Calling all foodies and culture enthusiasts! The International Marketplace Coalition’s 18th annual Taste the Difference Festival is returning this month.
Guests are invited to Indy’s International Marketplace for a global culinary journey during the 18th annual Taste the Difference Festival, which is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23. The International Marketplace Coalition’s signature food and culture event transforms Indianapolis’ westside into a localized dining destination, featuring cuisines from more than 25 different countries, according to a press release.
“This festival celebrates the incredible diversity that makes our International Marketplace neighborhood so special,” Mary Clark, executive director of the International Marketplace Coalition, said in a statement. “In just four-square miles, we have over 100 languages, over 120 international restaurants and over 40 grocery stores. This event showcases the authentic flavors and rich cultural traditions our neighbors bring to Indianapolis.”
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More than 25 of Indianapolis’ diverse restaurants will come together to present audiences with authentic global cuisines. The festival offers Hoosiers an opportunity to taste test new foods and sample dishes from cultures unlike their own — from “tantalizing spices and traditional recipes to flavors you never knew existed,” according to a press release.
The festival is also a fundraising opportunity for the International Marketplace Coalition, with proceeds supporting the organization’s continued advocacy efforts for neighborhood revitalization. The Coalition operates Indy’s Global Village, an exhibit space and event center serving as a hub of cultural exchange and housing thousands of community-curated objects that highlight global cultures represented in Indiana.
The Taste the Difference Festival encourages guests to discover something new as they try a variety of dishes from Indy’s “hidden local restaurant gems,” which make up the International Marketplace Neighborhood and beyond.
Taste the Difference Festival’s participating restaurants include:
- Boyah! @ Madina
- Barry’s African
- Abyssinia
- Biryani House
- Madurai Virundhu
- Homey Hot Pot
- Thai Nine, Bibibop
- Island Jerk Wings
- Al Rayan
- Mr. Gyro
- Huge Impact
- Smokey Waters
- Tasty Bakery
- Magoo’s California Pizza
Whether it’s a craving for familiar comfort foods or something outside their culinary comfort zone, Taste the Difference Festival aims to feature a dish for everyone. In addition to food sampling and various beer and wine pairings, the festival will include cultural performances that “bring the spirit of the International Marketplace to life,” according to a press release.
Guests are also encouraged to vote on their favorite dishes as part of a friendly culinary competition.
The 18th annual Taste the Difference Festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Global Village Welcome Center, 4233 Lafayette Road. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for seniors aged 65+ and children 6-13, and free for children under 6.
For more information, visit imcoalition.org. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
