This weekend, Miami's largest outdoor food market was celebrated with red lanterns, paper umbrellas, and Indian decorations, completely transforming the atmosphere into an Asian street food market.
During three days, Smorgasburg's annual AAPI Month celebration brought together some of the city's best artists, local vendors, and food, all in one place to honor Asian and Pacific Island cultures and arts.
This year's event, the Asian Street Food Festival, took place from Friday, May 26, at the new Lincoln Road location, and then on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, near Wynwood Walls.
This time, Smorg collaborated with Michelin Bib Gourmand winner Ani Meinhold from Phuc Yea and lifestyle journalist and food consultant Cheryl Tiu from Cross Cultures.
Vendors from all over South Florida and Smorg offered special dishes from countries like India, Myanmar, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, China, and more. Moreover, these exclusive cuisines were only available during this special event, and it was a hit!
The invited vendors were: Yen's Kitchen, Kaminari Ramen, Palm Beach Meats, Ahmay's Cuisine, Sushi by Chef Norlan, Meatless in Miami, Lutong Pinoy, Phuc Yea, and Salamat Cookies, flying in from Indianapolis.
Guests had the opportunity to enjoy the following special dishes from the invited vendors:
Ahmay's Kitchen • Nan Gyi Thoke, Warm Curry Chicken Noodle Salad
Palm Beach Meats • Wagyu Beef Tapa, AU Wagyu Marinade, Garlic Fried Rice, Farm Egg
Kaminari Ramen • Smokey Shoyu Ramen, Marinated Pork Shoulder, Wavy Ramen
Yen's Kitchen • Traditional French Baguette Bánh Mì, Red Ham & Pork Roll
Salamat Cookies • Ube Blondies made with Salted Brown Butter
Lutong Pinoy Filipino Cuisine • Crispy Pork Belly with Crunchy Skin
Meatless in Miami • Vegan Mapo Tofu, Spicy Szechuan Bean Sauce with Mushrooms
Sushi by Chef Norlan • Tuna & Salmon Poke Toast, Rocoto Mayonnaise
Phuc Yea • Exclusive PY Noodles, Garlic Butter, Oyster Sauce, Parmesan Cheese
People greatly enjoyed the culture and, of course, the special offerings from the Smorgasburg vendors, which included a wide diversity of options, from The Dutch Fry's Asian Street Fries to Tacos Sonora's Jian Bing Sonoran Style!
Throughout the days, there were also authentic performances by Aloha Polynesian with Hulu dancers, a Fire Warrior dance, and Hawaiian ukulele music by Polynesian Proud Production.
There were also calligraphy and art classes for children and adults by Mrs. Dans Chinese, and cooking demonstrations by Smorgasburg Miami vendor Chou:Tu and culinary personality Wok Star Eleanor Hoh.
Miami is diversity in every corner and at every event throughout the year, and that is part of its culture.