Two Monday's ago I got an email asking if I wanted to be a guest at the first ever - North Belfast Taste Tour - not a bad way to start a Monday eh. Basically the Taste Tour is a chance for people to see the great food that is literally on their doorstep - North Belfast had never been an option one would consider for a meal out but I'm pleased to note that there has been a recent influx of eateries, all presenting different styles to tickle your taste buds!
The Taste Tour runs in conjunction with #NorthBelfastHour and is there to highlight local food businesses - so let's take mini tour of North Belfast right now.
McMahon's Family Butchers
So we started in a place that has been serving food to the people of North Belfast for over 30 years - while there we were treated to a short history lesson about the surrounding area, but more importantly we got to try some food. The burgers alone a worth another visit back. A nice way to kick off the tour it might be an idea to add this place on Facebook as their offers are incredible
Rossi's Ice Cream Parlour
So you don't make ice cream for 126 years and not get good at it... and I'd say these guys have near on perfected vanilla ice cream - apparently they are famous all over North Belfast and Christmas Day is their busiest day.
They wrap their ice cream in paper and it keeps until you get home - they actually advise you not to freeze it as it will ruin the taste - after having 3-4 scoops I'd do everything they tell me - best vanilla ice cream I've ever tasted by a mile! Also seeing ice cream being wrapped is extremely satisfying.
Manny's Fish & Chips
Up next - A regular 'Best in the West' finalist (from North Belfast?) Manny's is famous for their fish and chips! We were lucky enough to sample some of their finest along with a cone of chips! We were also treated to with a pink pastie -yum and a scallop.
Manny's has been a Belfast hotspot for as long as I can remember, run by the Adams Family - not the one in the window - they have been feeding families all over and recently the family have ventured into a new project... (see below)
Slyvester's Cafe
Facing the famous Water-works, Sylvester's brings a sense of WOW to the North Belfast eating scene - A stylish restaurant with modern decor, a cool pug and tasty food made this my
Number 1 Spot on the Taste Tour!
Here you could feast on the biggest sandwiches I have ever seen, tuck into a bowl of curry, enjoy an ulster fry or tuck into a delectable tray-bake - I'm already plotting my next visit.
I've added a gallery at the bottom for you to check out the food!
Sozo
Another great stop on the tour - SOZO is definitely a good reason to stop in North Belfast - treated to selection of mini bites including Peppered Beef, caeser salad and a Yardsman Lager each oozed a lot of taste - it was also a funky spot, industrial interior, exposed bulbs and retro cinema seats give SOZO something a little extra ordinary - SO-GO and give it a try.
Yoggie Berrie
Final stop! Frozen yogurt and a super coffee - we arrived here, what I'd like to call, 'savoury full' - I was bursting at the seams but as we all know dessert uses up a different part of the stomach so it was all good. Fresh flavours and a cool boss made this place a fitting last stop!
Overall a really enjoyable 3 hours and for £25 you get more than enough food and drink! A special thanks to Dennis our local historian who accompanied us on the journey and to Chris for being a super host! Here's a few photos of the grub at Sylvester's who went over and above for the entire tour!
