Of all the cultural events held in my neck of the woods, I will admit that the announcement of Mississauga Hong Kong Festival taking place at the far east end of the city came as a surprise. Scheduled as a 3-day event at Paramount Fine Foods Centre, the event appeared to combine a soccer tournament with an outdoor festival of sorts.
Information was scarce leading up to the event, but those with a keen interest eventually caught news of a festival map and vendor list. This graphic was the defining factor in spurring attendance for non-sports fans.
Information was scarce leading up to the event, but those with a keen interest eventually caught news of a festival map and vendor list. This graphic was the defining factor in spurring attendance for non-sports fans.
I had never ventured to the location of the former Hershey's Centre, but the event organizers had released a somewhat helpful parking guide in advance of the event. Visitors were directed to asphalt lots near area C.
Resulting from the long weekend was notably less traffic than usual. In under thirty minutes, we made our on-site arrival. The lot in closest proximity to the festival was restricted for staff and related authorities - one of two young volunteers mistakenly said "Prime Minister" instead of "politicians", completely catching us off guard with the unintentional dose of comedy.
There was a total of two parking lots to support festival-goers: one directly across from the market and another that was a slightly further walk in the sun.
Resulting from the long weekend was notably less traffic than usual. In under thirty minutes, we made our on-site arrival. The lot in closest proximity to the festival was restricted for staff and related authorities - one of two young volunteers mistakenly said "Prime Minister" instead of "politicians", completely catching us off guard with the unintentional dose of comedy.
There was a total of two parking lots to support festival-goers: one directly across from the market and another that was a slightly further walk in the sun.
At quarter to four, the closest lot offered a handful of spaces. We parked with ease then scurried across Rose Cherry Place. The festival grounds spanned the interior of Paramount Fine Foods Centre as well as the lot immediately outside.
Lion dancers caught our attention first, followed by the various booths and photo zone. A newspaper-style photo vendor was present to capture the moment with a frame titled "2025 Mississauga Hong Kong Festival". The concept was akin to the prints offered by the newsboy cap-donning photographer at Hero Tea's Mississauga opening. However, this photographer seemed newer to the scene. He came without a softbox and constantly complained of technical issues relating to his camera disconnecting from the printer. In the end, we received our lone printout after roughly four attempts. As the stall had been contracted to provide services to the event, payment had been shifted towards a "pay as you wish" format for tips.
Lion dancers caught our attention first, followed by the various booths and photo zone. A newspaper-style photo vendor was present to capture the moment with a frame titled "2025 Mississauga Hong Kong Festival". The concept was akin to the prints offered by the newsboy cap-donning photographer at Hero Tea's Mississauga opening. However, this photographer seemed newer to the scene. He came without a softbox and constantly complained of technical issues relating to his camera disconnecting from the printer. In the end, we received our lone printout after roughly four attempts. As the stall had been contracted to provide services to the event, payment had been shifted towards a "pay as you wish" format for tips.
Next came perusal of the sponsor booths and food stalls.
Playing pachinko at Nando's had the potential of earning vouchers for 1/4 chicken, hummus, and more. Meanwhile, Kaizen and Mississauga Fire offered complimentary tote bags and Sun Life stress balls and shaker tumblers for completing a survey.
Playing pachinko at Nando's had the potential of earning vouchers for 1/4 chicken, hummus, and more. Meanwhile, Kaizen and Mississauga Fire offered complimentary tote bags and Sun Life stress balls and shaker tumblers for completing a survey.
Food vendors were limited, but those in attendance were either wholesalers/catering companies without physical storefronts or recognized names in the uptown food scene. I was keen to try Once Patisserie, having seen plenty of visual reviews from a café-hopping friend.
Generally speaking, prices were more economic than expected for an event of the scale. Madeleines averaged at $5 apiece, while matcha and coffee beverages with oat milk costlier at $7-8.
The fusion bakeries sold out quickly, despite little to no queuing. Meanwhile, the traditional eateries saw hoards of visitors and eventually were forced to close due to being depleted of food. It was undeniable that the traditional options proved more popular.
An emerald green stall by the name of 青貨站 caught our attention with an array of bottled dessert soups (糖水) and herbal teas (涼茶) in resealable plastic pouches. Also on the menu was red bean jelly (砵仔糕), a specialty item that I had been craving for the past few days.
 |  |
Bottles of 糖水 were priced steeply at $8 apiece, so we opted for a restorative Sea Coconut and Pear Tea for $5 instead. Of course, the $4 round of 砵仔糕 could not be excluded either. The contents of the resealable, soft plastic pouch were positively refreshing and nourishing!
Meanwhile, the Red Bean Jelly was springy and chewy, as the treat ought to be. Its presentation within a foil container sealed within a lidded plastic container was remarkably convenient; further accompanying the round were two bamboo skewers - the traditional choice of equipment for loosening its edges and on-the-go consumption.
Meanwhile, the Red Bean Jelly was springy and chewy, as the treat ought to be. Its presentation within a foil container sealed within a lidded plastic container was remarkably convenient; further accompanying the round were two bamboo skewers - the traditional choice of equipment for loosening its edges and on-the-go consumption.
Roaming the market, we found makeshift pickleball courts (bordered by folding tables on their side), Hong Kong-inspired artwork and puzzles, and stage performances fighting the blaring roar of airplanes overhead.
RSS Feed