Jorge’s tucked away haven 

Jorge’s Restaurant, 2-3 Orford Street, Red Lion Street, Norwich, NR13TB

So, there I was one Thursday night with an invitation to Jorge’s for a taste of the new Tapas Menu. It was going to be my first experience of this Portuguese restaurant, tucked away in Orford Street, right in front of where Looses cook shop used to reside. And opposite Debenhams – follow the twinkly lights in to alley that hides this hidden gem. 

The restaurants lavishly decorated in a moody but trendy dark grey, suiting the wooden tables and comfy chairs, ambient lighting sets for a romantic feel in this 30-seater restaurant. Its big enough for private party’s and the create a good atmosphere but small enough for amazing friendly attentive service. Even the toilets are cool – soft lights, liquids and towels, deep and moody but cool and clean. 

(I liked the loo – – it’s a good judging point, so many toilets are left to fester, the best Loos in Norwich are at the Ivy – – Jorge’s is definitely in the top 5 – – not that there’s a list ((Note to myself – – maybe I’ll do a toilet blog!!!)).

Anyway, the place was full and buzzing with happy folk, indulging in all that Jorge’s has to offer – the kitchens slightly open, you get the occasional sneeky peek at the second Jorge – – that’s the head chef not the owner, he’s Portuguese as well and has a whole host of experience. We were met by a friendly Jorge (that’s the owner and front of house, I won’t mention the other Jorge again in fear of confusion) and his wife Eleanor. 

They met on a cruise ship where Jorge was working as a sommelier and Eleanor as a photographer. Jorge has worked all over the world including America. First gaining his enthusiasm for cooking from his Mum. The newly married couple settled in Portugal for a while before deciding to come back to Eleanor’s home town, right here in Norwich to open up a restaurant. 

With Jorge’s passion for Portuguese food, his front of house experience and his knowledge for amazing wines along with Eleanor’s event and media skills (did I mention Eleanor & Jorge also owned a successful events company in Portugal) – Jorge’s was sure to deliver.

Anyway – – there we were being offered Bullard’s Gin cocktails from their new cocktail menu. 

For those of you not in the know Bullard’s was a beer and gin manufacturer in Norwich 100 years ago, they even had a pub opposite Jorge’s before Debenhams was built (see the black and white picture on the wall). They now produce award winning Gins – – including their London Dry, awarded the best Gin in the World.

We then sat down to be indulged in tapas after tapas. 

• The first was a mixed croquette plate of Salt Cod, Vegetarian oozy cheese (my favourite) and a Portuguese Game croquette (hubby’s favourite). All totally different, all well flavoured and all as fresh as a cucumber. I’d probably go as far as to say it was the best Salt Cod croquette I’ve ever had – they can often be dry and often stale. But these were soft, packed full of cod with a lovely texture.
• Then came tiger prawns in a simple sauce of butter and garlic but oooh were they good – they arrived shell on, so you can suck out the brains – – What do you mean that sounds gross, NO that’s delicious!!!
• The Clam broth was so good too – a simple stock but so well flavoured and soup-a-licious. 

Tip – If you order either the prawns or clams go for some bread on the side to soak up all those delicious juices.

• Then came some very sticky wings – sauce to die for, meat falling of the bone and a good ole portion.
• The next dish was pork in pickles (Pica Pau), they sometimes use pickled vegetables and a little of the juice to make up the sauce – giving a slight tart flavour, but added to the meat juices and featuring the crunch of the veggies it really was a different and tasty dish (I’m stealing that one).
• Lastly, we had a pork steak cooked on their char-grill, a cut known in Portuguese as ‘Presa’ – it’s a cut from the shoulder. Although ribboned with tender fat, its meat is protected from the shoulder bone – making it tender and so well flavoured, after all fat is flavour (it really is, I can’t emphasise that enough). Topped with a Piri Piri sauce, a Portuguese classic. 
• And if that wasn’t enough we got 2 scrumptious desserts a shot of Nata meringue & cookie mousse and a rich firm chocolate mousse.

Everything without doubt was lovely – Jorge & Eleanor told me that in Portugal dishes are very simple, combining just a few ingredients, letting good quality meat, fish & seafood speak for its self yet adding flavour with maybe a tough of garlic, chilli, olive oil, stock, wine and gentle seasoning – with a coal char grill for that BBQ flavour –  that’s perfection in its self.

I’d heard the food was good and it was, I would put it up there with the best restaurants in Norwich, the sort you don’t mind paying a little bit more for because you know the service, quality and dishes are going to be good.

Jorge said feedback and reviews were all good and the only thing that came back occasionally was the prices – we had a little chat about that. And I must admit on first reflection when they first opened I did think they were on the slightly higher side – but then when you think (like last week) I went to a gastro pub and paid £15 for my daughter to have an over cooked burger, which looked more like a meat ball in a bap!!! And when I ordered a £18 steak it came with freezer bag fries plus tough & over cooked meat.

With Jorge’s you are getting quality in a city centre restaurant. Quality ingredients cost money, good chefs cost money, city centre rents costs money and over heads cost lots of money – squid & squid ink, tiger prawns, Iberico ham, steak, clams and the like cost even more money. 

Your, simply getting what you pay for. (unlike some places where you’re basically getting a factory produced ready meal cooked by an imp!!! – don’t get me started)

The tapas on the lunch time menu range from £4-7, like Char grilled traditional Chorizo with bread for £6.50, Asparagus & Black-Eyed Beans for £5, the sticky Chicken Wings for £5.50, you can get fries on the side for £3, olives & bread for £3.50 or just bread for £1.50. 

