On the last week of October 2016 we stumbled upon a real find in the Centre of Milton Keynes – a street food fair.
The square in the food court area of the main Centre:MK shopping mall had been transformed into a treat for the senses, most particularly the tastebuds.
Against the backdrop of the changing autumn leaves on the delicately illuminated trees, around a dozen street food vendors added a colour all of their own. Seen initially from inside the shopping mall through the massive glass windows, the decorative stalls made a visual impact and statement of their own. But the aroma sensations we experienced once we had stepped into the square were something else.
Given we’d not long eaten when we stepped into this scene, it is all the more a testament to the street food vendors craft that everything smelled and tasted so good. There were cuisines represented from across the globe – Thai and Vietnamese, Indian, African, Middle eastern and Mediterranean, plus Spanish, French, German and Belgian.
From savoury to sweet, there was something for everyone. We sampled Masala chips, Falafel with grilled halloumi cheese, Goat curry and Thai curry with noodles and pickles. Plus it is incredibly good value too. We managed to cater for Saturday supper AND Sunday lunch, for 2, and still had change from a twenty.
There were great Vegetarian dishes, and options from spicy curries to traditional German sausages, paella, roasts, and save a bit of room to round off with a tempting sweet from a stall selling delightfully light churros (doughnuts).
The great news is, if like us you enjoy the varied and wonderous flavours of cooking from around the world, then you might be pleased to discover that this was not a chance one-off event, but is held on the last weekend of every month. Next year, in 2017 the season will start 2 months earlier than usual, on the last weekend in February, from, I believe, Friday through to Sunday.
Not only that, but drop in to the Christmas Fair which will be in place from around the end of November for a couple of weeks and enjoy a taste of the year to come.
Milton Keynes food and craft fair, Centre:MK Food Court. Runs last weekend of the month from Feb 2017 – Friday to Sunday