Recently opened Street Hawker has hit the ground running in Carrickfergus with a flawless lunch
Famed for a castle, chip-pinching seagulls, and the iconic but defunct Knight Ride of the 1990s (RIP), Carrick is sadly also a place synonymous with empty shop units and restaurants that seem doomed to open up and close down in pretty quick succession.
So when I hear of new eatery Street Hawker taking up residence in what used to be a bridal shop, I am hoping for good things.
Street Hawker, Carrickfergus
It’s a midweek afternoon and when we arrive the restaurant is quiet, but that doesn’t dull the enthusiasm of the staff who jump into action to make us comfortable and provide menus.
The music, which is at peak rave volume, is distracting but our server is happy to reduce the noise levels, providing welcome relief. I’ve never felt so boring.
Street food inspired, the menu is overwhelming, with small bites, desserts, wings, breakfast and multiple other dishes all jostling for position on the same page.
For early risers, the breakfasts are comprehensive with options including a classic Ulster fry, a chorizo-enriched breakfast hash, a ‘Man Bun’ brioche loaded with breakfast staples, and a Mexican toasted tortilla with refried beans, guacamole, eggs and pico de gallo.
It’s a sign of good vegan and veggie options when they sound enticing to even the most confirmed carnivore.
Spoilt for choice, we once again beckon our now beloved waiter so she can give us her recommendations. These turn out to be absolutely spot on.
Buffalo wings at Street Hawker
First up are Buffalo Bill wings, smothered in a fiery sauce and dredged in parmesan and bacon crumb which adds a super savoury bite. Served on a crisp salad, these would make a perfect light meal. We’ve decided to share two of the loaded fries in the interests of research. ‘Dirty Duck’ features five spice, hoisin ketchup, crispy leeks and even crispier roast duck. But also Street Hawker sauce. What is it? Who cares? It is delicious.
Our second dish is the hilariously named ‘A Boy Named Char Siu’. Because it is not all mine, I walk the line and only devour my half. The generous serving of slow-cooked pork has an incredible melt- in-the-mouth texture, which is cut through with the citrus tang of the ponzo mayo and sharp sweetness of pickled chillis and onions.
We are fit to bursting and need a lie down, so we obviously order dessert. What is described as “sticky toffee bites” turns out to be an enormous slab of the stuff, but you’ll hear no complaints here.
Dirty Duck loaded fries at Street Hawker
The salted caramel sauce is to die for, and the rum and raisin ice cream is replaced with vanilla at our request. It is without a doubt the finest specimen of the pudding I have had in quite some time.
At only five weeks old when we visit, Street Hawker is firing on all cylinders with speed, service, quality and value all far beyond what I had expected.
If I had some top tips for the team, it would be to get those menus made double-sided for ease of navigation. Then ditch the loud murals and turn down the tunes… your food speaks volumes.
Sticky toffee bites at Street Hawker
The food
Total £44.10
The rating