Great to share – Great for meetings – Great for Friends, lovers and mothers – great for lunch.

While in the evening you could go for the ‘Terra & Mar’ £39 for 2 to share – Char-grilled steak, Black Pork & Tiger prawns.

Or that tender pork shoulder steak, served with peppers, onion and coriander Salsa for £15.50. Fancy a starter like Fresh Tuna with Almonds & Green Salsa for £6.50 plus there is lots more to choose from including Vegetarian options. Sides, home-made desserts and more.

Plus, not forgetting Jorge is a Sommelier – you’ll find a feast of quality wine, cocktails and other drinkable goodies on the menu including Portuguese Green Wine – – interestingly enough it’s not green, they just use that name to identify the region it’s from.

And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you – they’ll soon be bringing Sunday Brunch*** to Jorge’s – – how’s that.

Jorge’s Love Norwich Food Promotion

10% off our Tapas Lunch Menu

Terms & Conditions: This voucher entitles you to 10% off our Tapas Lunch Menu (Tuesday to Friday). Maximum party size: 4 diners. For one use only. Voucher not valid in conjunction with any other offer. 

When booking your table please

quote: 10% LUNCH from Love Norwich Food and 

present voucher (show this on your device) on arrival.

Valid Until: 31^stAugust 2019

To Book – 

Tel : 01603 764441

Monday Closed

Tuesday 12:00-2:30 / 6:00-9:30 pm

Wednesday 12:00-2:30 / 6:00-9:30 pm

Thursday 12:00-2:30 / 6:00-9:30 pm

Friday 12:00-2:30 / 6:00-10:00 pm

Saturday 12:00-2:30 / 6:00-10:00 pm

Sunday Brunch – Starting soon***

Blogging by Zena Leech-Calton ©

www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk

Always happy to promote the GOOD independent STUFF Norwich & Norfolk has to offer.

I’m a cookery tutor who specialises in Asian. I’ve been asked several times over e mails if I’m Thai, mainly by men with some glimmer of hope. But I’m not Asian in any form other than holding the passion to teach exciting flavours, completely un-English food which it topped with neither custard nor gravy but maybe a flourish of something obscure. 

To eat exotic flavours bursting with zing and zang (no, that’s not the puppets from The Big Breakfast). Asian offers lightness, healthiness, punchy flavours, amazing smells, texture and presentation. 

A pork chop with cabbage simply doesn’t do the same to the taste buds as a Penang Curry with Coconut Rice with a pickle or two on the side – that’s the perfect balance Asian dishes offer.

Ok I know I’m British and I was brought up with meat and 2 veg but that’s why I love Asian food – – it’s the opposite of what I used to eat as a child and although sometimes I love comfort food, it’s never quite as exciting. The smell of overcooked steamed cauliflower from my granny’s kitchen and the smell of pak choi being tossed in sesame, hoi sin and honey isn’t comparable. 

So, as well as teaching Asian cuisine, I eat it, travel it and if someone just happened to offer me a gifted Sushi making workshop I’m THERE – 

The thing with food is it’s a never-ending knowledge – you can never learn it all. If you’re a cab driver it might take you a few years but eventually you know every single road, every single short cut and every single traffic light. But with FOOD it’s a continual learning circle – infinity and beyond. So, us chefs and cookery tutors love cookery courses, watching cookery shows and traveling to eat – – – if a chef says his favourite food is a Maccy D – – – RUN!!! 

Ciscoes is a well-established (since 2014) Pan Asian restaurant on Ber Street offering` the very best Sushi in Norwich as well as other Japanese and Asian inspired dishes. But if you love sushi and wanted a treat above all sushi treats you could share a £42 Sushi platter (‘Art on a Plate’ or the ‘Sushi Fanatics Platter’) – – it not only looks amazing it tastes amazing too and it’s all topped off with a soft-shell crab – exquisite, visually sensational, tasty and smell-licious. 

Plus, NHS, Norwich City Council, students & approved businesses get 10% off certain mid-week days (see website for full details). And you’ll find Ciscoes in Spree Norwich – 2 for 1 mid-week.

Cisco is the owner and head chef previously from Shiki’s – with a vast knowledge of all things sushi with a charm to teach too. Ciscoe’s is short for Francisco, as in Mr Francisco ‘Cisco (for short)’ Papica. He’s originally from the Philippines working his way up from kitchen porter to cheffing all over the world, ending up in Norwich as a Sushi chef. Cisco fancied owning his own restaurant sharing his passion for not only Sushi but other Asian cuisines like Korean, Thai & Vietnamese too. He loves using local ingredients like sourcing his veggies from Norfolk, the fish is delivered fresh from Scotland a couple of times a week and he even has some local Gins on the menu.

They pride themselves on inclusivity – offerings Vegan, vegetarian, & gluten free options as well as making sure they cater to your needs and likes – look out for a colab there doing this summer with River Green Vegetarian, Thorpe.

They also offer 4 Sushi workshops a year (see below for upcoming dates), just short of 2 hours on a Sunday at David Lloyds health club Norwich (use to be Virgin, next to the old skating ring). You sit on a conference type table set up in the restaurant area, with all you need in front of you  – ingredient’s, equipment like a take home rolling mat and a shot glass!!!

Ingredients include some sticky seasoned sushi rice, some fresher than fresh fish and some other odds including wasabi and ginger.

We started the class with a shot of the best Saki I’ve ever drunk – I must admit I always have it for cooking but have never paid more than £15 for bottle. I guess, you get what you pay for just like good wine. 

