Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

If you’ve ever doubted that Yorkshire is the foodie capital of the North, one stroll through the streets of Malton over the May bank holiday would have settled it. For three glorious days, the town transformed into a haven for food lovers, producers, chefs, and curious wanderers. The sun might have teased us between clouds, but the ‘heat’ in the demo tents was very real both from the stoves and the star-studded chef line-up.

I was there on Saturday, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more.

This year’s line-up was exceptional. Chef royalty like Sat Bains of Restaurant Sat Bains brought their Michelin-starred magic to the stage, sharing not just recipes but stories, heart, and humour. With two egg dishes perfect for brunch and breakfast, he didn’t disappoint.

Callum Leslie, executive chef at the Black Swan in Oldstead and Yorkshire’s recent representative on Great British Menu, wowed the audience with his calm precision and love for local ingredients.

Ollie Farrar, owner and head chef of Malton’s own FortySix, represented the town with flair, showing exactly why his restaurant has become a talked-about destination. And the festival wouldn’t be complete without talents like Nathan Kelly of Castle Howard who made three venison dishes in under thirty minutes, freelance development chef Kirsty Brown who did a masterclass in focaccia, and of course me.

Standing in front of that generous Malton crowd, I had the joy of sharing one of my favourite dishes: labneh topped with a beetroot and red onion salad, lightly dressed with Louisa’s citrus honey, balsamic vinegar and pomegranate molasses. I finished it with fresh pomegranate seeds for crunch and colour.

Alongside that, I served my signature spiced potatoes with pan-fried salmon, finished in a butter infused with seaweed, sumac and Aleppo pepper. Bold, vibrant, and full of stories, just how I like my food.

The festival wasn’t just about demos though; it was a sensory adventure.

I took time to explore the stalls (as every food-lover should). Yorkshire Pasta was a must-visit, artisanal and proudly local. I was off to the Barbecue competition at the bottom of The Talbot Hotel garden and afterwards I couldn’t resist a stop at Rare Bird Distillery for a beautifully crisp gin and tonic, the kind that lingers on your palate and memory.

And then there was Florian Poirot, a wizard of French patisserie. His Paris Brest was sublime; airy choux, silky praline, the kind of dessert that quiets a room. I took home some pastel de nata, a rare indulgence of mine, and they didn’t last long once I got home.

It’s easy to see why Malton calls itself “Yorkshire’s Food Capital.” It’s not just about ingredients, though those were proudly on display too: venison, Yorkshire rapeseed oil, Maldon smoked sea salt and more - it’s about the community of people who believe in flavour, farming, sustainability, and celebration.

The energy was tangible, the smells intoxicating, and the hospitality - especially from our brilliant host Gilly Smith at The Cook’s Place - was second to none.

If you missed Malton this year, don’t worry. We’re right in the thick of food festival season and there are more chances to come say hello, eat something surprising, and discover a new ingredient to fall in love with. On Saturday the 14th of June, you’ll find me at the BBC Summer Good Food Show - a huge moment I’m really looking forward to.

So whether you’re after new recipe ideas, hoping to meet your favourite chef, or just want a really good bite to eat in good company, now is the time to get out and about. These festivals are more than just events - they’re celebrations of everything we love about food - connection, creativity, and joy.

Upcoming local foodie events include Ilkley Food Festival on the 14th and 15th of June, followed by Harrogate Food Festival on the 28th and 29th of June.

As the Nigerian proverb says, “When we see a guest, we offer them honey; even if it means giving them all the honey in our pouch.” Malton reminded me of that. Food is hospitality, and Yorkshire serves it with heart.