New Middle Eastern street food restaurant to open at Cargo in Bristol

A street food restaurant which has spent the past five years trading at festivals across the UK is opening on Bristol’s harbourside.

After feeding thousands of revellers at the likes of Latitude, Houghton and Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul, Persian and Middle Eastern-inspired Jigaraki will open its first permanent site at Cargo, Wapping Wharf, on Friday, August 21.

Adding to the already-impressive mix of restaurants at the shipping container development, Jigaraki’s mission will be to “inspire a new dining experience in the heart of Bristol”, said a spokesperson.

With a name derived from the small food stalls found tucked away from the hustle and bustle of life in Iran, it will be serving flavours of the Middle East through “honest, wholesome, taste driven food but with a unique twist”, the spokesperson added.

Owner Ben Williams said the idea was sparked by a Jigaraki stall he stumbled across and fell in love with in Isfahan, Iran.

“It was hospitality at its purest, no table linens or silver service. It was simply about the food and the people,” he said.

“There was a vibrant atmosphere with an eclectic mix of people popping in and out, all brought together by the delicious food. Our new premises at Cargo is the perfect opportunity to recreate that.

“The festival season disappeared almost overnight this year, but you can’t keep a good thing down for long. We hope you will join us as a new door opens for Jigaraki and allow us to re-jig your taste buds.”

What’s on the menu?

Inspired by Ben’s time in Iran, the menu will pair strong Middle Eastern influences with modern flair.

There will be a focus on simple, ethically-sourced and quality produce, with a range of grilled and slow-cooked meats packed with fragrant spices, alongside a selection of punchy vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Staples will include chargrilled saffron chicken served in a joojeh kebab and braised fennel and courgette with akkawi cheese, as well as ever-changing specials and one-off menu items including Jigraki’s take on classics such as ghormeh sabzi and fesenjan – varieties of Iranian stew.

Head chef Ben O’Neil hails from a gastropub background and has worked at a number of respected venues over the past 10 years including The Ebrington Arms, The Museum and The Red Lion in Babcary.

“It’s great to be back at home in Bristol again. I am really looking forward to a new challenge and being part of the amazing food community within Cargo,” he said.

The restaurant will have a number of safety measures in place to ensure it is Covid-secure, added Mr Williams.