We wanted to try something new, so I opted for Peruvian food. This comprised of a small styrofoam container filled with Chicken Curry (creamy like a korma), Rice (ok), Corn on the Cob (average), Char-grilled Chicken in a Tomato based marinade (the best of all), and lastly a boiled Potato on the side (I felt this to be a little random and unnecessary). I was excited to see lots of freshly chopped coriander. I asked the woman if it was indeed my favourite herb, she said yes. It turned out to be Parsley! They also pointed out a hot chilli sauce to put on my food at will. It was as spicy as a cucumber. I couldn't help but feel we were off to a bad start. My fears weren't entirely realised however, it was at best pleasant, the char-grilled chicken was its saving grace (a bit of all of the above £6). However I still have no great understanding of what Peruvian food actually is. What they were offering was a little confused.
My husband Eddy had a Pakistani Chicken Wrap. It was filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and salad (£5.50). It was good but had a spice rub on it that I couldn't make my mind up about. It was possibly too aromatic and perfumed.
We also spotted a Jerk chicken stand that was nonsense. Jerk should be hot, not sweet, don't advertise a traditionally hot dish and then dumb it down for Westerners. Do it as it should be done, stick a few more Scotch Bonnets in the marinade.
Another stall worthy of note was the Spanish tapas stall selling a myriad of different things, including freshly fried calamari (£5), paella (£5.50), and croquetas (a Spanish croquette usually filled with chicken £1 for 1). Unforunately no Jamon Iberico. The Dim Sum stand was also appetizing, selling large parcels of steamed, fried or boiled deliciousness for £5. And if you're in the mood for something traditionally English then there's a great pie and mash stall in the market that has a guy churning out everything from apple pies to chicken, veg or steak steak pies, fresh out the oven.
With all that said the one I liked the look of the most, which I only spotted once we'd already shared our Peruvian/ Indian lunch was a stall that sold hot sandwiches filled with raclette, cornichon, and truffle oil (£4.50) I'll be going back for that.
The food isn't brilliant, you may find a few hidden gems, but the best thing about this melting pot is that all the people working there are passionate about what they're doing. Plus who doesn't like standing in a courtyard surrounded by food from all corners of the world?
Camden Market
8/10 for atmosphere and ambience. 7/10 for food.
Camden Town, London
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