Words and photos by Daniella Dogbe
Nag’s Head market is a hub for a plethora of cultures. Established in 1975 on the Seven Sisters Road, this more-than-a marketplace offers something for everyone.
Wisteria and fairy lights adorn the market, accompanying the vivid colours of fruits, vegetables, and delicious food in each unit. Now positioned across several levels, this established cultural hub offers cuisines from a multitude of cultures as well as cultural garments, jewellery, a butcher, fishmonger and so much more.
Traditional food plays a vital role at Nag’s Head Market. Angelo Petraroia, 29, owner of Na’gurara, an authentic Venezuelan street food stop, says the reason is clear: the demographic of the area makes it a perfect place to set up shop.
“There’s a lot of South Americans in the area, like Seven Sisters,” he says, adding that the atmosphere of Nag’s Head is like no other. “There’s accessible prices for students, a super friendly vibe, and you can bring your pets.” He often brings his cat to the market.
Na’guara was established seven months ago by Petraroia and his wife, following his stint as a manager at Tiktok. As a child in Venezuela, Petraroia says that he and his family loved street food, which reminds him of his youth.
“I wanted to do something for myself,” he said, adding that he took his mum on board as a chef to help build the menu “with her flavours”. He started Na’guara to bring authenticity to those craving a taste of home – or something new.
A first-timer, Miriam, 38, sat in front of Na’guara with her son, reading tarot cards, as she waited for her food. “I wanted to eat something delicious and I knew there was a Venezuelan place, I love Venezuelan food, so I came here,” she said, although she was reluctant to provide her surname.
Although Miriam is from Spain, she grew up eating a lot of Venezuelan food because there were plenty of Venezuelan street food vendors where she lived. “I came here just for that reason,” she said, describing the market as “beautiful”. She adds: “To me, it’s like the business owners do the food with love.”
Here’s what Miriam had to say about Na’guara:
Vijay, 38, is owner of Chai n’ Biryani, which he says are both very popular in Hyderabad, in the southern part of India, where he is from. “We wanted to bring the taste and flavours to the UK,” he says.
He believes Nag’s Head market is a special place for locals and visitors because all the outlets are under one roof, and they give people the chance to easily experience different cuisines.
“It’s good to have your proper food in the market so people know what biryani tastes like and can explore different flavours,” Vijay says.
It is clear that the offer of traditional cultural cuisines works as a tool for communities to reclaim a space for their own cultures in London.
Go try something new at Nag’s Head market – you won’t forget it.
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