Sell-Out Street Food

BROADWAY MARKET is one of the oldest markets in London, dating back some 130 years. In the age of supermarkets, it started to struggle, but, 10 years ago, the local community got together and brought it back to life. It now boasts more than 180 stalls, including street food from all over the world, locally roasted coffee, locally smoked salmon, freshly baked bread and handcrafted gifts – not to mention, of course, plentiful fruit and vegetables. With stands costing £35/day to hire, any excess funds raised go straight back into the community charity.

The bifana is perhaps Portugal’s most successful and enjoyed street food item and so it seemed a natural selection for introducing the locals – and some keen foodie fans who travelled a little further to queue for the chefs’ delicacies – to Portuguese culinary traditions, as is the aim of TASTE PORTUGAL. Avillez and Mendes have cooked together before and work well as ambassadors for their culture and traditions. Before starting to prepare the bifanas, however, they themselves were taken on a tour of the whole market, stopping to sample some of the other delights on offer.

The bifana event itself took place in the schoolyard. It began at around 11 o’clock, with two people manning the half barrel charcoal barbecue, three in front preparing the sandwiches, one cashier, and, of course, the two chefs. Made of marinated Iberian pork steak and crispy pork skin with English mustard, the bifanas were served with rocket salad and fennel, and a sauce of garlic and yeast puree, lemon, sea salt and Portuguese extra virgin olive oil. 50kg of meat sold out in just four hours, with approximately 400 people visiting the stand and many more, who were patiently queuing, having to be sent away empty handed. Everyone was very impressed by the bifanas and all feedback has been positive. Broadway Market customers, watch this space