Call them pillows of heaven, bites of happiness or bundles of joys; whatever your nickname for the savoury dumplings, think momos, pierogies, jiaozis, wontons, gyozas and the like, you're bound to agree on one thing — they're all crave-worthy.
They might be small, but dumplings have a way of bringing big smiles, and even bigger crowds, where over 40,000 people are expected to join the feast at the Marcon BC Dumpling Festival, presented by RBC, at Coquitlam's Town Centre Park on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hosted by the not-for-profit Tricity Asian Arts and Culture Society, the mega-multicultural celebration returns for its fourth year and is serving up a joyful mix of global flavours, arts, live entertainment and community spirit. The idea for the BC Dumpling Festival came about in 2020 as a response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and crime in local communities across Metro Vancouver. After an incident of racism at Town Centre Park in 2021, the Tricity Asian Arts and Culture Society was formed.
The festival is a chance to celebrate diversity, inclusion and support local. This year you’ll be treated to performances from around the world, with Japan in the spotlight as the featured country, including a curated pavilion showcasing: Capture+ Wire Jewelry, Kanadell Japanese Bakery, Midori Foods, Beauty Secrets of Japan and Japagoods.
"We started out doing a general festival in 2022 and now we concentrate on celebrating a different country each year," says Gina Chong, executive director, Tricity Asian Arts and Culture Society. "The second year was Korea and last year was the Philippines."
"We do this festival to bring people together to learn about different cultures, and the best way to do that is through food, art, and entertainment, and it's amazing to see how it's grown."
"The first year blew us away because we didn't know we'd get so much community support for a first-time event," she adds. "Our attendance has doubled from 20,000 to an estimated 40,000 last year. To have so many awesome volunteers (225 last year), plus our committee to be so committed — is truly amazing."
Delicious dumplings, food vendors and trucks
The flavours and fillings are undeniably delectable, considering 41,200 dumplings can’t be wrong — the number sold in 2024. This year you can expect dumplings and exciting eats from more than 25 food vendors and trucks, including dumpling newcomers WhataFood (Brazilian street food), and Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, with funky combos like peanut butter and jelly, and mac and cheese.
You'll find a dumpling to satisfy every taste bud from all over the globe, such as: Magic Mantu Sharbat (Afghanistan), Dungan House (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China), Mr. Siopao, and Plato Filipino (Philippines), Morgan's Harbour (Jamaica, Caribbean), Teppan-Yaro (Japan), Sharbat Vancouver (Dubai), K-ipse (Korea), Sun Star Restaurant (China), Little Lebanon Eats (Lebanon) and That Momo Spot (Tibet and Nepal) and more.
Plus, visit your favourite food truck, too, among them: Bao Buns, Japadog, Taco Nori, Beavertail and The Original Hurricane Potato, serving their popular fare. And you can refresh your palate with a mocktail from Lavish Liquid, Kona Ice, or an exclusive drink offering from C Market Coffee.
Don't miss seeing (or participating) in the annual Dumpling Eating Contest, where 24 contestants will vie for the coveted title and bragging rights. "The first round is our sponsors and local politicians, and the second round is open to the public," says Chong. "The reigning champion is councillor Matt Djonlic, Coquitlam City Council, who's looking to defend his two-year title."
Cultural performances, community vendors, sponsors
You'll be immersed in a multitude of cultures from ongoing entertainment on the plaza stage, including: 88 Beats Dance Studio, BOYiSH 7, Hula Spirit, Spark88 Oriental Dance, and BUSHIDO, a Japanese traditional music duo. Plus, you'll be entertained by martial arts demos, taiko drumming, pop idols, youth musicians and cultural dances.
There's a Kids' Zone with origami, button making, face painting, carnival games and more; take in some shopping opportunities from over 30 community vendors presenting a variety of products and services, ranging from food and artisanal crafts to community services. Explore the Art Zone and support the local art scene: Navneet Hans Al-Ashkar, Camdyn McLaughlin, Chelsea Shih, Angel Li-An Handmade, See. G. Sew, Moody Hearts By Angy, Burnaby Art Gallery and MJC Artistry.
"Our mission is driven by community impact, not profit," reveals Chow. "We partner directly with local small businesses, artists and volunteers to make this a truly inclusive and meaningful event. We are very grateful to our many sponsors and extend a heartfelt thank you to all, and acknowledge Marcon for returning as our title sponsor for the third year, and to RBC as our presenting sponsor."
"We invite everyone to come out to Town Centre Park and experience the cultures, connection and celebration."
And whether you’re a fan of bao or mandu, you’ll find something tasty (and probably a new friend or two) at this beloved family-friendly event — where diversity is served one delicious bite at a time.
For more information, visit bcdumplingfest.ca and asianartsculture.ca.
