In the third of my ‘festivals and food’ series, Gourmet Gigs this week takes a look at the gorgeous global food treats at Womad. The festival might be known primarily for world music, but it has steadily built a name for itself in the food arena too, and the Taste the World stage has proved popular over the last few years.
This year you’ll find Bao Buns (Taiwanese burgers), Ethiopian beef stew, Goan fish curry and Tibetan momo dumplings, plus authentic American Pit smoked Pulled pork and Jerklicious chicken.
Drinks at the various stalls include cold-pressed juices, Cambodian Chai tea and ‘ThaiAngle Tonic’ made with mint, lemongrass, lime and pineapple juice. Womad have paired up with Yalumba wines this year, so keep a look-out for wine tasting sessions and talks. They have also created an ethical wine that is 100% vegan and vegetarian friendly.
The Taste the World stage is where artists combine their cooking skills with musical interludes and intimate personal anecdotes. Malian all female super group Les Amazones d’Afrique, Cameroonian soul king Blick Bassy and the Romanian folk band ZMEI3 are amongst those showcasing their native culinary delights. Blick Bassy will cook up Jazz (red beans) and Alloco ( fried plantain) and the ladies from Mali cook Poissons Salé on the menu, a salted fish dish with African eggplant from Gabon in Central Africa.
The Hairy Bikers will be joining Womad this year on a mission to find the world’s tastiest chicken and egg dishes. Fresh from their world tour exploring the culinary favourites of various countries, the boys have visited France, Morocco, the USA and Israel, with their final destination being Womad’s Taste the World Stage, where they will be sharing food, stories and music from their travels, accompanied by the fantastic Abass Dodoo on drums.
Click here for the Womad lineup, food, tickets and more