Ciscoe went on to demonstrate – Futomaki, then Uramaki which is the rice on the outside variety. Then some Nigiri topped with gorgeous fresh sliced salmon and then a surprise one (I can’t tell you everything). 

Then we got our chance to make them – – – of course mine were perfect – Cisco said!!!

Then it was time to taste around 20 pieces of sushi or take home. A good dollop of pickled ginger and a splodge of hot bright vivid green wasabi to top it off.

A fun, informal, tasty, educational, practical hands on activity – perfect with a friend or perfect as a date night plus you get a take-away.

The next Sushi school is on Sunday 8^thSeptember, then Sunday 8^thDecember 2019 – Tickets are £55 per person or £100 for 2.

Contacts – –

Ciscoe’s Pan Asian & Sushi

25 Ber St, Norwich, NR1 3EU

info@ciscoes.com
01603 633553

https://www.facebook.com/ciscoespanasian/

https://twitter.com/Ciscoes_Norwich

https://www.instagram.com/ciscoespanasian/

Opening Times –

Mon – Fri:
12:00 – 15:00 & 17:30 – 22:00

Sat – Sun:
12:00-15:00 & 17:30 – 22:00

See their website or social media for the sushi School.

Awarded the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor – – – you see I don’t promote anything other than amazing.

By Zena Leech-Calton ©

www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk

for cookery courses, food tours and blogging-ness

Featuring ‘The One Food Company’ in Norfolk

Ben is one of the chefs at the Station Smoke House in Hoverton who decided last year to set up ‘The One Food Company’ as a side project. It’s a family business with Bens wife Sharon helping out with the logistics and packaging. While their boys 5 & 7 help out with the taste testing as well as scrumpy-ing away fresh fruit, veggies and herbs in the garden.

There’s three sides to his catering business one is his BBQ inspired sauce, a delicious ‘Smoked Beetroot and Chilli ketchup’ called The One. (See stockist below) It’s a thick umptious sauce full of robust fragrantly smokey flavour with a deep purple colour, a slightly beetroot tone with a gentle kick. It can be used as a marinade or basting sauce for barbeques. Did I say it’s the perfect consistency to dip too – NO, well it is – like really good thick ketchup. Buy it for around £4 – 4.50 per bottle. 

The ‘Proper Pizza company’ have also been known to offer this very sauce as a pizza base with other Norfolk ingredients making up the topping – look out for ‘The Norfolk Pizza’.

Then there is his monthly meal club, home delivery meal deals in Norwich. Since starting late last year (2018) Ben has regular customers, but hopes to build up his clients and branch out the delivery’s to other suburbs of Norwich on different weeks.

I tried his zingy Slow Cooked Middle Eastern chicken with Harissa & Orange, a delicious refreshing salad of orange, walnut, cucumber and olive. Plus, a side of Spiced Chickpeas and Honeyed Parsnip which were gorgeous. I even got a side of carrot fritters which worked perfectly with his purple sauce. Everything was packed with amazing Middle Eastern flavours, not too spicy but with a subtle exotic spice spike. All dishes worked gloriously together but also by themselves too – – – –  a great balance.

Every month Ben offers up a different meal deal to delight, coming up is a Japanese inspired Miso & Mirin glazed Chicken and a Smoked Brisket Curry all with accompany sides to match. Working in the Smoke House as a chef along with having a passion for Middle Eastern & Asian Spices makes for an exciting menu with a whiff of smoke, which is sure to delight the taste buds. 

Meal deals work out to £18 – 22 per meal for two. Which is a lot cheaper than eating out, not much more than buying all the ingredients yourself and on a par with a crappy large pizza. Plus, you ain’t got no cooking, shopping and clearing up to do. You could even say you cooked it yourself and impress someone special on date night!!!

Ben sometimes offers add on’s like Panko Camembert balls with Indian seeds, Mexican dippers or buttermilk brisket bites – to name a few for around £6 (enough for 2 to snack on). And sometimes The One Food Company will run a poll to see what the customers fancy.

The third and final string to Bens catering bow (not included his work as a Chef) is small function catering by the way of events, office meals, party’s etc., when anyone fancy’s say up to 15 or so meals the by way of hot and cold buffets – he’ll cook, deliver and present. 

So, if you fancy a Chef to caterer for your ‘do’ – give Ben a call.

Of if you fancy a meal deal every now and then – give Ben a call.

Or if you fancy some of that luscious Smoked Beetroot & Chilli Sauce, see below (don’t give Ben a call!!!).

Sauce Stockists 

Green Grocers – Earlham Road

Farm to Fork – Coltishall

Café no 33 – Norwich

The Cheeseman – Norwich Market

The Station Smoke House –  Hoverton

Archers Butchers – Plumstead, Norwich

All things Nice – Cawston

The One company’s Contacts – 

https://www.instagram.com/theonefoodcompany/?hl=en

Contact Ben on – 07590 561919

By Zena Leech-Calton ©

www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk

Fancy being featured – give me a call!

For years the people behind Norfolk Food & Drink (now Proudly Norfolk) organised Battle of the Banger as part of the yearly food fest. Eight or so local Norfolk butchers would cook up dozens of bangers, cut ‘em in to bites and share with hordes of people, the public would then judge their favourite. Inevitably Archers won, they’re a good sausage but other good sausages are out there and did win occasionally. 

But then we were told there would be no more battling bangers after 2018.

We liked battling bangers!!!

