Scotland's best street food spots crowned as Edinburgh eateries claim top prizes

Daily Record

7 hours ago

The popular will compete in the British Street Food Awards in London this September and may reach the European final in Munich in October
Two street food favourites are set to represent the country on an even bigger stage after taking top honours at this year's Scottish Street Food Awards 2025.
Smoked Tamago, known for its contemporary Japanese-Korean dishes, was crowned Scottish Street Food Award Champion, while Fire Bowl, specialists in fiery East Asian fusion, scooped the People's Choice Award.
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Both will now head to London in September to compete in the British Street Food Awards, with the chance to reach the European final in Munich this October.
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Smoked Tamago wowed the judges with its signature seaweed Tamagoyaki, a fluffy Japanese rolled egg, and a Korean-style rice burger.
Headlining a line-up of nine finalists, each trader presented their two best dishes to a formidable panel, including Sam Yorke, Head Chef at Michelin-starred Heron; Jo Laidlaw, Food & Drink Editor at The List Edinburgh; musician Callum Easter; Gaby Soutar, restaurant critic at The Scotsman; Navida Galbraith, Head of Ops and Programme at The Pitt; and British Street Food Awards founder Richard Johnson.
'We always hope to find something completely different and new when judging these awards and that's exactly what Smoked Tamago served up,' said Johnson.
'The unique mix of sweet, savoury and smokiness in the Tamagoyaki was incredible, and all of the judges agreed the rice burger was a revelation.'
Smoked Tamago has a history of breaking new ground. After introducing Tamagoyaki to the Hong Kong street food scene in 2016, where it quickly became a sensation, the team relocated to Scotland.
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Since then, they've built a loyal following through pop-ups and events, with regular appearances at Errol Sunday Market and the Leith Walk Police Box. With every made-to-order roll, they're on a mission to spread 'the gospel of the mighty Tamagoyaki'.
Meanwhile, Fire Bowl, based at The Pitt, impressed enough eaters to take the People's Choice award. Their chicken skewers were hailed by judges as 'some of the best ever tasted'.
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The street food stall was born from a trip across East Asia, where founders Andie and Euan ate their way from Seoul to Osaka. Today, Fire Bowl blends those inspirations with Scottish flair, from donburi bowls and yakitori skewers to Highland beef with whisky tare and their signature 'neep' kimchi.
Dumpling Mama took second place in the overall Best in Scotland award, with beautifully crafted dumplings that the judges described as 'exquisitely presented and perfectly balanced'.
Serving up a mix of Cantonese flavours and creative global twists, including Mexican Cowboy dumplings and even Banana and Nutella, Dumpling Mama prides itself on its handmade approach and vibrant recipes passed down through generations.
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In joint third were Oven Pizza and Fire Bowl. Oven Pizza, based in Fife, earned praise for 'light and delicious' Neapolitan-style pizzas made with luxury ingredients imported from Italy.
The family-run business has become known for its cheeky Scottish twists on Italian classics, from fried mozzarella to dirty fries, and promises a culinary tour through Venice, Florence and Naples.
Reflecting on the quality of this year's finalists, Navida Galbraith, Head of Ops and Programme at The Pitt, said: 'It was a really tough job judging the nine amazing finalists.
"All of them did themselves proud and we've had an incredible time hosting them at The Pitt. Smoked Tamago and Fire Bowl are worthy winners and we wish them the best of luck representing Scotland at the British Street Food Awards in September.'