Norwich Market is making waves in the world of food and drink.

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the treats available at Cake by Figbar, a new stall on Norwich Market. Photo: Stephanie GarbutSome of the treats available at Cake by Figbar, a new stall on Norwich Market. Photo: Stephanie Garbut (Image: Stephanie Garbut)

The 900-year-old outdoor shopping spot took home a prize for Best Independent Food and Drink at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2017 on September 11.

Run in association with East of England Co-op, the awards celebrate everything from chefs to produce.

Sweet treats specialist, Figbar, which has a stall at Row B, Stall 50, also won for best newcomer.

With a range of new stalls opening, the market now has more diverse food options than ever before, offering Spanish, Italian, Asian, French and Chilean street food as well as traditional chips and bacon rolls.

Eastern Daily Press: Lucy's Chips stall on Norwich Market. Chips and curry sauce. Picture: ANTONY KELLYLucy's Chips stall on Norwich Market. Chips and curry sauce. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

After hitting a rocky patch in 2016, the future of the market was uncertain, however the end of the year saw Norwich City Council launch a 10-year strategy to turn the market around, and the Norwich Market Traders' Association was revived.

In conjunction, this newspaper launched a Get Behind Your Market campaign, urging people to use it or lose it.

The recent arrival of pop-up stalls has given the market even more of a boost by allowing people the opportunity to try trading on a trial basis.

To add to its accolades Norwich Market was also named one of the ten best markets in England by online company Culture Trip.

Eastern Daily Press: Caramelised onion, chilli jame, and plain sausage rolls on the 'And Eat It' cake and bakery stall at Norwich Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCaramelised onion, chilli jame, and plain sausage rolls on the 'And Eat It' cake and bakery stall at Norwich Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Norwich City Council's cabinet member for the market, Cllr Roger Ryan said: 'This year has been a great leap forward as the first year of our ten-year plan to rejuvenate the market but we are not resting on our laurels and we will be continuing to work hard to sustain and build on the success we have already achieved.

'Winning at the Food and Drink Awards is the real icing on the cake and a reflection of what we have to offer.'

Mark Wright, Chairman of Norwich Market Traders Association added: 'All the traders are extremely proud to have won this award. I don't think the quality, value and choice that Norwich Market has to offer can be matched in any direction for a hundred miles and you can make that 200 miles if you exclude London!'

Five fantastic food stalls to visit

• Churros & Chorizo

Offering a range of Spanish street food and deli items, Churros & Chorizo opened in August at Stall 20, Row A. The stall was created by Nick Brewer, a qualified chef from Norwich, and Hugo Malik, a city councillor for Norwich's Nelson Ward, who met in Spain in 2007. Signature dishes include a hot chorizo sandwich with rocket and piquillo peppers and fresh churros served with a warm chocolate sauce.

• Lucy's Chips

This stall has been a staple at Norwich Market for as long as we can remember. Located at Row E, Stall 114, Lucy's Chips offers exactly what it says on the tin - hand-cut chips, fried in beef dripping for a unique taste. Curry sauce and gravy are available as an accompaniment along with sausages and rolls.

• Falafel and Friends

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will love this stall at number 40/41 on the market. Falafel and friends create a range of tasty treat, serving falafels with halloumi and other sides such as pickled vegetables. They also offer Buddha Boxes, featuring smoked eggplant, sweet potato and chickpeas sweetcorn curry.

• And Eat It

If you're after something sweet, head to stall 51/64 where Tori Fama offers a range of homemade treats, from Nutella cookies the size of your head to mermaid-inspired milkshakes. Another gem here are the range of sausage rolls, featuring caramelised onion and bacon and chilli jam.

• The Feed

Not only can you purchase tasty food from The Feed, but you can help change lives. The social enterprise project supports vulnerable people living in the city. Their stall specialises in Cuban-style sandwiches, but also sells cakes, pastries and coffee. Money from purchases goes back to support others, so you can enjoy a Big Reben (a sandwich piled high with pastrami, sauerkraut, gherkins, cheddar, mustard, mayo and rocket) with satisfaction.

• What do you like best about Norwich market? Let us know in the comments below.