GLOBAL FOOD
Food glorious food
Pako Festa has always presented a unique opportunity to sample unfamiliar cuisine from foreign lands, or to revisit popular international dishes, in this unique multicultural street party celebration that Geelong has enthusiastically embraced since 1983. In pop-up food vans and marquees across the length of Pakington Street Geelong West and at West Park, passionate volunteer local community groups represent the culture and cuisine of their homelands with lovingly prepared authentic home-cooked food.
With over 91 stalls/food trucks/venues to choose from on the day, lookout for more global cuisine options along the event precinct and experience Cultural Global Food Stall, Churros Yummy Donuts, Healthy Slushies, Chubby Bao, Rockin’ Donuts and Coffee, The Lil Dumpling Van, Shumeis Dumplings Co, Istanbul Gozleme, Taste Jamaica, Twistto Potatoes, Dutch Pancakes, Melbourne Paella Co, Dolci Momenti, Lucky Coin, La Caseta Honduran Food, Colombiantojos, OMG Decadent Donuts, Taste of Tibet, Mia Sugarcane and Mr Pro Whip.
The iconic Pakington Street food scene between Gordon Ave & Waterloo Street also gets to shine on this glorious day; Pholklore, Café Palat, KebabG, Okami Japanese Restaurant, St. George’s Workers Club, Pizza Bar, Bao Place, Rossco’s, GW Social Club, 7 Origins, Panache Cafe & Creperie, Weisers Bakery, Boss Burgers, Pollo Chicken Rotisserie, Geelong Fresh Foods, Splatters Cheese Bar, Bakers Delight, Village Door, Two Sugars, Tempting Tastes, Sodi Café, Box Office, Squires Loft Geelong, Enzo’s On Pako, Grill’d, 63 Degrees, Mith Thai Cuisine, Brown Café, Acia, Sjam Alley, Queen of the West, Corkbar, Kalye Marinas, Cescas, Tulip, Poco Café Expressed, Baah Lah, The Green Room, Zambrero, Subway, Crust Pizza Bar, and The Petrel Hotel.
COMMUNITY FOOD STALLS AT PAKO FESTA 2026
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op
Menu
Bushtucker BBQ:
- Kangaroo burgers
- Kangaroo/Beef Sausages with Bush Tomato Relish
- Assortment of slices
- Lemon myrtle ice tea
Taste of Australia! Authentic bushtucker BBQ incorporates intricate flavours of native Australian ingredients. This year Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op will treat you to juicy kangaroo burgers and sausages, delicate lemon myrtle slice and flavourful lemon myrtle ice tea!
Geelong Bangladesh Society
Menu
- Singara & samosa
- Bangladeshi sweet items
- Soft puri
- Soft drinks
Singara and samosa have travelled a remarkable global journey. The snack is believed to have originated in the Middle East, made its way to South Asia through trade routes, and was embraced and adapted in Bangladesh, where it became a everyday street food favourite. In Bangladesh, singara is so popular that it’s commonly served at celebrations, roadside stalls, and even as a go-to office snack alongside tea.
Crispy, golden and packed with spiced fillings, these iconic bites will be freshly made at the Geelong Bangladesh Society food stall.
Fijian Geelong Friendship Club
Menu
- Curry Beef
- Curry Chicken
- Roti
- Soft Drinks
Get ready for a flavour explosion at Pako Festa with Fijian cuisine! The Fiji Geelong Friendship Club will be serving up the exotic beef and chicken curries, which are very different from any other curries you have tried before. Fijian curries are milder, creamier, and packed with fresh island flavours, made with coconut milk and local spices.
And don’t forget the soft, warm roti perfect for scooping up every last bit of that curry. One bite will transport you straight to the islands!
Karenni Community
Menu
- Fried Rice (Veg)
- Fried Todu
- Fried Noodles
- Tofu Salad
- Deserts (Sticky rice and banana, coconut milk, sugar and banana leaf)
- Thai milk tea
Craving something sweet? Come and try the Sticky Rice and Banana dessert at Pako Festa 2026, prepared by the Karenni community. Made with glutinous rice, creamy coconut milk, sugar, and wrapped in banana leaves, this traditional treat is definitely something hard to find outside of Pako Festa.
The Karenni people, from eastern Myanmar, are known for their resilient communities, vibrant weaving traditions, and deep connection to their land and culture. Every bite of this dessert is a small taste of that heritage, and a sweet way to celebrate the stories, strength, and resilience of the Karenni people.
