Chicago Thai Festival Starts Today

Fiery, salty and tart specialties at the Annual Chicago Thai Festival

Chicago summers are chock full of food festivals. If you’re into Thai food, be sure to check out the annual Thai Festival Chicago this week. It’ll take place from June 18 to June 20 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Federal Plaza (Adams and Dearborn). The best part? Admission is free. The festival will kick off with a vibrant opening ceremony, while other highlights include dancing, drumming, booths for kids, and cooking demonstrations. Chefs Wilairat Komnoppakao and Chounphit will teach visitors how to make panang curry, pad thai, and fresh papaya salad. Over 20 Chicago Thai restaurants will be participating in the event, including Siam Rice, Star of Siam, Manee Thai, Silom 12, and My Thai. Dishes to look forward to include pork or beef meatballs, grilled dry squid with a sweet and spicy sauce, and tapioca pearl pudding. Singha Beer will also be served. Prices for food and drink will fall between $2 and $7. It’s right in the heart of downtown, so stop by for your lunch break or make an afternoon of it and take the kids.