Sizzling street food and summer vibes return to MediaCity at Kargo on the Docks

MediaCity’s popular open-air dining spot, Kargo on the Docks, is making a delicious comeback from today, and it’s bringing a fresh wave of bold flavours, street food heroes, and homegrown creativity to the waterfront.

Launching Friday 9th May, this reimagined collection of shipping containers in MediaCity’s gardens will be home to an exciting new line-up of independent food vendors serving up everything from Ethiopian-inspired burgers to sizzling Asian noodles, Caribbean classics and shawarma that’ll transport your tastebuds straight to the Middle East.

This year’s foodie squad includes: Afro Shack, Wok Bros, Sunrise Caribbean, Quiero Tacos, and Habibs – each bringing some serious flavour (and hopefully sunshine) to the waterside.

Kargo on the Docks returns

Afro Shack – the sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite House of Habesha – will be serving fusion food such as burgers, loaded fries and wraps, combining East African flavours with indulgent American fast food, while new kids on the block Wok Bros will deliver sizzling, wok-tossed Pan-Asian street food and 100% halal dishes inspired by authentic flavours and fresh ingredients.

Iconic Jamaican dishes such as coconut jerk chicken and crispy fried fish bites will also be on offer from Sunrise Caribbean, while Quiero Tacos will bring slow-cooked Birria tacos, cheesy quesadillas and vibrant rice bowls packed with the spirit of Mexico. Last but not least, Mediterranean food lovers can expect juicy lamb koftas, golden halloumi, and richly spiced chicken shawarma from Habibs – promising a flavour-packed summer of street food from around the world!

Art on the Docks

It’s not just about the food. Kargo on the Docks continues to champion local talent with exciting murals by artists Fernandes Makes, Kelly Ma, Caroline Daly, Venessa Scott and MikeSian Studio, turning every container into a colourful canvas.

Visitors can also explore an interactive art trail weaving through the gardens, featuring eye-catching structures by A Studio Called Jane, Luke Passey and Tasha Whittle, creating the perfect backdrop for your summer selfie.

Caroline Aikman, Director of Marketing and Place at MediaCity said: “We’re proud to support and celebrate emerging, homegrown talent at MediaCity and Kargo on the Docks perfectly captures that spirit. The space offers a brilliant meeting place where our growing community of residents, workers, students and visitors can relax and enjoy the best of local food and creativity in a vibrant, green setting.”

Matt Bigland, Founder and CEO of Blend Family, which operates Kargo.MKT and Kargo on the Docks, said: “It’s great to be back at Kargo on the Docks for a second year. Each of our new food partners brings their own unique and authentic flavour to the space, guaranteeing a taste of the globe! We are proud to be working with these food entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to serve up quality, independent food, in partnership with MediaCity— and to continue building a community that champions local talent and creativity right here at both MediaCity and Quayside.”

Kargo on the Docks will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm-9pm.

Which food vendors will be at Kargo on the Docks this Summer?

Afro Shack

Afro Shack is the bold, streetwise sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite, House of Habesha. Where House of Habesha honours tradition, Afro Shack flips the script, blending deep East African roots with the punchy, indulgent flavours of American fast food.

Offering crispy, golden-loaded fries dusted with berbere spice, juicy burgers with traditional herbs and house sauces and wraps packed with grilled chicken, fresh slaw and slow-cooked dorho sauces, Afro Shack brings the soul of Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine to the fast food scene with a fiery fusion twist.

Check them out on Instagram here

Wok Bros

After travelling Asia and discovering the wonder of its food on his travels, founder Omar couldn’t find anywhere back home in Manchester that served halal Asian cuisine, and Wok Bros was born.

Bringing the heat of Asia’s street food culture to Manchester’s food scene with a 100% Halal, Pan-Asian street offering, Wok Bros is a bold new concept that blends authenticity, innovation, and street food soul, one sizzling wok at a time!

From signature noodle bowls with “wok hei” (an aroma from the wok) that has always been emphasised by Uncle Roger, to street food favourites “Crispy Fried Chicken” that you can customise with different sauces. Each dish is wok-tossed to order using Asian ingredients that are fresh and locally sourced.

You can check them out on Instagram here

Sunrise Caribbean

Sunrise Caribbean was created by founder Michelle, originally from Portland, Jamaica—a region renowned for its rich culinary and musical heritage. Inspired by the vibrant home cooking of his grandparents, Michelle has carried those traditions with him, transforming a lifelong passion for creating a flavour-packed food experience.

At Sunrise Caribbean, the focus is on bold, authentic Caribbean street food with a modern twist. From coconut jerk chicken to crispy fried fish bites, every dish is prepared with care, heritage, and a generous helping of island soul. The menu balances beloved classics with contemporary favourites, offering something for every taste.

You can check them out on Instagram here

Queiro Tacos

Quiero Tacos is bringing the bold spirit and soul of Mexico to MediaCity this summer. Named after the Spanish phrase “Quiero,” meaning “I want,” the brand is built on the idea that one bite should leave you craving more.

Specialising in slow-cooked Birria beef and chicken—marinated for up to 12 hours in a rich blend of traditional Mexican chillies and spices—Quiero Tacos delivers deep, authentic flavour in every dish. From cheesy quesadillas to vibrant rice bowls, their menu is packed with bold textures, big flavours with options for vegetarians too.

You can check them out on Instagram here

Habibs

Born from a deep love for shawarma and a passion for sharing the taste of home, Habib’s is more than a food stall—it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and street food tradition.

From juicy lamb kofta and crispy falafel to golden fried halloumi and their signature chicken shawarma, every dish is crafted with rich spices, vibrant flavours, and the unmistakable soul of Lebanese cooking.

Named after the familiar phrase “Ya habib!”—shouted with affection to your favourite shawarma chef back home—Habib’s invites visitors to come for the bite and stay for the story.

You can check out their Instagram by clicking here

There will also be a range of pop-up events hosted at the venue throughout the summer, with more announcements set to be made soon.

Kargo on the Docks continues the legacy of its original concept, Box on the Docks, which was launched as a unique dining and arts experience aimed to support both the local hospitality businesses and self-employed creatives during the pandemic, by creating a unique, socially distanced dining experience which doubled as a piece of impactful public art.

More information on Kargo on the Docks

For more information about Kargo on the Docks, please click here