There is also Framlingham Sausage Festival – a day of walking, queuing and eating chunks of local butcher’s sausages one after the other all over the town – another great foodie day out with stalls and street food. The whole town comes alive.

Then a few caterers & butchers came up with The Big Sausage Bash, which was held Sunday 12^thMay 2019, 10am – 4pm in Aylsham as part of Slow Food Aylsham. 

It was a chance to promote the BANGER – the staple for any butcher. Plus all ‘Good foodie Stuff Norfolk’

So, Charlie Hodson (Chef, Cookery Stage Host & Charlies Norfolk Food Hero’s), Sam Bagge (manager at Walsingham Farm Shop), 

Johnny & Jason from Coxford Butchers in Aylsham along with help from Aylsham Scouts & the Church came up with this amazing event. Also helping to promote Aylsham, slow food Aylsham and the great British Butcher.

Sausages have been around for over 4000 years originally a way to use up the lesser cuts of pork and encased in intestine skins. Known as bangers, as they would often explode in the pan. We rest them over night now – that stops any unnecessary explosions. 

Did you know I won a competition with my recipe for Chocolate Sausage’s – – we’ll I did? See Green & Blacks Cookbook, page 90 for proof. 

Anyway – 

It was an amazingly sunny day, the village looked beautiful. Blocked off from cars and bustling with food stalls of every description. 

Local & Norfolk, of course – – 

Bace Foods– vegetarian bean based sauces / dips or fillers.

Old Hall Farm– raw milk, milkshakes, ice-cream & fudge.

Sandringham– Apple Juice

Monty’s– Mustard

Moon Gazer Ale

Currylicious– Ready-made frozen curries, take-outs and street snacks.

Candi’s Chutney – of all sorts

Rocket Ship Chilli Sauce– mild, medium & head blow off-er

Nova Farina– Gluten Free pea flour and crumbs.

Foundry Drinks– Wild Knight Vodka, Caramel vodka and Gin 

Chat Valley Vineyard– Norfolk Wine

Stokes– Sauces inc, ketchup

The Home-Made Doughnut Company– donuts of every flavour inc, bakewell, banoffee & jammie ones.

Chillis Galore– chilli sauce and jelly

Gurbeck– scotch eggs and pastrys

Walsingham Farm Shop– local cheeses

The Tea Lady– jams, chutneys & Marmalades

A De Piff– Spice mixes

Give it some beans– Coffee

Raider Cider

Downham Cider

Plus, HOT sausages for 50p from Coxford, Walsingham, Papworth and Open Norwich. As well as the standard butcher’s banger was a wild garlic & lemon variety from Walsingham and a Sundried tomato, olive & herb one from Open.

They even had Mr Pig Man himself ‘Tim Allen’ with a trailer of fat piggies to goo-gle over.

One massive factor I’ve learnt increasingly over the last year is Farmers love their animals, (well certainly all the local farmers I’ve met and interviewed) they care about the animal welfare, they name them, they treat them and fuss them. 

Those little piggies have a lovely life, happy in the UK with the perfect weather for their skin, happy to fallow in cooling mud and slosh around in muddy puddles. Regularly fed and watered with tasty nibbles. Left to get jiggy with it, left to mother and suckle their young. 

It’s a life they have enjoyed before their inevitable fate. 

Happy pigs – delicious bacon!

Anyway, back to bangers – – – 

Then in the town hall was cookery demos hosted by Charlie and set up from the Cookery Live Team.

I saw a sausage making demo from the Old Hall Farm team including Tilly their Butcher. And she really knows her stuff – the farm has recently opened up a café, the cows are milked next door and they’ll soon be a butchery department where you’ll see the occasional demo and class. Tilly’s also promised to make treacle bacon with their happy pigs.

Plus, Icarus Hines amongst the other butchers and chefs from all over the county demonstrated deliciousness. Plus, unlike other food stages I could mention you can actually try the food – if your quick.

Along with all of that was Dann’s trailer selling ice-creams and milkshakes. The Proudly Norfolk marquee, a police pitch (hello, hello), Feast magazine, Slow Food Aylsham selling salad sides to munch on with your sausage plus they had a refreshment and cake kiosk. If that wasn’t enough some of the local town shops were open like cafes, odd nick-knack’s, crafts and clothes. 

AND – they had a truck trailer with bands on over by the pubs. 

An amazing venue, tons to do, tons to see, lots to buy, plenty to eat – all together foodie heaven, oink oink.

Money raised went to Cancer Research UK, Hospitality Action UK, Aylsham Church, Scouts & Cluster Group. 

So not only FOOD-MAZING also WORTHY.

The organises guessed maybe a thousand or so might attend, but there was an estimated over 3.5k peeps bobbing about.

Sausages ran out in the end, all 800 freshly cooked donuts zoomed past me before I missed out (mistake no.1 – thinking I could grab a donut after a sausage lunch.) My husband missed out on a scotch egg and I missed out on a Lamb Samosa BUT who would have thought the sun would have shined so brilliantly and so many people would flock to the very first sausage bash.

I’ve been told on good authority there is going to be one next Year – – – I’m buying 6 donuts at 10am!!! sitting in a corner at 2pm and eating at least three, maybe four.

So, here’s to next year – may it be as BANGING as 2019.

