One of the best parts of attending any festival, beyond the music and the atmosphere, is undoubtedly the food. In 2024, festival food stalls are stepping up their game, offering everything from gourmet dishes to unique street food that elevates the festival experience. Gone are the days when food stalls were just an afterthought at events. Today, they are an integral part of the festival scene, serving as destinations themselves for hungry festival-goers.
Whether you’re heading to a massive event like Glastonbury or a more intimate festival like End of the Road, food stalls are essential for keeping you energized throughout the day. The variety is staggering — from indulgent comfort food to health-conscious vegan options, there’s something for every palate. In this guide, we’ll take you through the festival food stalls must-try in 2024, covering the most delicious and creative dishes to look out for at your next event.
Why Festival Food Is Important
Festival food is about more than just refueling between sets. It’s an extension of the festival culture, offering a chance for festival-goers to explore new flavors, support local vendors, and enhance their overall experience. The best festival food stalls provide not just tasty dishes but an experience that matches the vibe of the festival itself.
For 2024, festival food vendors are focusing on variety, quality, and sustainability, reflecting broader trends in the culinary world. Festivals are a great place to discover innovative new food trends, and they often showcase local ingredients and specialties from the area where the event is held.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which food stalls are truly worth your time. We’re here to help you navigate the endless food choices with our list of the must-try festival food stalls that are guaranteed to enhance your festival experience.
Best Festival Food Stalls to Try in 2024
1. The Mac Factory – Gourmet Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Mac and cheese might be a childhood favorite, but The Mac Factory turns it into an adult indulgence with their gourmet take on this classic dish. Serving at festivals across the UK, The Mac Factory offers a range of creative toppings that make their mac ‘n’ cheese unforgettable. Try the Posh Spice, featuring spicy chorizo and chili flakes, or the Super Mario, topped with sautéed mushrooms and garlic.
Why it’s a must-try: The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with high-quality, gourmet toppings takes comfort food to the next level. Plus, mac and cheese is the perfect dish to give you the energy boost needed for a day of dancing.
2. Anna Mae’s BBQ – American-Style BBQ
If you’re craving the smoky, rich flavors of American BBQ, look no further than Anna Mae’s. This food stall is renowned for its slow-cooked meats and bold flavors, serving up everything from pulled pork sandwiches to BBQ ribs. What makes Anna Mae’s stand out at festivals is their ability to combine authenticity with portability – their BBQ boxes are perfect for enjoying on the go.
Why it’s a must-try: Anna Mae’s BBQ has mastered the art of flavor and convenience, making it one of the top choices for festival-goers who need something filling and flavorful.
3. Vegan Junk Food Bar – Plant-Based Indulgence
As plant-based diets continue to rise in popularity, the Vegan Junk Food Bar has quickly become a favorite at festivals worldwide. This food stall specializes in turning classic fast food into plant-based delights. Think towering burgers with vegan “cheese” and “bacon,” loaded fries, and even vegan “chicken” nuggets. Their colorful, Instagram-worthy dishes are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
Why it’s a must-try: Vegan Junk Food Bar proves that plant-based doesn’t mean boring. Their innovative take on vegan comfort food is perfect for both vegans and non-vegans looking for something new and exciting.
4. Le Bao – Asian Street Food
Le Bao brings the authentic flavors of Asian street food to festivals with their fluffy steamed buns filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. Choose from fillings like slow-cooked pork belly, crispy fried chicken, or a spicy tofu option for vegetarians. Each bao is packed with flavor and easy to eat while enjoying your favorite acts.
Why it’s a must-try: Le Bao offers a quick, delicious, and convenient option that packs bold flavors into a small package. Their bao buns are a perfect hand-held treat for when you’re on the move between stages.
5. The Cheese Truck – Grilled Cheese with a Twist
Grilled cheese is a festival favorite, and The Cheese Truck has elevated this simple dish into something extraordinary. Specializing in ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches made with the finest British cheeses, this stall offers mouth-watering creations like Keens Cheddar with Ogleshield and Onion Marmalade or Goats Cheese with Honey, Walnut, and Rosemary Butter.
Why it’s a must-try: Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and The Cheese Truck takes it to the next level with artisanal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. It’s the perfect festival food for a quick bite that satisfies.
6. Club Mexicana – Vegan Mexican Street Food
Another vegan powerhouse on the festival circuit, Club Mexicana serves up vibrant Mexican-inspired street food that’s 100% plant-based. Festival-goers can expect bold flavors and vibrant dishes like tacos stuffed with jackfruit “carnitas,” loaded nachos, and beer-battered “tofish” (tofu fish).
Why it’s a must-try: Club Mexicana’s bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and cruelty-free menu make it a must-visit for both vegans and carnivores alike. Their colorful dishes are packed with zest and spice, perfect for those craving a flavor explosion.
7. The Duck Truck – Duck Confit Wraps and More
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, The Duck Truck is a must-visit. Specializing in all things duck, this food stall is known for its duck confit wraps, duck fat fries, and crispy duck salad. The tender, flavorful meat paired with their homemade sauces and crunchy wraps is a festival favorite.
Why it’s a must-try: Duck isn’t something you find at every festival, making The Duck Truck a unique and delicious option. Their dishes are rich and flavorful, offering a satisfying break from the more typical festival foods.
8. Pizza Pilgrims – Neapolitan-Style Pizza
Few things beat a freshly baked pizza when you’re craving comfort food at a festival. Pizza Pilgrims delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made in wood-fired ovens, with classic toppings like Margherita, Pepperoni, and Four Cheese. The chewy, charred crust and high-quality ingredients make this pizza stand out in the festival food crowd.
