'Much more than serving great food': Northern Ireland’s top food-to-go businesses shortlisted for 2026 awards

Leading food-to-go businesses from across Northern Ireland have been shortlisted for the 2026 Northern Ireland Food to Go Awards, recognising the talent, quality and innovation shaping the industry across the region.

The shortlist brings together independent cafés, coffee shops, bakeries, takeaways, restaurants, mobile caterers, street food operators, local producers and emerging businesses from communities across Northern Ireland.

Businesses from Belfast, Lisburn, Newry, Magherafelt, Clogher, Bellanaleck, Magheralin and many other towns and cities are represented, demonstrating the important contribution the sector makes to local employment, high streets and communities throughout Northern Ireland.

The finalists will compete across a wide range of categories, including Newcomer of the Year, Coffee Newcomer of the Year, Best Breakfast To Go, Best Dessert To Go, Best Bakery or Patisserie To Go, Best Indian To Go, Best Kebab To Go, Best Asian or Pan Asian To Go, Best Pizza To Go, Best Mexican To Go and Best Burger To Go.

Further categories recognise excellence in coffee, fish and chips, delis and cafés, outside catering, street food and mobile catering. The 2026 awards also include Best Chicken To Go, Local Producer of the Year, Franchise of the Year, Food Influencer of the Year and Employee of the Year.

Michael Henderson, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said: “This year’s shortlist is an outstanding reflection of the talent, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout Northern Ireland’s food-to-go sector.

“The shortlist represents outstanding businesses and individuals from communities right across Northern Ireland. From established operators and growing franchises to mobile caterers, local producers and exciting newcomers, each finalist has earned their place through the quality, innovation and commitment they bring to our industry.

“These businesses are doing much more than serving great food. They are creating jobs, investing in their communities, supporting local suppliers and bringing energy to our high streets, town centres and rural areas.

“This recognition comes at a time when many operators continue to face significant pressures from rising food, energy and employment costs. Despite those challenges, they continue to adapt, innovate and deliver exceptional experiences for their customers.

“The Northern Ireland Food to Go Awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate those achievements and give our businesses, their teams and the wider sector the recognition they deserve. Congratulations to every business and individual shortlisted.”

Among the businesses shortlisted are Pizza Crew, The Lamb Van, Barista Bar, Buzz n’ Berry, Docs Fish & Chips, Tasty Nosh, The Mallow Makers, Glaze & Roll, Bebe Adrianos Mexicanos, Browns Award Winning Fish & Chips, Pizza Napoletana, Nice Buns NI and many more.

Several businesses have secured places across multiple categories, highlighting the high standards being delivered across different areas of their operations.

The Employee of the Year category will also recognise the people at the heart of the sector, with team members from Bebe Adrianos Mexicanos, Hong Kong City Restaurant, Phat Bastrd Burger, Apache Pizza Lisburn, Manongs Filipino Food and Glaze & Roll among those shortlisted.

The awards are supported by title sponsor Henderson Foodservice and a strong network of category sponsors and industry partners. These include Legacy Resources, Andrew Ingredients, Délifrance, Zeus, K&G McAtamney Meats, EB Gas, Sabert, Invest Northern Ireland, Frylite, Power NI, The Agency and Lokhem HR.

Michael added: “The continued backing of our sponsors makes it possible for us to shine a light on the businesses and people driving the food-to-go industry forward. Their support is also a clear vote of confidence in a sector that plays an increasingly important role in Northern Ireland’s economy.

“We are extremely grateful to Henderson Foodservice and all of our category sponsors and partners for helping us deliver an awards programme that celebrates excellence across every part of the industry.”

Shortlisted businesses will now progress through the next stage of the judging process ahead of the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Tuesday, November 17.

Hosted by broadcaster Ibe Sesay, the ceremony will bring together over 600 people from operators, suppliers, partners and supporters across Northern Ireland for an evening celebrating the very best of the food-to-go industry.

The full shortlist is available at www.foodtogoawards.co.uk and tickets for the event are still on sale but selling fast.