FREE Japanese street food festival kicks off in Montreal today
A three-day festival celebrating Japanese culture and street food is kicking off in Montreal this weekend.
After a two-year hiatus because of you-know-what, YATAI MTL is returning to the Mile End for a free three-day festival from June 10 to 12.
YATAI MTL will host street food stands, a market, cultural programs, and music, and is expected to attract more than 15,000 people over the three-day event.
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In Japanese culture, a yatai, which translates to “shop stand,” is a small mobile food stall. Yatais, dating back to the 1600s, are very popular in Japanese culture during summer festivals (Matsuri). They often pop up in festival form, near natural sights and corporate offices.
YATAI MTL says it will split the event into three areas: a gourmet, merchant, and cultural space. Yasuko Tadokoro, YATAI MTL’s Founder, says through the event, he wants “to share with Montrealers of all origins the Japan that I love.”
YATAI MTL
The festival’s “Gourmet Area” will include ten booths with “some of the best Japanese chefs from Montreal.” YATAI MTL’s “Merchant Area” will include over 20 Japanese merchants selling products, and the “Cultural Area” will host “shows and workshops for everyone.”
Workshops include origami making, daruma drawing, and intros to both the Japanese language and sake rice wines.
More details about participating shops, events, and vendors can be found right here on the YATIR MTL website.
YATAI MTL
When: June 10 to 12
Time: 5 – 11 pm, Friday; 12 – 11 pm, Saturday; 12 – 8 pm, Sunday
Where: Marché des Possibles – Entrepôt 77 77 Bernard Street Est
Price: Free admission
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