Book it in – – – Sunday 10th May 2020

Zena Leech-Calton ©

www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk

There’s only one thing I love more than Norwich and that’s Food, that’s why I created Love Norwich Food dedicated to all my foodie passions. On top of that I’m very happy to eat too – – –

Hence My Food and Drink walking tours of Norwich was formed three years ago. Why not celebrate Norwich’s independent food scene it’s incredible, we are already in the top ten shopping destinations in the UK. But it’s the food scene that’s pulling people in from miles around. Our fine city is also pulling the likes of The Ivy, Cosy Club and Bourgee in, cafes are expanding, others are opening their doors and on top of that Norwich Markets edible scene has boomed to pure glory.

The market part of my edible food and drink walking tour has become a firm favourite part of the walk. But what always amazes me is how many people don’t know how incredible the market is for really good food and produce.

One lady said ‘I thought they only served chips’ and promised she wouldn’t be happy until she had tried every single street food vendor on offer, and believe me there are a far few – I know I’ve eaten my way through all of them.

If you don’t believe that Norwich Market is a foodie paradise then let me tempt you with some heavenly words –

“Chiabatta, Kimchi, Laab Mo, Aranchini, Zabaglioni, Octopus, Cannoli, Lachmahan ??, Empanada, Churros, Darjeeling, Galengal, Black Cardamon, Chorizo, Baron Bignold” sounds like French!, well you can get Madeleine’s from Jakey the Bakey if you wanted French. No, I’m speaking Food Heaven, just some of the foods on offer.

Not only do we have the biggest open-air market in the whole of the United Kingdom with around 200 stalls, it’s also been in the same position for over 900 years. During the first World War the council bought up all the pitches putting it in to public ownership. When the City Hall was opened in the 30’s the whole site was cleared to welcome in a crowd of 60’000 people for the opening party. It was all refurbished after that and again in 1976 with the introduction of water & refrigeration, then again in 2006 with a canopy, solid roofs and wider aisles.

When I say you could spend a good few weeks eating your way around the world I wouldn’t be wrong. You can go for steak & frites from the French, Dim sum from the Chinese, Green Curry from the Thai, Samosas from the Indian, Empanadas from the South American, a Kebab from the Turkish, Paella from the Spanish, Lasagne from the Italian and Pizza from the Sicilian. That’s not to mention the copious amounts of other stalls like the traditional buttie brigade and the growing cafes of all sorts including to die for Brownies, jammy Bakewell tarts and moorish pastries, not to mention drinks of every description smoothies, milkshakes, organic coffee, hot chocolate, teas and even local ale. And that’s just the takeaway street food vendors.

Want to sit down, that’s possible too with six or more of the street food vendors having a seating areas, six or more having lean on counters, plus there’s benches at the top of the market, toilets to the side or you can hang al-fresco in the memorial garden. Yes, it’s not padded seats and plump cushions but you get real food at an amazing price, £5 – 6 will get you pretty much anything and that’s anything cooked with love and local ingredients by trained caterers who are passionate about what they do.

A labyrinth of local food shops also awaits you up every A-I avenue and around every corner. From local Lowestoft smoked kippers to locally grown coriander, from exotic blended loose teas & coffee beans to local Norwich porridge. Norwich Market celebrates all things local with just about every local micro supplier being supported, think crush oil, Norwich porridge, vegan Bace sauces, Walsingham pork pies, Marsh Pig salami, Norfolk white lady cheese and more, much more and all in one place.

Let me guide you to the Food – Norwich Market Foodie Stall list

Sir Garnet – The pub on the market place.

The pub opened its doors in 1861 but was built in Medieval days. Lauren Gregory took it over in 2012 with a total refit – passion about local food, she allows people to bring in Market food from Monday to Friday if buying a drink. They also invite in market pop ups, Cocina Mia was the last with more to follow. They also use fish, meat and vegetables all sourced from the market. Including having their own recipe sausage from Pickerings. If that wasn’t enough they stock local ale, Vodka, Whiskey, beer and Gin.

Lauren also produces a quarterly newsletter all about Norwich Market.

Brick Pizza– the one to the side of the market, behind Sir Garnet

Ok, I’m going to say it “Brick make the best pizzas in Norwich”. Tons of locals will back me up – there’s other good pizza out there, I love the Italian on the market that’s good pizza – but Brick is a Brick above. The secret is in the slow proved bread dough. Plus, they make amazing flavours like their selection of white pizzas, try the Carbonara – phooooor. And of-course they bake them in a traditional wood burning pizza oven. Prices from £7 – £12, but get a burrata salad on the side for £6 – the soft mozzarella cheese that is burrata is ‘orgasmic’. Take-away available, outside catering and a trailer. Them ‘Brick-ies’ are good.

To the left of the Aisles –

City Fish / M.P Snelling (1 – 5) – Sam Bemment owns both the fish stalls at the front of the market along with the Seafood Bar (4), local cockles and Whelks, along with prawns and other seafood delights can be bought in little pots from a few quid – help your-self to Marie-Rose sauce and seasonings.

One stall specialised more in shellfish while the other in fish.

For example – ‘March’ will bring you seasonal Crabs, Dover sole, Mackerel, Plaice, Spring Cod and Skate.

The Row before the A

 Stall 8(8) – Part of Lakenham Creamery – have had a presence on the market since the 30’s. Chris (the owner since 1992) has a picture of the old Mrs Aldous selling from a cart in front of the Sir Garnet when the new town hall was being built, with a sign saying ‘made with electricity’ How ironic that the latest Ice-Cream fad is made with Liquid Nitrogen!

Lakenham Creamery make two delicious types of ice-cream branded as Aldous & Norfolk Country. Both are made with Marybelle milk. One more classical & one more luxurious and creamy.

