Real Food Festival

If you’re looking for something fun, family and foodie friendly then the World Street Food Festival is definitely a one-stop-shop. Taking place over the Easter Bank Holiday (18th – 21st April) as part of the Real Food Festivals family, this four-day event showcases the  multiculturalism and dynamism of London, which is at its core.

There is no better location than the Southbank for this inclusive festival, which prides itself on its quality and passion. As always, and hopefully forever, food is a unifying tool, whether it is between individuals or cultures and the World Street Food Festival 2014 has the latter in abundance. The traders span from Cheeky Italian, Community Kitchen specialising in Moroccan, and Love Me Tender whose passion lies in the British Hog Roast, to Pig a Chic where Thai cuisine is at the culinary forefront, Dosa Deli, and The Frenchie where duck confit on brioche buns is on show in all its glory. To spice up the event, when you’re not at Mama’s Jerk Station that is, a live music stage, which supports emerging talent, will also feature. Sampling the world’s cuisine no longer requires a passport.

Thankfully, another Real Food Festival event is set to follow from the 16th yet this time the focus is decidedly more South Asian. The Flavours of India is taking place as part of the Southbank Centre’s annual Alchemy Festival and will be bringing the bustle and energy of an Indian market to the Centre Square. The cultural traditions and heritage will be reflected in this event as henna artists and Carrom playing are intermingled to portray a snippet of the richness of India’s culture.

Inevitably, food will be the focus and here you will have the most creative and talented London chefs from some of the best restaurants, as well as the most authentic, regional street food, expect texture and flavour beyond that of the local curry house. The diversity of food on offer is testament to the range of difference between regions and local traditions, which are steeped in history, making the experience fully immersive.

The brilliance in street food lies in its communal aspect, its accessibility and affordability, the buzzing atmosphere, and the excitement of fresh food being prepared in front of you; it is the ultimate in dining theatricality but minus the pretension.