A Taste of Portugal at Leeds Dock
Every Thursday, Leeds Dock comes alive with the delicious aromas and vibrant flavours of Mario’s Mobile Kitchen. Specialising in authentic Portuguese cuisine, Mario serves up mouthwatering dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. We had the pleasure of chatting with Mario to find out more about his inspirations, and the magic behind his delicious Portuguese-inspired menu. Here’s what he had to say:
Q: What inspired you to start cooking?
A: I’ve always worked in the restaurant industry, and I love cooking, so it just seemed natural to do it for myself.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration for cooking Portuguese food?
A: My inspiration comes from always watching and helping my mum cook, but I add my own twist to it to modernise it and adapt to our days and tastes.
Q: What’s the most popular dish on your menu?
A: Peri-peri chicken and chorizo on loaded chips.
Q: What makes that dish so special?
A: The delicious flavours of the marinated chicken combined with the freshly cooked Portuguese chorizo add that extra zing to it!
Q: If you had to describe Mario’s Mobile Kitchen in three words, what would they be?
A: Fresh, full of flavour and authentic.
Q: Is there a secret ingredient you simply can’t live without?
A: The marinade used in our chicken is unique and is the secret to the delicious flavour that you get.
Q: Do you cater for vegans and vegetarians?
A: Yes, we can cater for vegetarians and gluten-free options too.
Q: What do you enjoy most about running a food truck?
A: I love meeting the people when I go to different locations. The freedom to trade at new places every year brings a great buzz, along with the vibes of the friendly people at these events.
Q: How do you come up with new recipes for the food truck?
A: I practise and perfect things all the time, and I like to experiment with new flavours and combinations.
Q: Can you tell us about some of the chorizo that you use in your dishes?
A: The chorizo from Portugal is one of the best, and it reminds me of my childhood and home in sunny Madeira. It evokes memories of my mum’s cooking, and the flavour is just delicious.
Q: What’s your go-to comfort food when you’re not cooking for others?
A: I love to eat our traditional salted cod. I’m passionate about fish and always experimenting with new ways of cooking it. It reminds me of our delicious Portuguese food – it’s home from home, if you know what I mean.
Q: If Mario’s Food Van were a celebrity, who would it be?
A: Gordon Ramsay – fierce, ingenious and adventurous.
Q: Who is your most inspirational chef?
A: Gordon Ramsay.
Mario is committed to providing a variety of options while ensuring great value for money. With a heartfelt dedication to feeding his customers, Mario pours his soul into every dish he prepares.
Pop by The Boulevard at Leeds Dock from 9am to 3pm every Thursday to indulge in the delightful offerings of Mario’s Mobile Kitchen. Experience the taste of Portugal and discover why his food truck has become a beloved fixture in the heart of Leeds Dock!