No 8 also sell Grey seal Norfolk coffee along with other refreshments and seasonal goodies.

Row A

Cuppie Hut(20) – Mel & Kim, met in my village of Bawburgh (it’s not legally mine) at the local school. Mel went to City College to study catering, while Kim has a natural passion for baking. They started of making party cakes six years ago for birthdays, that soon moved on to selling at local fayres, that then expanded to a food truck, then they landed on Norwich Market in 2018. You’ll find an array of cup-cakes, brownies, Bakewell tart (I love the Bakewell) and more with Strangers coffee, hot chocolate and tea along with their infamous hot pots of cake, custard or chocolate sauce and toppings for £4.50. You’ll always find gluten free and vegan. Mel & Kim’s best seller is the Mars bar cornflake tray bake (I second that) for £2.50. Plus, they offer occasional outside catering events.

Some Seating

Indian Feast(21) – a vegetarian selection of Indian pastry, classics like homemade samosas, along with curry’s and chapattis.

Fresh(22) – started life as a smoothie bar and soon developed to also sell Asian classics like noodle bowls. Prices from £5 – try the BBQ Ramin bowl for £5.50.

Bun Box(23) – Run by Norwich City College trained chef Timothy Irvin (past experience includes 1 Michelin* in Mayfair & Norfolk 4* Hotel pastry chef). Bao buns stuffed with amazing flavours like duck, hoisin, sesame and spring onion (my fav), crispy pork belly and (v) mushrooms along with freshly prepared salad and crunchy nut toppings. Prices from £3.50.

Churros and Chorizo(24) – Nick Brew & Hugo Malik met in Spain at the school gates. Whisk forward a bit and not only do they run their market stall but also their catering trailer with over 40 bookings already set for 2019 – another market success story with the boys upgrading to a bigger plot last year to allow more deli space and seating. They stock all sorts of amazing Spanish fayre including olives & chorizo. As well as making the best freshly cooked Churros and chocolate sauce, along with savoury daily changing authentic Spanish goodies. Nick’s a trained professional chef (City College) and Hugo is more front of house with several London bars under his belt.

Try Sobrasada when it’s in stock, it’s like a spreadable chorizo.

Seating

J’s Fruit and Vegetables(27) – owned and run by Jason 4^thgeneration. He’s been on the market for 45 years since he was helping out at 6 years old. Open six days a week selling the finest fruit and vegetables, and always local if possible.

Follands Organic (30-31)– Robert Folland took over this stall on after being an employee. He now sells local organic fruits and vegetables when possible along with other organic non-food items. There is a team of local growers who all supply to this stall, as well as Easter Organics making up the rest.

For example, March will bring you Mange Tout, Salad greens and Early Peas.

Jakey Le Bakey(32-33) – Now running Fat Maggies at the Rib’s of Beef

Falafel and Friends (34-35 / B40) – Vegetarian street food, every things vegan except the Grilled Halloumi wrap. They even make their own vegan kimchi, buy it jarred for £4.50. Best Sellers – Halloumi wrap for £4.50 or from the top stall a Buffalo chicken burger made with vegetable wheat gluten for £6 including some tasty spiced wedges. Everything’s tasty and filling.

Seating

Row B

Herbs and Spices(42-43) – Does what it says on the stall! Gareth Butcher and Jane Wirgman have run the stall for 43 years. Selling a multitude of loose spices, buy a minimum of 30g, like cinnamon for 60p, along with health food deli goodies. Fresh chunky ginger and massive bulbs of garlic.

Norwich Providore(44-45) – Run by David father of Steve the Artisan baker who makes all his produce in his bakery in Aylsham. He also owns the Bread source on St Giles. Amazing breads and pastries. Sausage rolls for £2, Brays pork pies for £3 and Swannington’s Scotch eggs £3 plus a few veggie savoury pastries.

Mike, Debs and Sons(46-47) – Mikes been selling fruit and veg for 50 years, from Saturday boy to owner. They have a n plastic policy – meaning they avoid plastic wrapped produce whenever possible and encourage customers to bring their own bags. Local is always at the for-front. Plus, they specialise in worldly foods like chillis, herbs, ginger & turmeric. You’ll get the freshest plumpest bunches of herbs for £1.50 and often locally grown.

Birchley’s Loose Leaf Tea(50-51) – Run by Sam Bircham & Frances Smalley. New to the market in 2018, selling a whole host of proper loose tea along with tea time merchandise and tea pots. Including gift tea and bag boxes. English breakfast tea is their best seller 60g for £2.07. Plus you can buy any cup of tea for £2.

Little Red Roaster(52-53) – Yes, its ROASTER not rooster. Darren’s also the owner of The other two Red Roasters – St Andrews Hill & Grove Road. Known for his great coffee and coffee beans to take away. He also sells a small selection of home-made cakes. A flat white is £2.50 – sit in and read the EDP.

Seating

 WAS Bia (54-55) – The people behind Bia also opened up The Tipsy Vegan on St Benedicks Street, they are moving on and moving up.

I look forward to what’s coming next.

Row C

Chips and Dips (61) – – Lucy’s Two – the one with the battered fish and more. Traditional fried in crisp batter with local potatoes and fish.

Cheeseman(62-63) (ah, hum lady!!!) on the market for 18 years. Selling dozens of cheeses including Norfolk’s very own Mrs Temples, Fielding Cottage, Ferndale Farm and Jane Murrys.

Cheese-lady also sells direct to local restaurants including Hickmans.

