By Gus Saltonstall
Japan Fes, which bills itself as the world’s largest Japanese food festival, will be taking place in Morningisde Heights later this month.
The festival hosts more than 21 events throughout the city each year, and on April 13, the festival will come to Broadway between West 115th and 116th streets. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Our aim is to create a festival that embodies this concept while embracing the local community’s spirit,” organizers of the festival wrote on its website. “We strive to showcase the rich cultural fusion and traditions of Japan, rooted in the local culture and heritage.”
Here’s a list of the vendors and what they will be serving at the Morningside Heights Japan Fes:
- Nakaya Hakka: Sweet rice balls, mini bentos
- BentOn: Traditional Japanese bento boxes.
- Kraken: Japanese octopus cracker from Enoshima.
- J-Spec Wagyu Master: Quality Japanese beef.
- Tojo’s Kitchen: Japanese fried chicken.
- Beard Papa’s: Cream puffs.
- Cozy Tea Loft: Creamy tea made with Hokkaido milk.
- Catmint Wheel Cake: Fluffy Imagawayaki, a traditional Japanese dessert.
- Vandel Marchen: Exciting manga.
- Happy Quinoa: Shinjitsu Japanese matcha.
- Bao Tea House: Crusty sweet Matcha baos.
- Ha Tao Shrimp House: Popcorn shrimp tempura, tempura scallops, tempura squid, tempura lobster, and more.
- Hello, Yam!: Sweet potato imported from Japan.
- Beautiful Kimono by Mingei Japan: Unique Japanese craft items.
There will also be a collection of “Japanese-International Fusion vendors:”
- HGG Tang Hulu: Fruit Ame (candy fruits) in different flavors.
- Ninja Kitchen: Japanese sweet bread covered in a thin layer of crisp cookie crust.
- Mao’s Bao: Fluffy and juicy dumplings.
- Tiger Tai: Sweet boba tea.
- Taiwanese Yummy: Fresh boneless chicken thighs.
- Tang Hulu: Ichigo Ame (strawberry candy).
- Gone to the Dogs: Collars, leashes, paw wax and shampoo.
- Lechonbae: Kakiage crispy tempura.
- Chan Bai Mei Desert Inc: Candy apples.
- Gobi’s Goods: Miso caramel creme brulee and miso caramel cream puff.
- Valezalifestyle: T-shirts and long sleeves.
You can find out more about the festival — HERE.
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This is great. Is it in Morningside Heights every year?
Last year on West 72nd Street. Food vendors very busy get there early
Nope, this is the first time, at least in recent years. Note that Japan Fes is held several dozen times a year, in different parts of Manhattan.
In 2023, it was on Broadway betw 77th & 79th on October 8th. In 2022, it was on Broadway betw 73rd & 74th on May 22nd, and on Broadway betw 74th & 76th on October 9th, and on Broadway betw 101st & 103rd on October 23rd.
Looking forward to Japan Fes. Note also that the 3rd annual Japan Parade on Central Park West is scheduled for May 11. Last year’s was wonderful!