Flavors and Fun: 2024 Dream Food Fest
Tanghulu from Chan Bai Mei, seen at the 2024 Dream Food Fest. ZFJ/Vincent Liao
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., ZFJ (July 19) — The Dream Food Fest has again returned to New Jersey this summer. Hosted in partnership with the American Dream Mall, the food festival was held from July 12-15 in Lot 26 of the mall in East Rutherford, N.J., gathering 120 street food vendors—including Tojo’s Kitchen, Cozy Tea Loft, and Dumpling N’ Dips—selling a variety of cuisines from around the glove: Korean corn dogs, Neapolitan pizza, Jamaican jerk chicken, and much more.
At the venue, attendees could discover sweet treats and drinks like tanghulu, ice cream, and boba; appetizing small bites such as gyoza, skewers, and empanadas; and bizarre creations like deep-fried watermelon, ramen burgers, and deep-fried whole squid.
Custard and bubble wheel cake from Catmint Wheel Cake, seen at the 2024 Dream Food Fest. ZFJ/Vincent Liao
In addition to the delicacies, the event also featured live entertainment and interactive workshops. Throughout the four days, the venue was abuzz with live music and DJ performances from noon to evening. Among the performers were DJ Kim Lee, Colombian-American artist Henao, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Bright Lights, and the EDM DJ/producer duo Beauz. At the festival, one could also enjoy axe throwing, henna tattooing, face painting, and caricature drawing.
General admission tickets were priced at $15, while the VIP tickets were sold for $50 per person. The VIP ticket offered unlimited same-day re-entry, exclusive stage access, reserved seatings, and swag bags.
Purple rice and mango yogurts from Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt, seen at the 2024 Dream Food Fest. ZFJ/Vincent Liao
A highlight of the summer for attendees and vendors alike, the festival brought together communities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. According to the Dream Food Fest website, their mission “is to craft unforgettable moments for families and friends, introduce unforgettable flavors to food enthusiasts, and provide a platform for influencers to shine.”
If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar for next summer’s Dream Food Fest. It is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Takoyaki from Tojo’s Kitchen, seen at the 2024 Dream Food Fest. ZFJ/Vincent Liao
Korean bulgogi bun from C Bao, seen at the 2024 Dream Food Fest. ZFJ/Vincent Liao