There’s a new reason to head into Cardiff Market, as award winning street food trader Patagonia has officially opened a new pitch on the ground floor.
Patagonia is a Welsh street food brand founded by chef Jamie O’Leary from Merthyr Tydfil. If the name rings a bell, it’s for good reason. The business won the Wales and the West heat of the British Street Food Awards back in 2015 and has since gone on to become a two time British Street Food Award winner. They’re known for one thing above all else. Proper open fire BBQ, done with care and serious attention to flavour.
Although they’ve popped up in Cardiff before, including a stint at Tiger Yard, this marks their first permanent home in the city. The new Cardiff Market spot sees Patagonia take over the unit previously occupied by Real Ting, who are taking a short break and will be back out on the festival circuit. So this is not the last you’ll hear of them either.
The menu keeps things focused and very good. Expect 72 hour sous vide Welsh beef, carne asada made with pork and beef fillets, and BBQ’d Jersey Royal chappa potatoes. Everything is cooked over open flames, then served in soft flatbreads with pomegranate slaw and chipotle sour cream. Prices start from £10 and the portions are generous.
The beef is tender, the flavours are bold and everything tastes like it’s been cooked by someone who really knows their way around fire. It’s simple food, done properly, and it’s not like anything else currently on offer in Cardiff Market.
You’ll find Patagonia Street Food on the ground floor of Cardiff Market. If you’re after a quick lunch that actually feels like a treat, this one is well worth checking out.
