I tried one of Market Street’s sweetcorn stands to unravel the mystery of just why is it so popular.
Market Street, a bustling thoroughfare known for its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and street vendors, holds a peculiar secret that has intrigued locals and visitors for years: the enduring popularity of the sweetcorn stands.
Amidst the ever-changing landscape of Market Street, these stalls have become a steadfast presence, sparking curiosity about the mystery behind their lasting appeal.
The sweetcorn stands, which have occupied their spots on Market Street for years see queues winding all the way down the busy street and showing no signs of going anywhere anytime soon.
Whilst undoubtedly successful, their popularity does raise the question of “Isn’t this a bit random”?
I decided to try this hot commodity once and for all to find out whether it really is deserving of the hype.
Once I arrived to one of the many stalls and had endured my 10 minute wait, what I saw was to my surprise.
Call me narrow minded but I believed that sweetcorn was well, just sweetcorn.
Sweet, juicy and yellow; there’s not many more adjectives I could really use to describe the substance, but that’s where I was wrong.
I was greeted by an array of flavours and spices to coat my sweetcorn in, from Chinese spice, peri-peri, barbecue and even cheese, there was well and truly something for everyone.
Speaking to those in the queue made me realise the cult status these stands really had.
Amber, 24, engineer from Manchester said: “I can’t not visit the stands when I’m in town.
“The smell hits me from the other side of Market Street and I know I have to.
“The Chinese spice is my personal favourite and it has often sold out when I’ve got here because of how popular it is.”
Her boyfriend Alex, 27 didn’t share the same optimism: “I wait in the queue with Amber, but I’d much rather a Tesco meal to be honest.”
I opted for a medium cup of peri-peri corn at a generous £1.50 and was pleasantry surprised by the experience my tastebuds endured.
Now, I’m not saying I’d trade my usual Market Street snack of choice of a McDonald’s or Nando’s for a humble cup of corn, but I’d be lying if this £1.50 bargain didn’t make for a handy, transportable little energy boost whilst doing my shopping.
The peri-peri spice was the perfect blend of spicy and sweet and was strangely filling.
Whilst I did feel a little odd walking down the street shovelling sweetcorn into my face, the flavour show was worth it.
Flavoursome, plenty of option, light weight and a somewhat healthier option compared to some of the streets other offerings, I now understand the popularity behind these stands.