Croatian Cultural and Artistic Association - HKUD Lado Geelong
Menu
- Cevapi rolls (skinless sausage rolls)
- Raznjici rolls (BBQ meat rolls)
- Sarma (cabbage rolls)
- Hot grazing box ( tasting portions of cevapu, raznjici, debreciner (spicy smoked sausage) , lepinje (traditional bread), sour cream, ajvar (roasted capsicum spread) and cabbage salad)
- Box of traditional Croatian cakes
- Soft drinks
Did you know that Croatian popular dish “sarma” (cabbage rolls) originated in the Ottaman’s empire and is believed to come from the Turkish word “sarmak” meaning “to wrap”. The dish consists of minced pork and beef with rice, onioins and spices wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and simmered in tomato-infused broth. This year, our Croatian Cultural and Artistic Association HKUD Lado is turning things up a notch with hot grazing boxes, so no need to choose favourites, you can taste a bit of everything!
Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong
Menu
- Pork/Chicken BBQ sticks with steamed rice and salad
- Halo-halo
- Assorted Deserts
- Assorted Pastries
- Soft drinks
- Water
Pako Festa wouldn’t be complete without the sizzling Filipino meat skewers — one of the event’s most cherished traditions, proudly carried on by the Filipino Australian Friendship Association. Bursting with flavour, these skewers are a delicious introduc-tion to the bold, vibrant tastes of Filipino cuisine, which blends influences from Ma-lay, Spanish, Chinese and American cooking.
While you are at their stall, don’t miss out on the famous pastries, breads, and re-freshing Halo-Halo, a sweet, colourful dessert that is absolutely perfect for cooling down on a sunny Pako Festa day!
Greater Geelong Malayalee Community
Menu
- Assorted dosa
- Banana fry
- Vada with sambos (chutneys)
- Soft drinks
For all spicy food lovers, a new, unique experience is coming to Pako Festa this year!
For the first time ever, the Greater Geelong Malayalee Community is bringing the exotic flavours of Kerala to the 2026 event. Think crispy dosas and sweet banana fry, crunchy vadas with tangy sambos and refreshing drinks, it will be a real tribute to bold spices and coastal traditions.
Come and support our community, and discover an unforgettable taste of Malayalee culture you won’t find anywhere else in Geelong!
Alliance Francaise de Geelong
Menu
- Croissants
- Pain au chocolat
- Almond croissants
- Coconut rochers
- Orangina (iconic French orange drink)
- Soft drinks
Pain au chocolat is a type of French pastry that’s similar to a croissant but with chocolate inside, so when you bite into it, you get that warm, melty chocolate surrounded by crisp, golden layers.
It is a popular breakfast treat in France, often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate. Sometimes people also call it a “chocolate croissant,” though in France, “pain au chocolat” is the correct term. Alliance Francaise de Geelong is serving their famous selection of authentic French pastries again this year!
Vietnamese People of Geelong
Menu
- Rice paper rolls
- Vietnamese summer deserts (jelly and flan)
- Soft drinks
Rice paper rolls, were originally created as a way to use leftover ingredients in a fresh, portable, and healthy form, making them a clever solution to reduce food waste long before it became trendy.
Fresh and healthy, rice paper rolls are a must-try snack at Pako Festa 2026!
The Vietnamese People of Geelong will be serving paper rolls, packed with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and your choice of protein. Light yet delicious, they are perfect whether it is a hot summer day or a cooler one!
Geelong Latin American Movement (GLAM)
Menu
- Obleas – Traditional (are-quipe)
- “the wedding’ (arequipe and cheese)
- ‘Red temptation’ (are-quipe, cheese, berried, marmalade and whipped cream)
- Soft drinks
- Water
Get ready for something sweet and unforgettable at Pako Festa 2026! The Geelong Latina American Movement will be serving obleas – delicate wafer sandwiches filled with rich arequipe (a creamy caramel) and other amazing toppings.
Obleas are a beloved street food treat across Latin America, traditionally enjoyed as an afternoon dessert or festival snack, they reflect the joyful, community centred food culture of the region, and are often shared while wandering markets, parks or celebrations with family and friends.
Whether you go for the classic arequipe version, or the decadent Red Temptation with berries, marmalade and whipped cream, this is your must try at this year’s event!
Greek Orthodox Community of Geelong
Menu
- Souvlaki in pitta wrap (chicken, lamb)
- Greek cakes and sweets
- Soft drinks
- Water
The art of making souvlaki is taken very seriously in Greece. There are even annual souvlaki competitions where chefs showcase their skills in creating the perfect skewer. In 1970s, Greek immigrants introduced souvlaki to the fast-food scene in Melbourne. Nowadays, souvlaki is a well-known quick and accessible meal for Australians.
