Asian Food Festival to bring street food and culture to West Palm Beach

Organizers expect 40 to 50 vendors at the West Palm Beach Downtown Foodie World Asian Food Festival. 

The West Palm Beach Downtown Foodie World Asian Food Festival will make its local debut Sept. 25 to 27.

The free, family-friendly festival will be held from 2 to 10 p.m. each day at Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square, 100 N. Clematis St. Admission and entertainment are free; food, beverages and merchandise are available for purchase.

Organizers expect 40 to 50 vendors, including 30 to 35 food vendors serving Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and Thai cuisine, along with other Asian specialties and local favorites. The emphasis is on Asian street food, including fusion dishes and experimental creations not found at traditional restaurants.

Vishal Vellody, one of the festival’s main coordinators, says many participating businesses are mom-and-pop operations. The event gives Asian-owned businesses an opportunity to reach new customers while sharing their family traditions.

“They’re re-creating memories,” Vellody says. “They’re putting a lot of love and effort into this food.”

One vendor will offer freshly pressed sugar cane juice mixed with fresh fruit, a favorite of Vellody’s while working outdoors in the Florida heat.

“I personally call it nature’s Gatorade,” he says.

Beyond food, the festival will feature dancing, karaoke and games. Artists and retail vendors will offer handmade and culturally inspired goods, including crocheted pieces reflecting Asian pop culture, henna art and traditional herbal products.

The Foodie World Asian Food Festival began nearly five years ago with 10 tents in a Tampa parking lot. It has expanded to communities including North Miami Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.

“We just want to create an event where people can come out, have fun, be with the community, meet strangers and try new things,” Vellody says.

Centennial Square offers shade and seating, and street parking and public garages are nearby.

Vellody’s advice for anyone planning to attend is simple: “Come hungry.”