And Eat It(64) – Victoria Famer is the head baker specialising in Giant Cookies £2 and Brownies £2.50. Try a ‘Brookie’ it’s a brownie sunk in to a giant cookie for £2.50 “Hello”. Also ‘Freakshakes’ plus Monster Hot Chocolates which are essentially a hot freakshake,  all £3.95 eat in or takeaway. Plus, you’ll always find Gluten free brownies.

Seating

Delight(74-75) – Yasin hails from Turkey and offers shawarma style kebabs, along with Lahmacun (flat Turkish pizza with minced lamb) and Turkish pastries made with homemade bread for £3. Try the marinated chicken kebab from £5 a market favourite.

Bar eating

A Taste of Punjab(76) – Another 2018 newbie, owned by Sukhdeu Singh making authentic Punjabi favourites like samosas, curries and rice. When I was there a regular picked up the Lamb Curry and rice and said it’s the best authentic curry around £5.50. Plus you can add a poppadum for 50p. All cooked by the resident Bangladesh Chef.

Taste of Shanghai(79) – Ting Zhang is a trained Chef, cooking authentic Chinese food. Like the market favourite Chicken Laksa. All dishes are £3.50 for small and £5 for large. Two locals were grabbing their lunch from Shanghai and said it was the best food on the market. Interesting diverse dishes, lovingly made to order – fresh Chinese at its best.

Row D

The Electric Banger Shop(80) – Local market bangers in a local baker’s bun for £3. Almira from Albania took over the stall 3 years ago, but it’s been banging them out for seven. Great value for a long’ole’hot-dog.

Henrys Hog Roast(81) – 18 years old, with the present owner for 8. £3.50 buys you the works with crunchy crackling, stuffing and apple sauce, they use the butchers on the market for their locally reared pork and crusty corner bread.

R.S Baker & Sons limited(83) – Butchers for 90 years old in the same family. All local Suffolk and Norfolk meats.

They offer nose to tail meats like, a pig head for £3.50, trotters for 50p each popular with local Philippinos. As well as all the usuals.

Coral Bay(84) – Jamaican street food run by Sarah & Conery, who also have a stall on Yarmouth Market, along with a trailer for pop up events.

Their Goat curry is a traditional country recipe meaning fresh bone in goat is slow cooked with peppers, onions and carrots with no cooking liquid but plenty of marinade – meaning the pot has to be stirred every 15 minutes, making the sauce thick and sumptuous. Buy it for £6.50

Caribbean dumplings served on a Friday and Saturday.

Bar eating

Dim Sum Place(was Puff & Bean) (90) –  run by Yan from China.

Serving home-made dumplings & blending fresh fruit teas, along with my favourite drink bubble tea for £2.95. Popular with Asian UEA students making up 20% of her customers.

Seating

Sicily Market(91 /104E) – Sicilian Market run by Rocco from Sicily knocking up the pizzas (from £5.50) and Bruno from Cava in Italy creating the pasta dishes (from £6). Margarita is the market favourite while proper Italian Carbonara (no cream, made with eggs) and Arrabbiata (spiced tomato base pasta) is always on the menu.

Established 3 years ago, but moved to a double stall with seating last summer.

Seating

China Wok & Curry Shop(92-93) – readymade noodles and classics like sweet and sour chicken, although the Fried chicken and rice is a market favourite. Owner and chef Xueyrn Uens hails from China and took over 2 years ago. dishes are £4.50 small and £5 large.

Bar Eating

Rons(94-95) – third generation since 1953. Getting through up to 90 portions of sausage and chips a day for a bargain £1.60. Traditionally fried fish and chips with all the classics.

Bar Eating

Rubys(96) – Emanuele Takaj took over Rubys 2 years ago. But it’s one of the original stalls selling butties. Go for the cheese on toast for £1.30, served on local chunky bread (or beans). Plus, they offer homemade shortcake and scones for a quid.

Bar Eating

Row E

Reggies (100)  – for 75 years. 16 years with the present owner Richard. Specialising in Baps, pies and rolls.

Bar Eating  

Pickerings (102) – second generation, on the market for 30 years. Run by Nathan Pickering and his partner Georgina.

They sell up to 30 tubs of tradition dripping a week.

But they specialise in sausages with over 20 to choose from on any one day including house made Chorizo, Boerewors & Andalouse (????). All at buy 2 lb get 1lb free.

Nathan makes all the produce in Lenwade where they also boil hams, smoke their own sausages and cure their own bacon, using only local meat.

As well as being an online supplier, shipping Pickering sausages all over the country they also supply local restaurants like The Waffle House & Sir Garnet.

Pauls Butchers(112-113) – local game including wild duck, all Norfolk meats, goose eggs 2 for £5 and local free-range eggs. Paul also supply’s meat to some of the vendors on the market.

Established 30 years ago as ‘John’s’ but been Paul’s for 20.

Lucys Chips(114) – is one of 2 stalls this is the one with the chip & dips, Lucy 2 has the full works. Now owned by 2 brothers for the last 2 years, it’s been Lucy’s since 1971.

Cones from £1.20 – with curry sauce or gravy being the favourites.

Lucy’s chips can get through up to 10 sacks of fresh Norfolk potatoes on a good day. Bread from Ketts Hill Bakery.

Watch out for the specials – like the deep-fried mince pies at Christmas time.

Mushy Pea Stall(115) – A market classic for yonks – owned by Anita Adcock. Mushy peas with mint sauce a must, but try the Pie, mash, peas and gravy for £3.60 for small / £4.60 for large, minus 60p for no gravy. But they also sell burgers and bacon butties. Along with drinks.

