Refugees cook family recipes in new home city

Three businesses were chosen to sell food at St Nicholas Market

Refugees say they have enjoyed sharing their family recipes and culture with locals in their new home-city.

Three business were chosen to run pop-up food stalls at St Nicholas Market in Bristol, after going through an application process earlier this year.

The successful candidates were given additional training at the Easton Community Kitchen and then served recipes from Sudan and Hong Kong to hungry passers-by during four Fridays in October and November.

Jenny Luk, who left Hong Kong four years ago to give her children a better education, said cooking the food and serving it to people "always brings back memories".

"I want to introduce Hong Kong comfort food to people here," she said.

"Most people here say it's the first time they've tried it - and a lot of them come back for more," Ms Luk added.

Vicky Yung, also from Hong Kong, said she felt happy when people returned for more food.

"I really want to share our food with the local people here," she added.

Jenny Luk said cooking and serving the food made her think of home

Mohammed Badur and Safa Suliman, from Sudan, served chicken tawwok and potato kofta at their food stall.

"Cooking is how I connect to my culture and my community," Ms Suliman said.

"This opportunity at St Nick's is a big step for me - it's the first time I've had the chance to sell my food in the city centre.

"I'm excited to share the flavours of Sudan with more people," she added.

The scheme, which was running for the first time, was supported by Produce West, charity Ashley Community Housing (ACH) and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Mel Fu, business pathways adviser at ACH, said the project had been well-received by market-goers.

"A lot of people who work around here know about Sudanese or Hong Kong food but haven't seen it before," Ms Fu said.

"Often they say, 'wow, it's interesting, I don't see it much' - and say it's very authentic," she added.

Ms Fu said the project was especially important due to the strain on food businesses during the cost of living crisis.

"Margins are tight, especially in the current economy. Even established places have had to shut down," she added.

Applications for a new round of people with refugee or migrant backgrounds to take part in the scheme will reopen in spring.