At Manchester Christmas Markets, there’s always that one thing that people go WILD for. And we think we’ve worked out the viral foodie find of 2022 - and it’s not a Yorkshire Pudding wrap or a quirky cocktail.
While extensively covering the launch of the markets on Thursday, November 10 last week, many Manchester Evening News reporters shared photos of their market discoveries this year - and one in particular received a LOT of attention from festive food fans.
Featured in our Manchester Christmas Market guide to the best sausages, the Porky Pig battered pigs in blankets seem to be the one Christmas culinary creation that everyone wants to take a bite of this year.
Porky Pig is one of Manchester Christmas Markets biggest, busiest stalls, and it’s not the first time they’ve sold battered pigs in blankets, either - but visitors still can’t get enough.
Famed for their meat-wrapped-in-Yorkshire pudding treats, weekend queues can be over 100 people long, with thousands of food trays dished out each day, so get down early if you want to get your hands on this tasty treat.
The Battered Pigs in Blankets feature a chunky sausage wrapped in bacon, battered and deep fried accompanied with a tub of glorious gravy, costing £6.50 for a portion of two. We already know you’re rolling your eyes over the price, but trust us when we say two is plenty. These salty sausage delights will leave your stomach well and truly satisfied - but you might need a drink after.
When I tweeted out a snap of these Porky Pig fan-faves online this week, they received a wave of social media attention, including more than 250 likes and dozens of retweets and responses.
Many were excited to try the festive food for themselves, with Leigh Royall writing: “What did I tell you, "Dreams do come true"”, as @mike_gilmore01 wrote: “Might have to give one of them a go”.
Sean Murphy demanded: “Inject these into my veins!!!” with Izzy Evee commenting: “I want to go for this and only this.”
Narin Flanders joked: “Those look lush and I now want to gnaw off my own arm,” as @alottawhatufancy tweeted: “Heading there this weekend and can not wait! Deffo trying those bad boys.”
Ruth Ovens responded: “These would deffo get my pick off a menu,” as Lorna Hughes added: “Heading straight to that stall on my next visit.”
So yeah, like I said… be prepared to queue.
Of course, as with any Christmas Market, there have been some grumbles about the prices.
David Dubas-Fisher wrote: “Been reliably told these cost £6.50. Much as I’d like to try em there’s no way I’m paying that.”
@John_H_1996 tweeted: “Probably about £20 considering it’s Manchester Xmas markets,” while Matthew Connolly chipped in: “£6.50 for two half sausages and some sump oil.”
From what we saw at Manchester Christmas Markets, most food offerings are between £5 and £10 - you can find the full list of prices we spotted here. There are plenty of options on the menus, and something to suit all budgets. The portion size is perfect for what it is, in our opinion, as we wouldn’t have been able to take on a third - did consider drinking the gravy, though.
Porky Pig Carvery has seen price increases on its famous Yorkshire pudding wrap by 50p compared to last year’s prices, with a few other price hikes across the menu. Owner Eddie Osman said it was inevitable given the huge increases in fuel costs.
He explained that his gas supply for the huge stall on Exchange Square has increased from £18 a bottle to £32 a bottle - and they use around five a day. He added: "We've kept our drinks prices the same and tried to keep increases as low as we possibly can with 50p on the famous wrap."
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