This is week 17 of James and I attempting to eat at every food stall at Norwich market. I visited this last time in 2023, on that occasion with Nathan, and it was a very positive experience where we thought we’d both likely visit again. I hadn’t noticed when taking the photo, but James is standing there looking studious whilst reading the menu. As usual, it took us several minutes to fend our way through all the people in Norwich who know him, nearly all of whom seem to be middle class or above. However, I don’t judge.
The menu which had plenty of choice. The prices seem reasonable for the market, there’s an inevitable cost to this sort of produce and making it fresh, but they’re not charging exorbitant prices. There’s a choice of eating in or taking away, fortunately there were seats and so we were able to dine in to get the full experience. The service was friendly and prompt, with the stall accepting cards and cash. The surfaces in the stall were clean and I noticed that they were cleaned again numerous times when we were there. The area was also a seagull free zone, which is a win for everyone. There’s talk of doing up the market, but I’d personally just like to see a few more of the food stalls have their own seating area, it adds to the experience.
The specials board (and those meatballs sound delicious), although when someone next to us tried to order they’d run out of a few things by that point. Although that is perhaps the excitement of specials, their very temporary nature. The selection available here really is quite impressive given the limited size of these stalls and the small food preparation area, but the whole process seemed efficient. Customers were always welcomed promptly, spoken to politely and their food and drink served after a reasonable period of time. It all felt like a competent set-up and I felt welcome throughout. Incidentally, they also have authentic Spanish food ingredients and drink which customers can take home with him, so it operates a bit like a deli arrangement as well.
The food arrived and looked well presented, with the chorizo having a depth of flavour and it’s always a bonus to have it served fresh from the pan. The roll tasted fresh and of a high quality, James was particularly engaged with this. It was also filling, this wasn’t one of those times I’ve left a stall after eating feeling just as hungry as when I ordered.
I wasn’t going to have a drink, but as we found a seat and we were asked nicely if we wanted one, I thought I’d have an Alhambra Reserva 1925 which was malty, light and went down well with the chorizo. There aren’t a large number of stalls where you can get beer with the meal, so it seemed sensible to take advantage of the opportunity. They were a little low on beer stock as the first two I asked for they didn’t have, but I’m ever helpful in finding a beer based solution.
The kitchen area and the whole set-up felt authentic and there were vibes of being at a Spanish market, so full marks for the atmosphere.
James forgot to take a photo of his food, so he kindly did a drawing instead. It’s this kind of professionalism that has made this blog what it is today…. As mentioned, he very much liked the roll element, so he’s focused on that in the image. I suspect that he forgot what was inside, as that element of the drawing is quite vague, although when I helpfully mentioned this, he said it’s clear that it’s chorizo but that he had forgotten the beer and that was very vague indeed.
I very much enjoyed this visit and it’s up there as being one of the best so far this year. The service was friendly, the food was freshly prepared and had a depth of flavour, with the atmosphere feeling authentic and welcoming. The menu was broad, the stall was clean and there was a choice of different beers, so all rather lovely.