We love anything on wheels here in Manchester, from travelling cafes to the unique Vanoffee concept, proving that food vans are no longer the domain of greasy burgers and chips alone, although we still appreciate those. Now another Manchester restaurant on wheels has been recognised in a national study as Vansdirect has conducted research into the most popular food vans on Instagram based on searches and followers, and found Manchester’s Dim Sum Su to be the sixth most popular in the UK.
In the company’s bid to find the tastiest and most popular food vans in the UK, they searched for the vendors with the most followers on Instagram. After all, looking longingly at well-photographed dishes is as close as we can get to trying before buying.
Serving ‘Chinese with a twist‘, Dim Sum Su is the brainchild of Sue Lee, who began recreating family dishes that were passed down through generations from Hong Kong, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, giving the cuisine a unique flare.
The pan-Asian van sets up shop regularly at different events around Manchester, most commonly at Stockport Foodie Friday on the last Friday of every month, as well as Levenshulme Market and Heaton Moor Market, with the van pulling up to one-off events such as Spring Fest and Ormskirk Vegan Fest, too.
Dim Sum Su not only serves yummy authentic dim sum, as the name would suggest, but its pan-Asian style stretches to treats such as bao buns, salt and pepper chips and even Chinese burgers, packed with crispy treats and Asian vegetables.
Dim Sum Su beat out the likes of Mrs Falafel in Glasgow and Birmingham’s Bourneville Waffle Company, but, as usual, was pipped to the post by London and its Sud Italia and Anna Mae’s, alongside spots in Sheffield and Belfast.
Sam Ward, Managing Director at Vansdirect, said: “There’s no denying that the UK has an amazing food scene and restaurant culture. However, our research shows that food vans are not to be sniffed at when it comes to trying delicious, quality dishes – and not to mention photogenic food too!
“From specialist vegan vans to authentic Middle Eastern food, our research shows the sheer variety of cuisines on offer at the nation’s most popular food vans. Whether you’re planning a staycation to another UK city or exploring your own hometown, it’s well worth searching on social media for the best food vans and street food spots to find casual, convenient, and Instagrammable places to eat.”
You can find Dim Sum Su’s next location on their Instagram.