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KANASSA

COLOMBIAN-INSPIRED STREET FOOD

ABOUT US

ABOUT

US

 

''Kanassa' (God of Fire ) brings you wholesome street food inspired by Colombian flavours & ingredients. We have adapted traditionally 'meat-heavy' Colombian cuisine to be entirely vegetarian & gluten-free, with lots of vegan options too! We are based in Leeds Kirkgate Market.

KANASSA - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

So the tale goes in South American mythology… Kanassa is the ‘bringer of fire’. It was a dark night and Kanassa accidentally trod on a rayfish by the river. Mortified at what he’d done, he set on a quest to light his path. He persuaded the Ugúvu-cuengo (the king of Vultures) to fly into the sky and bring back a piece of the sun. The vulture helped him but the embers were too hot for Kanassa to carry. He drafted the help of a snake to carry these embers into the forest, and it was there that Kanassa brought fire into existence.

WHAT IS COLOMBIAN FOOD?

At Kanassa we like to describe Colombian food as if Mexican food and Caribbean food had a love child. In a nutshell, it's an exciting fusion of indigenous Colombian, European and Afro-Caribbean influences. It starts with the humble arepa, one of the oldest cooked dishes in Colombian cuisine. The arepa is (usually grilled, sliced and filled) made from ground up corn and super popular on the streets of Colombia even today. Not only that, Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and with that comes an array of vibrant produce – rice and maize; potatoes and cassava; meats, fish and seafood; an array of tropical fruits and assorted veggies and legumes.

OUR STORY

 

We are Anna & Beth – Leeds-based sisters – and we co-run Kanassa. Our story began in 2016 when Anna travelled across Colombia… from the mountainous capital of Bogota, rich with hearty stews and soups; to the Central coffee growing regions; drowning in local delicacies like Aguardiente (fire water!) and unforgettable Christmas fiestas in the vibrant city of Medellin; meandering along the North-Western Coastline indulging in its Afro-Caribbean influence; taking the bumpy journey to the most northernly point of South America through dessert and wind-surfing hot spots; enjoying Arroz con Coco (Coconut Rice) and Patacones (plantain fritters) at the world-famous Barranquilla Carnival; and the North-Eastern Andean terrain of Oceta Paramo. She came back from her travels inspired by an array of arepa stands, dingy ‘tejo’ bars and vibrant produce, with ideas of setting up a food stall.

 

Back in the UK, Beth found her feet in the food industry through working for a range of street food vendors; learning the good, bad and the ugly at long festival shifts, late night lock-ins and pop ups. This gave her ample opportunity to develop her design and illustration portfolio, specialising in street food branding. Growing up in a household where food was the centre of everything it seemed natural for the two of us to join forces.


We started plotting, took the plunge and booked our first event at the wonderful GRUB MCR back in April 2018. From there, we travelled the country popping up at festivals, events and kitchens. In August 2019 we transformed our pop-up into bricks and mortar, and moved into our permanent home at the iconic Leeds Kirkgate Market, surrounded by a variety of fantastic independent food traders and local produce. We are humbled each day to feed Leeds-locals in the heart of a city that we love.

COVID-19 - WHAT ARE WE DOING?

 

Due to the current health crisis, we are closed until further notice. We are currently offering the following services...

MAMA KANASSA'S CHIPOTLE PASTE

Our Mama has been busy cooking up a storm & we want to share it with you. Introducting 'Mama Kanassa's Chipotle Paste' . At only £5, this jar packs a punch. It is spicy & delicious, try it for yourself! Free local cycle delivery or £3 postage. 

You can purchase in our shop or from Eat Your Greens grocery store.

GIFT CARDS

Want to give yourself something to look forward to or to cheer up a mate? We are selling our £5, £10 & £20 gift cards.

 

All gift cards are sent electronically via email. If you're interested please get in touch. 

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covid

OUR SERVICES

 

We offer private catering services, kitchen takeovers & street food events.

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PRIVATE EVENTS & CATERING 

We cater for a range of private events from weddings to birthday parties to business & office lunches. Our menus can be tailored to your needs. We are currently unable to cater for any private events due to the health crisis.

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KITCHEN TAKEOVERS 

 

We love collaborting with other independents & have been lucky enough to cook in many wonderful kitchens. We have worked with Eat your Greens, Ancoats Coffee Company, The Brunswick, Seven Arts & more.

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Want to collaborate with us ? Get in touch!

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Before moving in to our permanent spot at the iconic Kirkgate Market, a wonky red gazebo was what we called home. We lugged this rickity shelter across the country & took part in many fantastic food fairs & street food events. We have served up our food at : Manchester's GRUB food fair, Sheffield's Peddler Night Market, Liverpool's Baltic Market, Leed's Belgrave Feast, Birmingham's Seasonal Markets & many

more!

STREET FOOD

services
SUPPLIRS

OUR SUPPLIERS

 

We believe in shopping local, independent & small wherever we can. If we can have as little impact on the planet & still feed you some tasty food then we are happy! Check out some of our wonderful suppliers.

THE SPICE
CORNER

When it comes to essentials Spice Corner is the place to go.  Here we get our PAN flour, coconut milk & endless amounts of plantain. These guys work tirelessly & are really good people. Located in Kirkgate Market, check them out!

NEIL'S CATERING

Found directly in Kirkgate Market we get all of our fresh fruit & veg from Neil's meaning it is locally sourced, fresh and not wrapped up in plastic!

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CASA ESPRESSO

We source our coffee from the lovely guys at Casa Espresso, an independent roasters based in Bradford. If you've had the chance to sample their Colombian blend at the stall, you'll know it packs a punch!

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NELL'S URBAN
GREENS

"We grow microgreens in our greenhouse and supply cafes, restaurants, street food vans, farmers markets, as well as local people through our community produce scheme and local plant sales.

We grow our microgreens naturally, with the seasons, using only organic peat free compost, water and the sun.

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THE JAR TREE

The Jar Tree is Leeds first refill , zero waste & plastic free shop. We source our black beans & tofu here!

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"The problem with plastic is that it's everywhere, and it wont go away.
It's in our streets, waterways, oceans and environment. But it's not in our shop! 
We aim to help you avoid plastics and make positive changes for our planet."

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