PHOTOS: First Asian Street Food Festival in Zagreb opens – we check it out

by croatiaweek
June 16, 2023
in Food & Wine

First Asian Street Food Festival in Zagreb opens (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

The first Asian Street Food Festival kicked off in Zagreb yesterday. The festival, which runs until 25 June, is being held at Strossmayer Square and showcases the rich flavours, aromas, and spirit of Asian cuisine.

On the opening day, the festival attracted a large number of visitors who were eager to explore the offerings of the 11 stalls located in the heart of the city. The square, nestled between Tomislavac and Zrinjevac, has been transformed into a paradise for the senses, with unique decorations and an authentic Eastern ambiance.

(Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

The festival features a wide range of Asian delicacies prepared by top chefs, delighting visitors with a diverse selection of flavours. Sushi is a crowd favourite, and stalls like Jellyfish in Space offer various sushi options, including Futomaki surimi sushi, Crispy Salmon, and Cosmic Berry.

Jellyfish in space – Luna roll (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Jellyfish in space (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Soho Sushi & Poke is popular among younger visitors, serving Uramaki and Poke Bowls.

Soho Sushi & Poke – Uramaki roll (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Soho Sushi & Poke (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Bite of Fun by Melkior offers Onigiri and Yakimeshi no Kyūbu, while Thai Thai serves aromatic Pad Thai and Green Curry.

Bite Of Fun by Melkior – Ikura Losos (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Bite Of Fun by Melkior (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Thai Thai – Pad Thai Chicken (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Thai Thai (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Korean corn dogs and Dalgona ice creams can be found at the K-Dog stall.

K-Dog cheese lover (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

K-Dog (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Gyoza Bar by Purple Monkey offers a choice of gyoza with different fillings, such as duck, chicken, pork, vegetables, and even sweet gyoza with apples.

Purple Monkey – Gyoze (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Purple Monkey (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Asian Burger Institut by Mate Janković presents exotic burger variations, including the Japan Umami burger, Spicy Korean burger, and Thai Surf ‘N’ Turf burger.

Asian Burger Institut by Mate Janković – Spicy Korean (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Asian Burger Institut (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

To enhance the flavours of these dishes, Kikkoman provides top-quality soy sauces, which are naturally fermented and free from additives and dyes.

(Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

The festival also caters to beverage enthusiasts, with Picnic Craft Bar offering signature cocktails like Medicine and Coast Card, as well as a new Asian-inspired cocktail called Wabi Sabi.

PICNIC Craft bar – Wabi Sabi and Scooby Doo (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Gingle Bells booth provides chilled Staropramen beer and premium Šoškić wines, while the Central Bar serves a wide range of drinks to quench visitors’ thirst.

In addition to the culinary delights, the festival offers a vibrant music program. DJ performances create a global modern lounge chill atmosphere with Asian sound spices. Various DJs will take the stage, playing music from the best cocktail bars and Asian fusion restaurants around the world.

(Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

For those interested in culinary workshops, the festival provides opportunities to learn from expert chefs. Workshops on poke, sushi, and ramen will be conducted by Chef Danijel Grlić from Soho Sushi & Poke. The Center for Food Culture & It Makes Sushi, powered by Metro, will also host workshops where participants can actively engage in food preparation under expert guidance.

Full Circle Katsu by Marko Palfi – Katsu Losos (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Full Circle Katsu by Marko Palfi (Photo credit: Sandro Sklepić)

Children can enjoy the Kids Zone by Zagi, offering creative workshops, colouring books, board games, and even Origami Workshops by Kikkoman.

Visitors are encouraged to be a part of this Asian fairytale by attending the Asian Street Food Festival until June 25th, from noon until midnight. The festival invites everyone to experience phenomenal food, unique cocktails, and a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.