FOOD REVIEW: Pop-up perfection at Sheffield's Peddler Market

Street food has been on the up across the country for several years now, and Sheffield is no different, with the monthly Peddler Market proving table service and a wine list aren't everything when it comes to dining out.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Mar 2017, 15:34 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:01 BST
Pietanic at Peddler Market.Pietanic at Peddler Market.
Pietanic at Peddler Market.

Taking place on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, the free event started life in Arundel Street in 2014 before moving to its current home at 92 Burton Road, a disused warehouse on the edge of Kelham Island.

That’s where I found myself this past Saturday, queuing with fellow foodies eager to see what would be on offer this month.

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The lineup of traders changes regularly, so you’re always sure of something you’ve not tried before. Grabbing a £4.50 pint of Yankee Rooster pale ale from the heaving bar, I wandered around taking in the aromas, sights and sounds from stalls, vans and even a barbecue made out of the front of a car.

With so much on offer it’s difficult to limit yourself to just one dish, so my friend and I decided to share a couple.

We started with Buddha Belly, a Birmingham-based crew specialising in Thai food. For £7.50 we ordered the marinated crispy chicken - three tender deep-fried goujons on a bed of fried vegetable noodles with garnish and a spicy mayo.

The chicken, marinated in Thai herbs, was excellent, and worked well with the generous sprinkling of coriander on top. The noodles had plenty of flavour and the extra topping of sliced red chillies gave it the kick I was after.

One of the craft stalls.One of the craft stalls.
One of the craft stalls.
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Searching for a suitable follow-up we spied Pietanic, another Brummie outfit serving from a retro trailer accompanied by classic Motown hits on vinyl. Very hipster.

We shared a chicken and chorizo pie, £7, and a Cuban sweet potato picadillo, £6, both served with gravy and mash.

The meaty pie was good, with generous chunks of chicken, but the veggie one was the clear winner for me. A great balance of sweet, sour and spice.

For those who aren’t too full the market usually features a DJ and live bands, so you can dance off your dinner. There are several craft stalls to browse, collaborations with Sheffield traders and brewers give it a real local flavour, and it’s a great alternative to a sit-down meal.

My only advice is get there early if you want the full choice - things sell out fast.

Visit peddlermarket.co.uk for details on the next event.

Related topics:SheffieldKelham IslandThaiBirmingham