Montreal's huge Korean street food festival is returning with 27+ kiosks and live K-pop
Montreal's favourite Korean street food festival, POCHA MTL, is coming back to Griffintown this summer with four days of delicious eats, live K-pop performances, colourful Hanbok (traditional Korean outfits) and more.This year, organizers say there will be 27+ culinary booths, 25+ exhibitors and 10+ cultural activities — all for a super low price of admission: $5 at the door or $4 in advance on Zeffy. Plus, they'll actually waive the entry fee and let you in for free if you wear Hanbok or you're the 'parent' of a Pomeranian, Poodle or Bichon Frisés. The fest is also free for children and seniors.Is your mouth already watering as you picture all the Korean dishes you want to taste? Well, grab a towel because it's about to get even worse. Here are some of the foods you can expect to find at POCHA 2024, served up by beloved restaurants, including Chungchun, Comon, Ganadara, Dano, Opiano, Funky Dog Fusion and Ca Lem creamery:tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes),Korean fried chicken and kogos (Korean-style pogos),dak kochi (chicken skewers),jap chae (glass sweet potato noodles),kalbi (Korean BBQ),cupbap (pork/bulgogi/chicken on rice),calamari with Korean-style honey butter,kimchi and seafood pancakes,kimchi fries,and kimchi poutine.If you've been annoyed at long lineups at festivals lately, it might interest you to know that POCHA is planning to use the SNAPPY ordering system, which allows you to place your order by phone or QR code and then go shop or go enjoy the cultural programming while your meal is being prepared. You'll get a text when it's ready to pick up. That said, if you prefer to line-up, pay the old-fashioned way and wait for your order, you can still do it that way.In terms of K-pop, POCHA is collaborating with Kmtl Event and KFMontréal (KPOP Fandom Montréal) to provide "an electrifying showcase of talent that will captivate K-pop fans" as well as "performances that will have you dancing and singing along to KPOP aficionados' favourite songs. You'll be mesmerized by energetic dance routines and breathtaking vocal performances from several artists," a press release says.This includes shows featuring Montreal's East2West dance team and 2KSQUAD, as well as "random dance parties." The event is set to take place along the banks of the Lachine Canal at Hangar 1825 from August 8 to 11.For more details, check out the POCHA MTL 2024 Facebook event or the ASIASIE website.POCHA MTL 2024See on InstagramPrice: $5 at the door$4 in advance on ZeffyFree for children under 12 and seniors over 65Free if you wear Hanbok or you're the "pawrent" of a Pomeranian, Poodle or Bichon FriséWhen: Thursday, August 8 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.Friday, August 9 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.Saturday, August 10 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.Sunday, August 11 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Address: Hangar 1825 – 40, rue des SeigneursAsiasie websiteThese prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.