One city, the food of numerous countries on offer; we take a world food tour of Newcastle
North America
For a real taste of the Texas pit barbecue, head to Longhorns in Mosley Street. Longhorns rears its own rare breed pigs in Northumberland and the kitchen team prep their meat with a blend of spices before smoking it low and slow over hickory for up to 24 hours. The breakfast menu is an adventure in meat.
Latin America
Las Iguanas in Grey Street is lively, laid back and waaay better than the vast majority of high street chains, with freshly prepped sauces and gorgeous Mexican ingredients. It’s a lot of fun, and the Peruvian meatballs are a must.
The Carribbean
Very definitely of the bright, breezy, noisy variety of cool chain kitchens pioneered by the likes of Wahaca, Turtle Bay in the old Co-op Buiding on Newgate Street offers a taste of the Carribbean’s classic beach food and cocktails. Try the chicken wings, the jerk pit prawns, and one of the 40-plus rums.
Pan Asian
Try Chilli Padi in Leazes Lane for excellent Chinese/Malaysian food, wonderful house noodle soup, the signature Nasi Lemak – coconut rice with peanuts, dry fried fish, boiled egg and chicken, and the only place on earth where this magazine has managed to enjoy tofu.
China
Newcastle does good Chinese, notably dumpling and tea bar Nan Bei in the Grainger Market where the dumplings are exquisite and the wonton soup to die for. Meanwhile, the excellent Hei Hei on Dean Street serves up genuinely authentic dishes in a cocophony of rich flavours.
Japan
Aveika on the Quayside is making a mark with its Japanese-inspired menu, while Osaka on Grey Street is a treat for its soft-shell crab, its Bento boxes and the maître d’ – one of the friendliest front-of-house men in town.
Thailand
Ko Sai in Fenwick is a breath of fresh air – light and modern, serving up genuinely authentic dishes from chef Parichat Somsri-Kirby, who runs this alongside her mentor, Terry Laybourne.
France
Frederic and Julien at La Petite Crêperie in the Grainger Market serve up superb crêpes with sweet and savoury fillings and a free helping of charm to go with them.
Italy
Our favourite Italian is Cal’s Own on Chillingham Road for its superlative pizzas. Pani’s on High Bridge is an institution, famed for its Italian/Sardinian food and buzzing atmosphere. Terry Laybourne’s Caffe Vivo on Broad Chare is excellent for simple, authentic Italian food, while Sabatini in King Street is an institution.
Mediterranean
Fuego at Fenwick offers snacks to a big dinner, charcuterie and house-baked bread, proper Iberico ham, excellent buffalo mozzarella, and fab tapas.
Poland
Baba Yaga in Adelaide Terrace, Benwell, is charming, authentic, and a proper gem. It’s where the local Polish go for a night out, and it fully deserves its excellent reputation. Never done Polish? This is the place to start.
India
Indian food in Newcastle is top-notch, from the Punjabi cuisine of Sachins on Forth Banks, to the south Indian taste of Kerala at Ury on Queen Street, and the exquisite Mumbai street food of Dabbawal on High Bridge and in Brentwood Mews in Jesmond, which is the reigning British Curry Awards UK’s Best Casual Dining Restaurant.
Iran
A Taste of Persia in Marlborough Crescent in the city centre and Osborne Road in Jesmond, is fascinating and really rather wonderful. Don’t, whatever you do, go without tasting the wonderful hummus.
Turkey
Go to Fez Food in the Grainger Market for lunch, snacks and some of the best coffee and baklava anywhere.
