Toronto is about to get a big dose of Thai culture this September as Thai Festival Canada makes its debut in the city. This two-day celebration promises to be a full-on sensory experience with food, music, and performances transporting you straight to Thailand.
The festival kicked off in Vancouver last year and saw a whopping 5,000 people attend; that was the organizers’ cue to bring it to Toronto next.
So what can you expect? More than 40 food vendors serving authentic Thai bites — think classics like spicy papaya salads and grilled meats to sweet snacks you’d normally have to take a flight to relish.
Other than the food, local Thai businesses will be setting up shop with everything from traditional crafts and art to massage and wellness offerings. The festival is also packed with entertainment, including cultural shows and live performances with Thai pop and DJs.
If you’re up for a challenge, don’t miss the Som Tum (papaya salad) cooking demos —they’re asking you to beware of flying chillies… — or the spicy-eating contests that’ll test just how much heat you can really handle.
Thai Festival Canada comes with food, shopping, music, and a lively atmosphere, which may just become a new tradition in Toronto.
The festival takes place on September 20 and 21, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and is happening at Sankofa Square located at 1 Dundas Street East.