Asian Street Food Festival returns to Zagreb in April

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

ZAGREB, 9 April 2025 – The popular Asian Street Food Festival is back for its third edition, bringing a vibrant mix of Asian flavours, culture, music, and entertainment to the heart of Zagreb.

From 23 to 29 April, Strossmayer Square will transform into a bustling hub of aromas, colours and tastes from across Asia. With 11 food and drink stalls—nine focused on Asian cuisine and two dedicated to drinks—there’s something for every foodie to enjoy.

A Taste of Asia in the Heart of Zagreb

Asia is home to over 50 countries, each with its own rich culinary traditions. The festival celebrates this diversity with an exciting line-up of dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and beyond.

(Photo: Sandro Sklepić)

This year’s highlights include the festival debut of Noel*, Zagreb’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Led by chef Ivan Temšić, Noel will offer street food-style Asian dishes with a fine-dining twist, including Katsu Sando, Korean fried chicken, Gyozas, Pork Belly Bao, and Yakitori shrimp.

Also joining for the first time is Curry Bowl, a local favourite for Sri Lankan cuisine. Festival-goers can try their famous Kotthu, chicken curry, and fried rice, all bursting with bold spices and traditional flavours.

Noel by Ivan Temsic (Photo: PR Asian Street Food Festival)

Festival favourites are back too. Purple Monkey, SoHo, Thai Thai, and the ever-creative Jellyfish in Space return with new dishes and classic crowd-pleasers. Jellyfish in Space, known for its bao buns, will debut a surprising fusion: pašticada bao with kimchi and mango sauce.

For dessert lovers, pastry chef Juraj Klepić will present another world-first with his Fry Dubai – pistachio gelato wrapped in kadaif and egg whites, then fried to crispy perfection. His stand, Gdje je Jura, will also serve his famous Dubai chocolate, Tropic Fry Gelato, and Dubai strawberries.

Noel by Ivan Temsic (Photo: PR Asian Street Food Festival)

If you’re craving something light and fun, don’t miss the Harajuku crepes—Japanese-style crepes filled with soft-serve ice cream, fresh fruit, and colourful toppings. Plus, try the matcha and black sesame ice cream or Tanghulu, a crunchy caramel-coated fruit on a stick.

Curry Bowl (Photo: PR Asian Street Food Festival)

Drinks will be flowing at the central bar and the beloved Ginglebells cocktail stand, known for their inventive mixes and summer favourites. A wide selection of wines, local rakijas, spritzes, and soft drinks will also be available.

Gdje je Jura (Photo: PR Asian Street Food Festival)

To complete the experience, the festival will feature a packed entertainment schedule with live DJ sets curated by Ozren Kanceljak, a Staropramen Silent Cinema, and two hands-on culinary workshops: a mochi pudding class by Maki Nagayoshi from Pink Pig, and a Kikkoman session led by Nastasja Chiara Petrić.

Jellyfish in Space (Photo: PR Asian Street Food Festival)

Tanghulu (Photo: PR Asian Street Food Festival)

Stay tuned for the full programme reveal next Wednesday, when chef Mario Mihelj, SoHo, Thai Thai, and Purple Monkey unveil their special festival menus.

Entry is free, and the festival runs Monday to Friday from 12:00–24:00, and weekends from 11:00–24:00.