You can’t talk about independent food in Cambridge without mentioning the market. It’s often overlooked by people heading straight for the high street chains, but it’s easily one of the best spots to grab a quick, delicious bite right in the dead centre of town, just a stone’s throw from King’s College.

Because vendors operate out of market stalls rather than paying massive restaurant overheads, the value across the square is usually fantastic. There is so much to choose from, ranging from traditional sweet stalls and freshly squeezed lemonade to steaming bowls of noodles. On this visit, I decided to check out Kous Cypriot Cuisine and treated myself to a lamb gyros flatbread.

Kous operates daily from Market Square, grilling their meats over lava stones for that authentic street-food finish. Everything comes served in a soft flatbread packed with hummus, yogurt, salad, and chips, with prices sitting at £6.00 for the vegetarian and vegan options, £7.00 for chicken, and £8.00 for the halal lamb. You can even grab a box of chips for £3.00 or toss in extra halloumi for £2.00.

I couldn’t resist the pull of the lamb. It was juicy, tender, and well-seasoned, working brilliantly alongside the fresh salad and creamy hummus. At £8.00, the portion size is fair (but not necessarily generous) and feels like reasonable value for central Cambridge, making it a decent spot for a filling lunch. I enjoyed the crunch that gave way to a gooey juiciness from the lamb that really worked. It tasted fresh and was easy to eat on the go (something that can sometimes be a problem with market food).

The market square sits right under the shadow of Great St Mary’s, surrounded by cobbled streets. Official seating directly around the stalls is pretty limited to a few public benches, but you’ll always find people perching on the edge of the central fountain, soaking in the atmosphere and feeding the local pigeons. It really captures that great summertime Cambridge vibe where people just hang out, off their phones, and take in their surroundings.

If you are looking for a satisfying, budget-friendly lunch on the move, Kous is a great option and a perfect reminder of the quality variety tucked away in the market.

Thanks for reading!