Debs (115) –  for 16 years. Specialising in traditional butties using local ham and bread from crusty corner.

Bar eating

Georges Spuds(120) – Run by Marion from Albania. Using Norfolk potatoes, Reepham eggs and local meats. Plus a full English from £4.50.

B’s T’s Snack Bar(121) – For 30 years. Now run my Karen serving plenty of breakfast baps.

Bar eating

Row F

Walsingham Farm Shop & Deli(124-125) –  offering a whole host of local supplies. From local milk to local jams. Take away pastries or eat in.

Try the Pie, mash and gravy for £6.50

some local goodies from the Deli – Norfolk Apple Juice, Bungay Raw Butter, Norfolk Cordial, Candis Chutney, Norfolk Garden & Garden Pantry Jams, Norfolk Honey, Norfolk Cakes, Baytree Curds, Norwich Porridge, Yare Valley Oils, Crush all sorts & Walsingham packaged goodies.

Seating

Katies Cake Box (126) – has now closed.

Row G

Cocina Mia(152-153) – Owned and run by Ana Bridgman with catering & hospitality roots. Ana was born in Chilli and moved to Norwich as a young girl. She was brought up with amazing authentic Chilean foods cooked by her mum who now makes the bread for her Steak Sandwich – ‘Pan Amasado = Bread’ – ‘Chacarero = Steak Sarnie’. Plus, a range of South American empanadas, cooked on the market (try the authentic Pino* de Empenada / Spicy beef, with egg and an olive) and zesty fresh salads. Nothing spicy hot (except the Pino*) but you can add Ana’s amazing chilli salsa on the side. The market favourite is the Baked Chicken & Chorizo Empanada.

WHATS an Empanada???? – – A Spanish or Latin American pastry turnover like an amazingly flavoured Cornish pasty, with more of a bread than pastry tasting casing – either baked or Fried. (only the Pino* is fried)

Seating.

Row H

The Orient Express(151/162/163/164) – Asian Supermarket

Sophy’s originally from Cambodia and has a passion for authentic Asian cooking with a background in supermarket retail. selling everything from fresh Korean made kimchi, Thai string beans, green papaya to a myriad of marinades, soya’s, dips and sauces. she also runs Tasty House using as much of her own products as possible.

Tasty House(173) – Asian street food offering a changing selection of authentic Asian dishes, along with organic coffee and other soft drinks. The head chef is a lady called ‘Thdar’ from Burma. Prices around £5 for a main with either rice or noodles.

Also owned by Sophy from the Orient Express, using her Asian mini market ingredients and other goodies from the market.

Seating

Lasagneria (175) –  Italian born and raised Paolo Grazzini runs this stall, hailing from Nr Florence. Grab a mighty slab of assorted flavoured Lasagne from £5.50. They even offer takeaway party trays for £17 – 30 serving up-to 6. Plus an assortment of cold drinks.

The End Row

Ice Cream Parlour(178) offering local Aldous Ice-cream, Mr Whippys. Plus Vegan ice-cream.

Seating

Sir Tobys Beers(182) – Run by Dominic and owner Toby Westgarth. An ‘offie’ of local ales and beers along with local spirits like Bullards Gin, Norfolk Gin, St Giles Gin and Wild Knight Vodka. Stockists of Wildcraft, Why-Not, Boudicca & Wagtail local brewery ale’s. Along with Norfolk wines and Ciders. Plus, a great selection of craft ales from all over the gaff.

They also have ale on tap – buy a litre from £5.

The boys also offer outside catering and events.

Some stalls offer mid-week breakfast from 7am – from a full English, to butties to Norwich Porridge.

Others are open on a Sunday.

The Markets open all year round.

——

So, as you can see the market is bursting with delicious goodness. If you haven’t been recently – I urge you to ‘do a snake’ – start from the top and walk up and down the aisles.

And if something doesn’t tempt you I’ll eat my hat. (I can always marinade it in kimchi and serve it in local brioche bought from the market of course).

I talked to Kristine Fox who works for Norwich County Council, she’s the lady in charge of it all, when she took over in 2016 they sent out a survey to gauge what the general public wanted. Over 1000 came back with a unanimous amount requesting more street food and local products. Since then the street food vendors have doubled & localism is spread thick and heavy, like custard over pudding (you can get that too).

Now 48% of the market is dedicated to food, while the other half is other retail. There are 6 pop up stalls which you can hire from 3 days to a month.  Giving newbies the opportunity to trial out business or product for around £100 per week. (Full time food stall rentals work out to a very reasonable £20-30 per working day (approx.)

There is now a waiting list for food stalls, it’s not necessarily first come first serve, business ideas are awarded on merit to keep a good balance for both customer and existing businesses. Many businesses have grown, moved on in to city shops or expended with food trailers and pop up events elsewhere. It’s a brilliant way to start up while treating us locals and visitors to some delicious food.

But since some of the stalls have been there for up to 100 years, while some are in 2^ndor 3^rdgenerations family’s, we can safely say good food on Norwich market is here to stay.

And when I say good food I mean dishes with amazing fresh flavour – it’s all about the taste for me, throw in supporting local businesses #buylocal, throw in exceedingly good value, throw in rustic charm, throw in local produce and throw in 900 years of history, making something so special and completely unique to Norwich.

Norwich Market is a melting pot of bubbling never ending goodness.

And my goodness do I love Norwich food.

Eat Norwich Love Norwich Food

By

Zena Leech-Calton ©

www.lovenorwichfood