My Norwich Favourites: Interview with Edd from The Bodega

Known for crafting an ever-changing menu of mouthwatering New York-style sandwiches, Edd Watkinson’s recommendations highlight the best of Norwich’s vibrant food scene.

Edd Watkinson at The Bodega (Image: Newsquest) The 32-year-old began his culinary journey in the world of fine dining, honing his skills in London and New York before returning to Norwich.

Since opening The Bodega in 2022, the stall has become one of the market’s most popular food destinations.

Dhaba at Fifteen

Dhaba at Fifteen is located on Magdalen Street (Image: Edd Watkinson) "They put their own spin on things and don't hold themselves to the boundaries of regular curry house cooking - they're happy to experiment and mix up the flavours. 

"All of the curries taste completely differently and you can tell the techniques they use are really good. 

"The guys are really welcoming and they're open on Sunday nights, which is a big thing for me working in hospitality. 

"I love the Hyderabadi lamb chops and the masala fries. The fries will absolutely blow your head off but they're so good."

Benedicts 

Benedicts is owned by chef Richard Bainbridge (Image: Benedicts) "A 100pc the best place to go for fine dining in the city.

"Every aspect is done so well, there's a reason they've got the reputation they do. 

"It's fine dining but it's still comfortable - not stuffy or too formal like a lot of places can be.

"It's one of those kitchens where you can tell the chefs genuinely love what they do and I think that speaks volumes."

READ MORE: Award-winning chef on the best food in Norwich (and it may surprise you)

The Bazaar 

The Bazaar is held at Moosey Art (Image: Denise Bradley) "It's run by a collection of creatives in Norwich getting together and helping to promote each other.

"It's basically a craft fair market but with a street style - so they're selling things like streetwear, street food and street art.

"It gets a really good turnout every time and they try and rotate the vendors that come.

"It's held at Moosey Art, both inside and out in the courtyard.

"I think they deserve all the props in the world because they're doing such a good thing."

Jive 

Jive is located in Exchange Street (Image: Edd Watkinson) "They do the best wings in the city - I get two plates every time I go in.

"The hot sauce they use is a habanero one and it's just got such a nice texture.

"The sauce is smooth and silky and you actually get the different flavors of the habanero as opposed to just blinding heat, which a lot of chicken wing hot sauces have.

"So it's like a nice fruity spice with a really good, cooling buttermilk dip on the side, and they're just stunning."

READ MORE: The Dean of Norwich reveals the quirky city shop he buys his furniture from

L'Hexagone 

Steak tartare at L'Hexagone (Image: Edd Watkinson) "I was trained in French cuisine and for me, it's about not overcomplicating things.

"It's putting time and work into what you're doing, and using good quality ingredients but not actually doing too much to them.

"Thomas (the head chef) just treats the ingredients with such respect and every bite of food is really nice, the flavors come through so strongly. 

"It's just the two of them running the place and it's quite an open kitchen so you can see every part of it.

"There's nowhere to hide, but he doesn't need to, he's proud of what he does. And that's the best thing about the French chefs that I've worked with, all the best ones just put all of themselves into every plate and it makes such a nice experience."