Voxpop: Pop-Up Street Food Revolution

Cardiff is experiencing a pop-up street food revolution with events across the city

Cardiff’s food scene is growing rapidly with the news of several new food chains coming to the city this autumn.

The city centre sees the opening of Mexican market food restaurant Wahaca in November along with Burger and Lobster set to open it’s doors in December, adding to the long list of popular chains that cater to a multitude of taste buds.

Despite this influx of trendy restaurants opening the question of whether any of these chains offer originality calls for some debate. In a reaction to the arrival of well-established chains local foodies have hit back with street food events popping up across the city. Alongside new chains there has been a huge increase in pop-up street food in Cardiff, with events such as Street Food Cardiff causing a stir.

The pop-up street food concept aims to offer an alternative to nation-wide mass produced menus, presenting authentic dining experiences.

As the pop-up street food trend continues to grow in Cardiff, what do you think of when you think of pop-up street food?

Elen Shiel, Wrexham, supply nursery assistant, 21

“I think of trying lots of food you normally couldn’t try, something convenient and at a reasonable price. I like to think all the ingredients are locally sourced and supporting independent brands.”

Divya Khanna, London, student, 20

“I think quick, easy, hot and multicultural foods, something super healthy and in the student price range. I like trying different foods and the atmosphere of pop-up events.”

Ashley Welsby, Bridgend, team leader, 26

“When I think of pop-up street food it makes me think of it being something unique, new and quite exciting because it’s a case of ‘get it while you can’. I’d look for something with a Caribbean/Jamaican twist. ”

Chris Robinson, Reading, insurance account executive, 52

“I think of food from different cultures, and I immediately think of cuisine like Mexican, cultural food. I also think hygiene is important along with authentic taste and fresh procedure.”

Charlotte Hard, Bristol, trainee pharmacist, 22

“To me pop-up street food is cooked freshly in front of you, using authentic ingredients. I still expect it to have all the normal cleanliness of a normal food establishment along with highly competitive prices.”

Jack Whitehouse, Cardiff, field marketing executive, 24

“I think festive food, like Christmas markets, in Cardiff I always go to the German sausage stall. I think street food is great because it offers something different from what you get in restaurants and supermarkets.”

authentic dining, Burger and Lobster, fresh ingredients, pop-up street food, Street Food Cardiff, vox pop, Wahaca