakfasts – all packed with stunning flavours inspired by recipes passed on from Jesus’ family.
Shields Road, Byker; Acorn Road, Jesmond; HWKR MRKT, By The River Brew Co, www.facebook.com/chuchostacos
Bao Bar
Bao Bar is one of those special places. Set up by chefs Edward Evans and Richard Wheatley this summer, Bao Bar is home to fluffy steamed buns with big Asian flavours. There’s fried chicken, basil and homemade emulsions, and small plates like crispy fried tofu, mushroom ketchup and plenty of herbs. It’s small, with space for 12-13 people seated, along with an array of Asian-inspired drinks and small plates plus desserts. As a walk-in bar only, get in early as seats go fast!
Chillingham Road, Newcastle, NE6 5LN, tel 07824 879 455, www.facebook.com/baobarNCL
Dabbawal
The original street food pioneer, whether we’re popping into the High Bridge restaurant for lunch, enjoying the veranda at the Jesmond restaurant or at By The River Brew Co’s HWKR MRKT, there’s no finer accompaniment to summer than street food from the sub-continent. Our favourites include tandoor specialities like Punjabi chilli chicken tikka and Adraki Champeen – lamb chops marinated in ginger, garlic and basil.
High Bridge, Newcastle; Brentwood Mews, Jesmond; HWKR MRKT, By The River Brew Co; www.dabbawal.com
Geordie Banger
A big part of the North East food landscape, whether they’re out and about at markets or we’re barbecuing at home, Geordie Banger Co is the go-to for superb sausages in numerous of varieties. The team is a big part of festivals and markets, and have a wide selection of recipes going back through three generations of David McDonald’s family. Our favourites include the Geordio Chorizo and the Broon Ale Bangers – though when we’re out and about, any Geordie Banger in a bun makes for the ultimate sausage sandwich!
www.geordiebangercompany.co.uk
