We discover Karma Eats: Derby's hidden street food gem with soul
Explore the vibrant street food scene in Derby with Karma Eats, the newly discovered gem offering soul food delights.
‘Soul food’. Those two magic words changed my Friday night from cool to next-level after I overheard two friends mention it in passing conversation as I attempted to scoot past them.
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It was Friday night, I was feeling peckish and I could have waited to get home and cook after a busy day in Derby.
But having the option of soul food dangled in front of me, was too much for me to resist.
I found myself glancing up at the pub that sold aforementioned soul food that was talk of the street - literally.
I couldn’t see any signage on the pub. Once I’d settled in at the bar, I discovered I was at The Woodlark on Bridge Street.
Back in my halcyon student days, I used to live in the University of Derby’s halls of residence, Princess Alice Court.
Despite being just a few hundred yards away from my old stomping ground, I don’t ever recall The Woodlark being there.
Better late than never, and because I love supporting independent food traders, I took a place at the bar and ordered from the pop-up Karma Eats menu.
I wasn’t expecting my Friday evening to be filled with culinary delight, but then again, I have never tried Karma Eats’ dishes.
What is Karma Eats
Roslyn Galas is the face behind Karma Eats, a small but perfectly formed street food business.
They cater for events and community projects in the Midlands, creating dishes that you wish will never end, they are just so gorgeous to eat.
Karma Eats’ menu features home cooked dishes that your mum used to make (if she was a cool cook).
Inventions include the innovatively titled Jerk Me About (crispy fried jerk chicken with maple slaw), Momma’s Mutton (Jamaican style with rice and peas) and Oh Carolina (mushroom with chilli jam and peppery rocket).
A range of dirty fries options includes sweet chilli halloumi, katsu and chilli cheese.
I opted for tandoori shawarma and spicy potatoes.
Chicken was tender, delicately spiced and the accompanying potatoes well seasoned with a giant salad side.
The food was so wholesome and tasty, I had to call my husband up - who was drinking in a pub all the way across town - and he rocked up to try Karma Eats’ food too.
His dirty fries were crisp and the perfect bed for those sweet meaty sauces to fall into.
I love discovering new flavours, new spaces and above all stunning food.
I learned Karma Eats has street food pop-ups across the Midlands, here are some pop-up dates in the coming weeks.
Karma Eats Street Food upcoming dates 2024
The Seven Stars on Friday October 25, from 5pm till 9pm.
Location: 97 King Street, Derby DE1 3EE
The Woodlark on Friday, November 1, from 5pm till 9pm.
Location: Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LA
For more information about Karma Eats pop-up dates click here.