Walk over the historic cobbles of York’s famous Shambles, through the traditional stalls of Shambles Market, and you’ll discover a modern set up amongst ancient surroundings. Shambles Food Court is a smart collection of street food vendors, serving world cuisine from trucks and huts, circled around a social scene of benches and chatter.
Shambles Food Court arrived in 2015, and its on trend style and high quality cooking made it a unique and welcome addition to the area. Since then, vendors have evolved, some old timers remain, some newbies have opened, and Shambles Food Court has continued to grow in popularity. Here are nine excellent and eclectic reasons to visit the current line up:
Smokehouse Burritos by Shambles Kitchen
Shambles Kitchen is a little sandwich shop on Shambles that makes a big impact. There, they create meaty sandwiches cooked on a smoker, and their success led to them opening another round the corner at Shambles Food Court. This version is called Smokehouse Burritos, and does exactly that, smoking pork, beef, chicken or jackfruit served in beautiful burritos. Buena comida.
Los Moros
Los Moros was one of the first stalls to open at Shambles Food Court, and quickly gained a reputation across the city as one of the best places to eat in York. Their loyal and growing following means that not only are they still here serving tasty North African and Middle Eastern wraps, they’ve also opened a brick restaurant nearby. It’s great there too, but for the original, choose your spicy lamb, chicken or falafel, grab a casual seat, and tuck in.
Krep
Krep specialises in – you’ve guessed it – crepes. But these are not just any old crepe, they’re proper French ones, or to be more precise, Brittany galettes. Run by a French crepe master and a creative chef, the duo use organic Yorkshire buckwheat flour as the base of their nutty creations, and fillings evolve with the seasons, varying from a simple cheddar to a special sous vide pork neck. Bon appetite.
The Taylor Made Kitchen
Christian Taylor set up his food truck business after many years honing his cooking craft. Now we all get to benefit from his experience and skill by devouring the food at The Taylor Made Kitchen. Since bringing their tasty American grub with the best local ingredients to York, residents and tourists have been scoffing down mighty burgers and loaded fries with glee. Dirty food that you won’t regret.
Pizzoli
You can’t have a street food court without pizza, and Shambles Food Court has one of the best. Pizzoli make a thin-crust pizza with a delicious crispy texture and that authentic Italian taste. Alongside these slices of varying toppings are Sicilian delicacies and amazing arancini balls. Bellissimo!
Nukkad
Meaning ‘street corner’ in Hindi, Nukkad do indeed serve their traditional Indian street food from the corner of Shambles Food Court. The smells emanating from this bright orange van are irresistible, and the taste continues to delight the senses. Take your pick from chaats and dosas, naan wraps and curry specials, and enjoy a portion of spice and all things nice.
Stam and Maria
Greek gyros is a street food that is hard to beat, and when created as well as Stam and Maria’s gyros, York gets to see why. Whether choosing the souvlaki or the veggie, these authentic spice filled wraps will fill the bellies and warm the souls of all who order. Kali orexi.
Nana Noodles Bar
Nana Noodles Bar serves up terrific Thai street food to adoring eaters at Shambles Market. For traditional favourites there are tasty noodle bowls, including pad Thai, and there are spicy rice dishes like chilli donburi. Or for something a little different, try Nana Noodles Bar’s signature popcorn chicken with sweet chilli sauce; together at last.
The Dark Horse Espresso Bar
In amongst all this excellent food, there must also be excellent coffee. At Shambles Food Court, The Dark Horse Espresso Bar provides it expertly from their transformed horse box. York locals Laura and Mark returned here after a decade in Sydney, and use Aussie inspiration in both their barista quality Allpress coffee and their food menu of gourmet toasties. Bonzer!
Images: Nukkad, Los Moros, Krep, The Taylor Made Kitchen, Stam & Maria