Saint John is highlighting cultural diversity through a new food tour that invites residents to explore global flavours.
The Uptown Food Shop Hop Tour is part of Welcoming Week, a national initiative that celebrates the contributions of immigrants and promotes inclusive communities.
The tour features a growing list of multicultural food vendors, including Indian, Latin American, African, Asian, Filipino and Caribbean shops.
Some will welcome visitors at their storefronts, while others will set up pop-up stalls inside the City Market.
Participants can pick up a free passport and map at the Market, visit each location, collect recipe cards and enter a draw to win a basket of international ingredients.
Kathryn Melvin, project manager with the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership, says the event is designed to build connections and support local businesses.
“It’s a hope that people discover businesses that they might walk past every day, but might have not ever stopped into. It’ll help create that lasting support for local shops,” Melvin said.
“And on a deeper level, it helps break down barriers when people get to meet owners and hear their stories and understand the cultures represented in our city.”
Volunteers will be on hand to guide attendees through the tour and explain how the activity works. The event runs Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and is free to attend.
A full vendor list, a map, and updates will be posted on the Facebook event page. Organizers say more vendors may be added ahead of the event.
Confirmed vendors include:
- Bombay Spices – Indian grocery, 237 Union St
- La Tiendita – Latin American products, City Market
- Millidgeville Convenience Store – Chinese goods, City Market
- Ìsàlẹ̀ẹ̀ Èkó – African ingredients, City Market
- Casa Latina – Mexican and Latin American items, City Market
- Spice Shop – Indian spices and snacks, City Market
- Freshville – Asian grocery, 200 Union St
- Pinoy City – Filipino products, 100 Prince Edward St
- Prashad’s Grocery – Indian grocery, pending confirmation
Welcoming Week runs from September 12 to 21 and includes other events such as a career fair, immigration pathways breakfast, and International Culture Fest hosted by the Saint John Newcomer Centre.
