NCASS Members Win Big at the First Street Food Salon Competition

The first-ever Street Food Salon Competition took place at Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Show, held at ExCeL London from 30 March to 01 April. Set within the Street Food section of the show, the competition brought together a strong lineup of traders showcasing the quality and creativity that defines the UK street food scene.

Supported by NCASS, the wider Street Food Stage programme also featured live demos, culinary discussions, and panels with experienced operators from across the sector. While the competition itself took place off-stage, it remained a key part of the offering across the three days.

Success for NCASS Members

After a competitive selection process, traders cooked live from their mobile kitchens, serving dishes to both judges and invited guests. With leading chefs assessing each entry, awards were given for Best in Class, alongside a People’s Choice Award voted for by attendees.

Among the standout results, NCASS member The Little Sri Lankan took home Gold for Best in Class as well as the People’s Choice Award.

Reflecting on the experience, they said:

“It was the first ever International Street Food Salon Competition and we were lucky enough to be part of it.

This is the biggest achievement we have gained for the business and ourselves too.
From running supper clubs to trading at markets, this feels like a big moment for us – something we’ve been building towards without even realising.
“We’re proper grateful for the opportunity and we’re ready to represent.”

Other NCASS members were also recognised:

• Sujo Foods received Gold Awards for Best in Class along with a People’s Choice Award
• Kara’s Kitchen was awarded Silver for Best in Class

As a new addition to the show, the Street Food Salon Competition offered a different kind of platform, one that highlights the skill, consistency, and originality required to succeed in street food.

For many traders, it’s also a chance to step outside of day-to-day trading and be recognised in a more formal setting, while still staying true to what makes street food unique.

With strong participation from NCASS members and clear interest from visitors, the competition has set a solid foundation for future events.