We asked Norwich Market: What is the city's signature dish?

To find out, we hit the stalls of Norwich Market to ask locals and visitors what they think should be crowned the city’s signature bite.

Workers at the Colman's factory in 1960 (Image: Archant Library)

COCKLES AND WHELKS

John and Stephanie enjoying whelks from Norwich Market (Image: Denise Bradley) Our first stop: John and Stephanie, a couple visiting from Shropshire. Stephanie’s dad hailed from Norwich, and she has strong feelings about what defines the city’s food.

“Mushy peas or cockles and whelks from the market,” she said, while tucking into a tray.

“The Norfolk air makes them taste even better.”

Benjamin Loudon of Substrata Wines (Image: Denise Bradley) The couple did spare a thought for a lost local favourite - the chicken rolls from Reggie’s - sadly no longer available.

For Benjamin Loudon of Substrata Wines, the answer is plain and simple: chips.

He said: “There are endless amounts of chips eaten at the market."

Chocolate got a vote from Victoria Fama of And Eat It, who sells decadent brookies (brownie-cookie hybrids).

Victoria Fama of 'And Eat It' posing with a Creme Egg brookie (Image: Denise Bradley) She said: “Of course it would have to be something chocolatey.

“We used to have the chocolate factories here, and the font in the Cathedral is even one of the old melting pots.”

HOT DOG WITH MUSTARD

Retired policeman Roy Hipperson, who was enjoying an ice cream from the Ice Cream Parlour, opted for a more coastal ingredient.

The 92-year-old recalled: “We had a terrific herring industry in Yarmouth.

Roy Hipperson enjoying an ice cream at Norwich Market (Image: Denise Bradley) “I used to go out, buy them and then just fry them up.”

Meanwhile, Aly Butcher of the Ice Cream Parlour believes the mustard legacy is key.

She said: “It’s got to be something to do with mustard, surely.

“Maybe a hot dog with mustard? And an ice cream for dessert.”

Aly Butcher at the Apricity/ Ice Cream Parlour stall (Image: Denise Bradley) Over at Dottie’s sweet shop, Alfie McComb agreed: “A hot dog with mustard.

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"Get a sausage from Paul’s Butchers, chop up some onions, slap on a bit of mustard and red sauce.”

Alfie McComb of Dollie's Sweets & Treats (Image: Denise Bradley) At the Bodega sandwich stall, Alfie Coe added his vote to the mustard movement.

“If I were to make a sandwich, it would have to include Colman’s mustard.

"But I also think of hog roast and apple sauce rolls.

"It's hard to sum up such a diverse city in one sandwich.

"There's a lot going on and a lot of different people, where would we even begin?"

Alfie Coe at The Bodega sandwich stall (Image: Denise Bradley) Hannah Lee from Coral Bay echoed the challenge of pinning Norwich down.

She said: “We’re a diverse city and you can travel the world at Norwich Market.

"I don’t think I could pick just one thing.”

FISH AND CHIPS

And finally, we caught up with a true market stalwart: Ron Butcher, owner of Ron’s Fish and Chips.

Ron Butcher of Ron's Fish & Chips (Image: Denise Bradley) Ron has been serving up battered cod and piping hot chips from his stall since 1958, and his family even longer.

“I’m obviously biased,” he said with a grin, “but fish and chips.

"Made with top quality Norfolk potatoes, like ours.”

So, while there’s no clear winner, one thing’s certain - Norwich is a city rich in flavour, history and culinary pride.

From mustard to mushy peas, and herring to hog roast, the city’s palate is as varied as its people.

So what’s your pick? Is there a signature dish hiding in plain sight?