A new food pop-up at Bristol’s iconic St Nick’s Market is serving up more than authentic street food this autumn - it’s creating opportunities for emerging food entrepreneurs from migrant and refugee backgrounds to launch their businesses and share their culinary heritage with the city.
Running across four consecutive Fridays from 17 October to 7 November, the project will introduce three food ventures offering authentic Sudanese and Hong Kong-inspired dishes - each one bringing a unique story, a personal journey and a fresh perspective to the local food scene.
The initiative is delivered by Produce West, ACH and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), who are working together to support food start-ups with lived experience of displacement or resettlement. Through access to trading space, business support and hands-on experience, the programme aims to open up pathways to economic independence and creative enterprise.
“This is a chance for talented new food entrepreneurs to bring their heritage and creativity to the streets of Bristol,” said a spokesperson from ACH. “By trading in the heart of the city, they’re gaining experience, visibility and direct feedback from customers - all essential for building a sustainable business.”
The three selected businesses were chosen through an application process earlier this year and have since been supported in developing their menus, refining their concepts and preparing to trade.
The participating food traders are:
Tasty Kitchen - founded by Jenny Luk and Vicky Yung, this new business offers Asian-inspired comfort food rooted in the flavours of Asia. Their lunchbox-style menu includes grilled meat skewers, braised pork belly, seasonal stir-fried vegetables and handmade desserts such as banana brownies and egg tarts.
Afia Kitchen – run by Mohammed Badur and Safa Suliman, this small business specialises in Sudanese homestyle meals, including BBQ chicken tawook, Sudanese potato kofta and chopped salads. The venture is rooted in warmth, tradition and connection.
Salha’s Sudanese Kitchen - led by Bristol-based caterer Salha Abdalla, this venture serves fresh, homemade Sudanese dishes with a focus on healthy, flavourful cooking. Salha aims to expand her business into a café in the future, using food as a bridge between communities.
“Cooking is how I connect to my culture and my community,” said Safa Suliman of Afia Kitchen. “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.”
All three businesses will be trading in the market and gaining valuable experience in food retail and customer service, while exploring future opportunities in pop-ups, catering and events.
This pilot is part of a wider regional programme supporting inclusive entrepreneurship, with food used as a vehicle for economic mobility and cultural exchange. It also reflects Bristol’s growing reputation as a city that celebrates independent voices and diverse food traditions.
The pop-up will run on four consecutive Fridays – 17, 24 and 31 October, and 7 November – from 12pm to 4pm at St Nicholas Market in Bristol city centre.
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