Young Shawlands Academy chef serves up winning dish in street food challenge

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland challenged young people across Scotland to design an innovative street food dish that they and their families would love.

More than 200 young people across the length and breadth of Scotland took part, and the standard of the entries submitted was so high that it caused the judges to have the best kind of dilemma when choosing a winner.

In the end, the judges couldn’t pick one overall winner and 12 were selected, including Ava’s dish of Scottish steak tacos with guacamole and pea-shoot salad.

Other winning dishes were Fruity Cream Crepes; Lockdown Rainbow Salad in a Jar; Sirloin Tattie ‘Sconewich’, Rainbow Burritos; Summer Burrito seasoned with Scotland; Gyros Salad; Peow Chicken and Swirly Wurlys; Chicken and Pak Choi Ramen; Asian Stuffed Lettuce Leaves; Happy Haggis Finger Parcels; and Cajun Chicken with coriander and lime rice.

Moira Stalker, Skills Manager, FDF Scotland, said: “Every year we are involved in many product development challenges with local schools, food and drink companies and industry partners.

“Due to the current situation we decided to launch a food challenge that students could take part in at home with their teachers and parents.

“I was overwhelmed by the number of entries we had and by the quality of the dishes the young people created. The creativity and innovation displayed was amazing. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes in my own kitchen.”

FDF Scotland’s Lockdown Lunch Challenge provided an opportunity for young people of all ages to use their creativity and imagination to create a new street food dish using products in their cupboards and fridges. The dish had to contain at least one item of local Scottish produce, contribute to at least one of their five a day, and appeal to their age group or family members.