SF Street Food Festival: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Flavour
The SF Street Food Festival, organised by La Cocina, is more than just a food event—it’s a platform for women, immigrant, and POC-owned food businesses to showcase their culinary expertise. La Cocina, an incubator program, provides affordable kitchen space and marketing opportunities, empowering entrepreneurs to turn their food dreams into reality.
Held in Dogpatch, San Francisco, the festival was a vibrant mix of flavors, cultures, and stories. Every bite told a tale of heritage, passion, and innovation.
Must-Try Dishes at the SF Street Food Festival
Bini’s Kitchen – The Perfect Momo
If you love dumplings, Bini’s Kitchen is a must-try. A Nepalese momo is a delicate dumpling packed with succulent, spice-infused meat (vegetarian options available), served with a flavorful tomato-cilantro sauce. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The soft wrapper balanced the juicy filling perfectly.
Alexandre Family Farm – Dairy That’s Easy to Digest
Being lactose-intolerant, I almost skipped this stall, but I’m glad I didn’t! Alexandre Family Farm’s A2/A2 milk is easier to digest since it contains only A2 proteins (similar to human milk). They offered samples of unique flavours, including golden turmeric, vanilla, and caramel. My favorite? Golden turmeric—rich, creamy, and slightly spiced.
Tabasco – A Spicy Surprise
I thought Tabasco only had red and green sauces—turns out, they have six varieties! Their stall served popcorn and kettle corn seasoned with different Tabasco sauces, allowing visitors to taste the range of spice levels.
Illy – The Ultimate Affogato
Nothing beats an affogato—smooth vanilla gelato drenched in a fresh shot of espresso. Illy’s complimentary tasting was a sweet, energising break after all the savoury dishes.
The Uncreamery – Vegan Cheese That Tastes Like the Real Thing
Non-dairy lovers, rejoice! The Uncreamery’s plant-based cheese, made from almonds and cashews, tasted incredibly close to traditional brie. Spread over crackers, it was creamy, rich, and flavourful.
Crisps & Crackles – A Healthy Snack Revolution
Step aside, veggie sticks! Crisps & Crackles introduced me to mung bean, bitter melon, and moringa crisps—light, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. My favorite? BBQ-seasoned bitter melon crisps.
Mozzeria – A Deaf-Owned, Vegan-Friendly Pizzeria
Mozzeria wowed me with their vegan eggplant parmesan—crispy, flavourful, and perfectly seasoned. What made this stall even more special? The deaf employees took orders in sign language, making it a unique and inclusive experience.
Yvonne’s Southern Sweets – The Cutest Sweet Potato Pie
I had to try Yvonne’s famous sweet potato pie, and it did not disappoint. It had a smooth, pumpkin-like texture but with a slightly less sweet, earthier flavour. Warmed up, it was the perfect treat!
Final Thoughts on the SF Street Food Festival
This festival wasn’t just about food—it was about celebrating culture, entrepreneurship, and diversity. From Nepalese dumplings to dairy-free cheese, every vendor had a unique story. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss out on this incredible event!
Would you attend the SF Street Food Festival? Let me know in the comments! Joined with SNRFoodleR