Why it’s a must-try: Pizza Pilgrims offers a delicious, shareable option that’s perfect for groups. Their pizzas are made fresh to order, ensuring that you get a piping hot, crispy, and satisfying meal between performances.
9. Mother Clucker – Buttermilk Fried Chicken
For those craving crispy, golden fried chicken, Mother Clucker is a festival food stall you can’t miss. Famous for their buttermilk-brined fried chicken, served with hot sauces and slaw, Mother Clucker also offers southern-inspired sides like Cajun fries and gravy. Whether you opt for chicken strips, wings, or a full fried chicken box, you’ll be treated to mouth-watering, flavorful bites.
Why it’s a must-try: Fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and Mother Clucker’s attention to detail and bold flavors make it one of the best options at any festival.
10. DOSA Deli – South Indian Street Food
For something a bit lighter but equally satisfying, DOSA Deli serves up authentic South Indian dosas, a type of savory crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. These crispy, golden dosas are filled with spiced potatoes, chutneys, and other flavorful ingredients. DOSA Deli’s offerings are perfect for vegetarians and vegans, offering a taste of India’s vibrant street food scene.
Why it’s a must-try: DOSA Deli’s dosas are fresh, healthy, and packed with flavor. They’re a great option for festival-goers looking for a plant-based, gluten-free meal that’s easy to eat on the go.
11. Biff’s Jack Shack – Vegan Jackfruit Burgers
Biff’s Jack Shack is all about taking plant-based burgers to the next level. Specializing in deep-fried jackfruit, their burgers are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Biff’s is a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike for their inventive toppings like BBQ sauce, vegan mayo, and crispy onions.
Why it’s a must-try: Jackfruit is the perfect plant-based meat substitute, and Biff’s Jack Shack knows how to make it shine. Their burgers are indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking for a guilt-free junk food fix.
12. Gyoza Guys – Japanese Dumplings
Gyoza Guys bring the flavors of Japan to the festival scene with their freshly made gyoza dumplings. These pan-fried dumplings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, filled with ingredients like pork, chicken, or vegetables. Served with a soy dipping sauce and garnished with sesame seeds, gyozas are the ultimate finger food for festivals.
Why it’s a must-try: Gyoza Guys offer a delicious, bite-sized snack that’s easy to enjoy while exploring the festival grounds. Their dumplings are bursting with authentic Japanese flavors and make for a quick yet satisfying meal.
13. Eat the Farm – Gourmet Burgers and Loaded Fries
If you’re after something meaty, Eat the Farm delivers gourmet burgers and fully loaded fries that are sure to hit the spot. Their towering burgers are made from prime beef and topped with everything from melted cheese to crispy bacon and jalapeños. Pair that with a side of loaded fries dripping with cheese sauce, BBQ pulled pork, or crispy onions, and you’ve got the perfect festival meal.
Why it’s a must-try: Eat the Farm offers an elevated take on classic festival food, with high-quality ingredients and generous portions. It’s the ultimate comfort food to fuel you through a day of dancing and music.
14. Gourmet Grilled Cheese – Melted Cheese Heaven
For cheese lovers, Gourmet Grilled Cheese is an absolute must. This stall specializes in creating decadent, melty grilled cheese sandwiches with a twist. Whether it’s a classic cheddar melt or something more adventurous like Brie with Cranberry and Rocket, their sandwiches are the epitome of cheesy comfort food.
Why it’s a must-try: Sometimes, simple is best, and Gourmet Grilled Cheese delivers big on flavor with minimal ingredients. It’s the perfect, warm pick-me-up during a cold festival evening.
15. Paellaria – Traditional Spanish Paella
Nothing says festival feast quite like a huge pan of bubbling paella. Paellaria brings authentic Spanish flavors to the festival circuit, serving massive portions of paella filled with seafood, chicken, chorizo, and vegetables. Watching them prepare the paella in giant pans over an open flame is part of the experience, and the result is a flavorful, satisfying dish that feels like a true meal.
Why it’s a must-try: Paella is a hearty, communal dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends. Paellaria’s version is packed with fresh, bold flavors and is one of the more filling options available at festivals.
FAQs
What are some must-try festival food stalls in 2024?
Some must-try food stalls include The Mac Factory for gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese, Club Mexicana for vegan Mexican street food, and Le Bao for Asian-inspired bao buns.
Are there vegan-friendly options at festivals?
Yes! Many festivals now offer a wide range of vegan-friendly options, including stalls like Vegan Junk Food Bar, Club Mexicana, and Biff’s Jack Shack.
What’s the best festival food for vegetarians?
Vegetarian festival-goers should try DOSA Deli’s Indian dosas, The Cheese Truck’s gourmet grilled cheese, and Le Bao’s tofu-filled bao buns.
What are the best street food options at festivals?
Street food is a festival staple! Try Gyoza Guys for Japanese dumplings, Paellaria for traditional Spanish paella, and Eat the Farm for loaded burgers and fries.
How can I find festival food stalls in advance?
Many festivals list their food vendors on their official websites before the event. Check the festival’s site or social media pages to see which food stalls will be present.
What’s the best comfort food at festivals?
For comfort food, you can’t go wrong with The Cheese Truck’s grilled cheese sandwiches, The Mac Factory’s mac ‘n’ cheese, or Anna Mae’s BBQ for smoked meats.
Conclusion
Festival food has come a long way, with more variety, quality, and creativity than ever before. The festival food stalls must-try in 2024 offer everything from indulgent comfort foods to fresh, plant-based dishes, ensuring that every festival-goer can find something to satisfy their cravings. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a hearty meal, these top festival food vendors are sure to keep you energized and excited throughout the event.
So, when you’re planning your next festival experience, don’t forget to add a few of these must-try food stalls to your itinerary. You’ll be glad you did!
