Chopstick Fest
Parc de l'Estació del Nord Carrer de Nàpols 70, 08018 Barcelona
The best Asian street food returns to the heart of Barcelona with the market's second edition, held as part of the La Mercè festival and the Mercè Arts de Carrer program.
Once again, La Mercè transforms the city into a vast stage open to the world through the Mercè Arts de Carrer festival, where diversity and celebration fill iconic spaces for audiences of all ages. Over 70 companies come together for a full featuring circus, dance, theater, and music performances that blend together in innovative formats.
This year, the Parc de l’Estació del Nord will host a schedule featuring morning activities for children, afternoon sessions open to all audiences, and evening variety shows aimed at adult spectators. Against this backdrop, the park will also host a new edition of Chopstick Fest—an initiative by Van Van Food that celebrates the culinary richness of Asian-rooted projects in Barcelona—coinciding with the La Mercè festivities.
Barcelona has become a meeting point for Asian cultures, boasting a growing number of restaurants, supermarkets, and specialized venues that reflect the city's gastronomic diversity. Over the course of four days, the city will host an event inspired by Asian street markets, built upon Van Van’s three founding pillars: the street, food, and culture. Beyond the culinary offerings, Chopstick Fest serves as a gathering place where people can enjoy a festive, welcoming atmosphere with a true community spirit.
The food selection ranges from well-known classics and traditional desserts to surprising recipes that invite you to explore new textures and flavors. Participating vendors include Foochee Ramen (Chinese ramen, *zha jiang mian*), Os Familia (Korean corn dogs, popcorn chicken), Fry House by El Puto Ken (Japanese burger), Thai Food Caravan (pad thai, chicken satay), Osaka Bang (*takoyaki*, *onigiri*), Mosquito Wo Factory (*han bao bao*), Kibuka (*donburi tonkatsu*, sushi), Lady Dumpling (kimchi, dumplings), Snow Monster (snow ice, Taiwanese pastries), Kakigori Barcelona (*kakigori*, *dorayaki*), Madam Do (banh mi), and Asian Street Food and many more.
Schedule
- Thursday, September 24: 11:00-21:00
- Friday, September 25: 18:00-23:30
- Saturday, September 26: 11:00-23:30
- Sunday, September 27: 11:00-21:00
What to Do for La Mercè
Celebrated in the days surrounding September 24th, the La Mercè festival program is packed with things to do and see. From parades and exhibits filled with gegants (giants), capgrossos (bigheads) and fire-breathing beasts to giant castells (human towers), traditional dances, correfocs (fire runs), drone light shows, fireworks displays and free concerts, you're sure to find something to delight and amaze you.
But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break? Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). To make the most of your time, take a look at our interactive map with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free: Map of Barcelona Museums with Free Entry for La Mercè.
See our Guide to La Mercè for a list of the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.
For more events during the Festes de la Mercè check our online events calendar.