Arndale Food Market – Fill Up On Fusion

Great street food dishes at the Arndale Food Market.

Hungry for adventure? Explore a whole world of flavours from the street food stalls in the Arndale Food Market. We’ve pulled together five of our favourites. Drawing inspiration from The Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and everywhere in between, the quality of the food is fantastic, the service quick – and the prices surprisingly low. This is fast food, but not as you know it.

1. Canadian Poutine – Blue Caribou

Chips, cheese and gravy? Might sound strange to the rest of the UK but not to us Mancs. These chips are skin on, twice fried and made from locally sourced Maris Piper potatoes? And the cheese come as delicious organic curds made in an authentic Canadian style. Originating from Quebec, poutine is a dish you have to try at least once. But our guess is, once won’t be enough.

We recommend: Reuben Poutine (crispy skin-on fries, squeaky cheese curds and a rich meat gravy topped with artisan pastrami, dill pickle and a drizzle of French’s mustard).

2. Seafood – Holy Crab

Yes, we do like to be beside the seaside. Take a trip to Holy Crab and discover a little bit of seafood heaven. Holy Crab brings you a menu of sustainably – sourced ocean treats, from crab balls (stuffed with crab, cheese and veg) to oysters (try with the bloody mary hot sauce). Or for something to get your teeth into, why not try crayfish tails with chipotle mayo in a brioche bun? It’s a world away from cod and chips.

We recommend: sweet and salty crab fritters (deep-fried brioche pockets with crab sprinkled with sugar, served with brown crab mayo).

3. Asian – Hong Thai

Judging by the queues alone, Hong Thai must be one of the most popular stalls in this place. Offering freshly cooked authentic street food from Thailand and Hong Kong, it’s become a bit of a cult hit for those in the know. There are specials like red curry duck and classic favourites (try the lemongrass chicken), as well as delicious veggie options. Prices are low and service is with a smile. A great option to spice up your lunchtime.

We recommend: vegetable pad thai (sweet, spicy noodles with wok-fried veg).

4. Iranian – Kuku

If you’ve never tried Iranian cooking, Kuku is calling you. Taking its name from the popular Iranian omelette, the Kuku stall at the Food Market offers a fascinating, great value menu of authentic street food dishes, served with fragrant rice, salad, pickles and garlic yoghurt. It’s traditional Persian food, given a modern, mouth watering twist. And don’t forget a cup of refreshing Persian tea.

We recommend: zereshk polo ba morgh – chicken with saffron rice and barberries in an orange, mango and butter sauce.

5. Japanese – Intoku In Japanese

‘intoku’ means ‘doing something good in secret’. Well, we tried hard, but couldn’t resist letting you on this little Food Market gem. Intoku does really good Japanese street food at a very reasonable price. As well as fresh takeaway sushi, you can tuck into some truly authentic dishes like spicy chicken karaage or katsudon. Try it – and see just how hard it is to keep Intoku to yourself.

We recommend: tofu curry with chilli squid side.