What is street food business?

Street food is often sold from mobile food vans in public spaces like markets and events. It’s quick to order, ready to eat, and should be made from high-quality ingredients.

According to chefs interviewed by Food and Drink magazine on trends for 2021, comfort food and old classics like mac and cheese, stews and curries are high on the list.

Other popular street food examples include:

• Mexican burritos and tacos
• burgers
• pizza
• Indian masala dosa
• bao buns
• paella

Pros and cons of starting a street food business

It’s likely that you’ve already got some experience in the catering industry – perhaps in a pub or a restaurant – but now you want to go it alone and be your own boss.

As with anything, there’s going to be some pros and cons with setting up your food truck business – so it’s important to do your research.

Pros

• start-up costs are much lower than opening a restaurant
• low-risk investment with low-cost rents for a market stall space
• cook and create recipes all the time
• meet like minded traders at markets and festivals

Cons

• long hours and early starts
• regulations mean you can’t just park up anywhere, and pitches are limited
• unpredictable British weather – a rainy day can really limit your trading
• it’s a very competitive market