street food – The Cultural Exposé

Somewhere you should go… the Chinese Food Festival

Matilda — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 07:23:09 +0000

This weekend I intend to eat all the Dim Sum.

The dumplings.

The rice noodles.

And the pork buns.

Why? Because the Chinese Food Festival is happening. I love Chinese food. And here’s a fest that wants to remind folks of how awesome this legendary cuisine can be. So what’s going down? For three days there will be over 20 stalls and restaurants whipping up authentic dishes, but other highlights include a swanky 10-course Shanghai Supper Club, pro chefs demo’ing their next level skills, a street food competition, a night market and traditional Chinese performances. Just note that the fest doesn’t accept cash, so you’ll need to get your paws on a Food Card you can buy on the day or in advance – it doubles up as a membership card which gives you discounts at various Chinese restaurants in town. Sweet!

The Chinese Food Festival kicks off on Friday, August 19th with an opening ceremony and runs until August 21st. For more details visit www.chinesefoodfestival.com.

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Somewhere you should eat… On the Bab

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 11:00:31 +0000

Make no mistake of it: the street food trend that’s hit the capital in recent years has no intention of slowing down, making this new Korean spot a worthy contender for your Friday night filling station. Set in a prime location in Shoreditch, a recent visit found us enjoying the easy pickin’s of fried chicken with crushed peanut, spring onion and seafood pancakes, spicy chicken in fluffy steamed buns (we’d give these three thumbs up if we could – so good), and a winning side of kimchi, all washed down with a soju breeze cocktail with cranberry, grapefruit and lime. As for the main, we picked beef for our traditional bibimbab (a Korean speciality of rice, mixed veg and your choice of meat) and we weren’t disappointed – especially as it was generous and flavoursome for a mere £7.50.

If you’re new to Korean, this isn’t the fanciest foray into the cuisine (owner Linda Lee is also behind the mightier Koba in the West End), but with a clear philosophy for shared dining with an “anju” twist (meaning all food is to be consumed with alcohol), it’s definitely fun: one for the hit list.

For more info, visit: www.onthebab.com and check out our pics below.

Have you been to On the Bab? Do you have a favourite Korean restaurants in the capital ? Let us know in the comments…

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Somewhere you should eat… Jubo

The Cultural Exposé — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 10:00:44 +0000

For all its infamy, US-style fried chicken isn’t the only variety that’s finger-lickin’ good. Korean fried chicken has long made a name for itself in the home of its birth and beyond, with Shoreditch’s Jubo being the latest outlet in town to give it the spotlight it deserves. Housed inside the Bedroom Bar, this laid-back, street style venue has made the double-fried crunchy snack their speciality – and they do quite a fine job at it. You can choose between the classic ‘Yangnyeom Tongdak’, wings or strips, served with soy garlic or sweet and sour sauce – or get that chicken in a roll with kimchi slaw and a side of chips. We’re also loving that it’ll cost no more than a tenner too.

Alternatively, there’s steak brisket, pork belly, steam buns or vegetarian dishes on offer if you fancy something different – but from what we’ve tried, Jubo’s original KFC is where it’s really at. Hit ’em up on the weekend – they’re a good pick before the late night shenanigans.

Jubo is at 68 Rivington St, London EC2A 3AY. Open from Tuesday – Thursday, 6pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday, 6pm to late. For more info, visit: jubolondon.com

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Somewhere you should eat… Pho

Matilda — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:06 +0000

The constantly evolving culinary landscape in the capital means you can now expect to see easy dining outlets that specialise in unique international cuisine once the preserve of those-in-the-know – ahem, Mexican – but now it seems Vietnamese food is happily making the rounds, with Pho now operating in six locations in the UK. With a heart for simple and nutritious street food, Pho first landed in the UK in 2005 and has been lauded for its use of quality ingredients and its affordable prices – so being a newbie to both Vietnamese food and Pho, I recently visited the ambient and cosy Wardour Street branch, discovering this cuisine is definitely a refreshing alternative to the usual pan-asian fare.

Starters like the goi cuon ga (summer rolls with chicken breast and fresh herbs – £4.25) and the massive goi du du (papaya salad with chicken and fresh herbs – £6.75) make for a tasty intro, with mint and side sauces like nuoc cham and peanut giving a fresh kick. As for the Pho – Vietnam’s national dish – expect a deliciously hearty main, created with homemade stock, and served with a side of basil, mint, coriander, bean sprouts, lime and chilli so you can season your meal to taste. I opted for the tiger prawn version (Pho Tom – £8.95).

Finally, dessert consisted of the pandan pancake (£5.95) – curiously green and chewy, filled with sugary coconut and a yummy honey and ginger ice cream – topping off the sort of meal I’d recommend to anyone after a neat and guilt-free lunch option which I imagine is even lovelier after hours. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

Pho, 163-165 Wardour Street, W1F 8WN

Tube: Oxford Circus

Price: (£)££££

Further info: http://www.phocafe.co.uk

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Somewhere You Should Go… The Long Table, Dalston

Aoife Moriarty — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:00:18 +0000

Ever since the August riots, trendy, energetic areas like Hackney and neighbouring Dalston have felt distinctly less boisterous and a little more subdued.

However, it’s clear that the east end’s manifesto of creativity and entrepreneurialism is still very much alive. Evidence of the area’s continued regeneration includes the recent opening of the impressive new Hackney Picturehouse cinema on Mare Street, based in a truly gorgeous venue and set to be a massive hit with both locals and those further afield.

The latest venture by the Dalston-based Bootstrap Company is also sure to pull in the punters. It’s a night-time street food market just off Kingsland Road, taking place every Friday night from November 25th (6pm until 1am) until Christmas. If you live close by, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to sample culinary delights such as a signature dish from London’s prestigious Hawksmoor restaurant, Big Apple hotdogs or The Bowler’s meatball mayhem, out in the fresh night air. Whether on your way to or from a night out, it’s sure to beat the sub par grub of your typical fast food joint and the atmosphere is certain to be much better too (minus the neon glare and grotty tables).

Happily, they’ve also installed fire pits in the secret location on Abbot Street to keep our mitts nice and toasty whilst we munch alongside our fellow eastenders. Bon appetit! (Words: Aoife Moriarty)

For more information, go to: www.thelongtable.net

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