PHOTOS: Asian Street Food Festival opens in Zagreb

by croatiaweek
May 7, 2024
in Food & Wine

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

This week, visit Zagreb’s Strossmayer Square and embark on a journey through Japan, China, India, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.

To the delight of all gourmets and lovers of Asian cuisine, as well as the locals and tourists of Zagreb craving delicious bites and relaxed outdoor gatherings, the second Asian Street Food Festival opened precisely at noon on Monday, May 6th.

The seven-day celebration of Asian gastronomy and culture was inaugurated with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the entrance to Zagreb’s Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square by the honorary consul of the Kingdom of Thailand in Croatia, Dr. Stjepan Ćurić.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

He wished the festival lots of luck, good weather, and happy visitors, emphasizing Croatia’s historical connection with Asia and expressing hopes for successful cultural exchanges.

Throughout the seven days of the Asian SFF, Strossmayer Square truly becomes a unique venue offering you the opportunity to journey through Japan, China, India, Korea, Thailand, or Malaysia in just a few minutes.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

The visitors, already on the first day, enthusiastically commented on the diversity and creativity of the gastronomic offerings, with 11 stalls offering over 40 different Asian specialties. This year’s concept of the Asian Street Food Festival introduces a novelty – each stall focuses on one dish or ingredient, which is easily discernible from the stall’s name.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

Visitors appreciated the natural Kikkoman soy sauces used to season the dishes, made according to a recipe over 300 years old, containing only four basic ingredients: water, soybeans, wheat, and salt.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

Asian food suits various moods and occasions, whether craving something healthy, comforting, or adventurous. Visitors praised the festival not only for its diverse and high-quality food but also for its unique vibe created through music, decorations, and additional activities.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

The festival promises a week filled with top-notch handmade SOHO sushi rolls, juicy Purple Monkey gyoza, or refreshing ZUKUJI ramen, accompanied by musical performances and DJ sets. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Korean cinema under the stars while munching on Korean hot dogs or savoring Shitake Umami burgers. For those interested in art, there’s a painting workshop paired with quality wines, offering attendees their own artistic piece with an Asian motif.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

The festival kicked off with a special attraction on the first day, where visitors could witness a Tuna Cutting Show, generously provided by Marikomerc, a Zadar-based company, with proceeds donated to the Down Syndrome Association Zagreb.

(Photo by Sandro Sklepić)

Numerous tastings, promotions, and entertaining activities are scheduled for the weekend, including free tastings of Crobucha kombucha and oysters with sparkling wine, as well as charity shows supporting the Down Syndrome Association Zagreb.