How Sheffield has grown into a multicultural city with cuisines from all around the world on offer

Food market stalls have gradually seen offerings of more exotic fruits and vegetables, while restaurants serving dishes from around the world have emerged throughout the city.

It is a reflection of Sheffield being the UK’s first City of Sanctuary and offers those who are away from their home country a positive reminder of where they came from.

Ola Jessop, who is originally from Poland, said: “I came to Sheffield a few years ago and although I was starting a new life with my husband, there was always that part of me that was missing home.

“When I found that Polish food was available in Sheffield, I was delighted. It brought back nice memories of being home.”

Other European countries such as Italy and Spain may have brought their food to Sheffield a little earlier than Poland, however, they are just as popular with both native and non native diners.

According to the Sheffield Archives and Local Studies Library, Miss M Fantozzi was believed to have opened the first Italian ‘dining room’ in 1962/3, at 24 Shalesmoor.

La Favorita on Carver Street was believed to be the first Italian restaurant and El Crofto on Garden Street was believed to be the first Spanish restaurant in Sheffield.

Looking further afield to East Asia, one of Sheffield’s most popular cuisines comes from the Chinese.

The earliest reference of Chinese settlers in Sheffield is 1855, with most settling in the 1960s.

Many started their own businesses and a large proportion were in the takeaway and restaurant trade - London Road is currently where most eateries are situated today.

The earliest reference to a Chinese restaurant in Sheffield was in 1957, believed to be the Rickshaw.

Today, there are many businesses offering food from all areas of Asia, including Japanese sushi, Korean barbeque and Indian curries to name a few.

Ajanta Restaurant in Attercliffe Common, was believed to be the first Indian restaurant in Sheffield, opening during the 1970s.

Sheffield’s food scene has developed a lot in recent years and has become a popular area of interest for many people thanks to new concepts such as Kommune and Cutlery Works, Sheffield Food Festival - which started in 2009 - and more recently food tours around Kelham Island.

Food is something that unites communities, wherever a person may come from and what language they speak.

It is often at the centre of gatherings at community centres for example.

Sheffield’s Turkish Muslim community have hosted Iftars - the evening meal in which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset - to both Turkish Muslims and non Turkish Muslims.

They believe it is a way of bringing people together, enabling them to learn about each other through dialogue while enjoying traditional Turkish food.

Although 2020 has been difficult for many working in the food industry, it has been community support that has helped many survive, for which many are grateful.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.