It comes to no surprise that Greek Community of Geelong chose to present this dish to our Pako Festa guests. Grab their souvlaki in pitta wrap to enjoy on the go, or taste an assortment of Greek favorite cakes!
Geelong Iranian Society
Menu
- BBQ Chicken with rice and Persian stew
- BBQ Lamb with rice and Persian stew
- Soft drinks
- Water
When you pass by an Iranian community food stall, you will be instantly captivated by the delicious aroma of meat sizzling over charcoal. This traditional Persian cooking technique infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavour and tender texture. Paired with a unique blend of aromatic spices and perfectly steamed rice, this BBQ masterpiece is a true representation of Iran’s culinary heritage. Persian BBQ represents centuries of tradition, hospitality, and the love of shared meals. If you haven’t been lucky enough to try this charcoal-grilled meat yet, this is your chance to taste this unforgettable cultural and gastronomic experience!
Club Italia Geelong
Menu
- Penne pasta with Napoletana sauce
- Meatballs in roll
- Chicken schnitzel in roll
- Continental sausages and onion in roll
- Cannoli
- Soft drinks
- Water
Cannoli – one of Italian most iconic deserts originated in Sicily and was perfected over the centuries, passing down love, cultural traditions and history in every bite. Some say cannoli was inspired by ancient Arabic recipes during Sicily’s Moorish period, proving that food truly knows no borders!
Japanese Association of Geelong
Menu
- Okonomiyaki skewers (Japanese savoury pancake)
- Fairy floss
- Shaved ice
- Soft drinks
Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake which typically consists of a batter made from flour, grated ham, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various ingredients such as meat, seafood, or cheese. The mixture is cooked and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed flakes. Japanese Association of Geelong will serve it on the stick to help you enjoy your Okonomiyaki on the go!
The menu will also include shaved ice and kids’ favourite fairy floss!
Macedonian Community of Geelong
Menu
- Kebapi rolls
- Burek
- Maznik
- Traditional assorted savories
- Traditional assorted sweets
- Soft drinks
- Water
Have you tried Burek before? A flaky Balkan pastry filled with options like minced meat, cheese, or vegetables, offering a delicious blend of crispy layers and savoury fillings, making it a beloved and versatile comfort food. Macedonian community will be serving this traditional dish on the day along with kebapi rolls (handmade skinless sausages), maznik (traditional pastry pie), assorted sweets and savouries!
Nigeria Association of Geelong
Menu
- Jollof Rice with Chicken
- Plantain
- Puff puff
- Suya
- Koek sisters
- Zobo
Discover the exotic flavours of Africa at Pako Festa by trying traditional Zobo drink! This hibiscus-based beverage is famous for its tangy taste and endless health benefits. Infused with spices, it has a memorable fruity-floral flavour. Zobo offers a truly unique cultural experience. This refreshing drink is a must-try on a hot summer day. Stop by the Nigerian Association of Geelong’s food stall and taste tradition at its finest!
Indonesian Association of Geelong
Menu
- White rice, spiced fried chicken, pineapple pickle and gravy
- Yellow sticky rice with beef rendang or chicken kendang
- Pastel curry puff
- Signature jug drinks (ice bandung and ice lemon tea)
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesian cuisine is an unmissable mix of spices, herbs, and regional traditions.
At Pako Festa 2026, the Indonesian Association of Geelong will be serving a taste of this rich culinary heritage. One thing you must try from the menu is Beef Rendang, traditionally paired with yellow sticky rice. In Indonesian culture, Rendang is believed to be “the dish that never spoils”. The slow-cooking process with coconut milk and spices preserves the beef for days, symbolising endurance, patience, and resilience.
Experience Rendang at Pako Festa, or try another delicious dish from the Indonesian menu, like spiced fried chicken with pineapple pickle and gravy, pastel curry puffs, or their signature ice bandung and ice lemon tea.
Polish Community Association of Geelong
Menu
- Polish Dumplings:
– cheese and potato
– meat and cabbage - Polish Donuts with plum Jam filling
- Water
Have you ever tried hand-made Polish dumplings? This traditional Eastern European dish known as “pierogi”, are often referred to as ‘pockets of joy’.
Polish Community Association is serving pan-fried dumplings which are the true celebration of Polish culinary artistry. And don’t forget about their delicious sweet donuts – the authentic donuts like you have never tried before!
Association of Ukrainians in Geelong
Menu
- “Varenyky” – Potato dumplings with sour cream and fried onions
- Soft Drinks
- Water
Varenyky – one of everyone’s favourite dishes to try at our annual Pako Festa food feast! Your absolute must try this year! Varenyky is a delicate type of dumpling filled with savoury filling of potato and cheese which is first boiled and then fried with onion, butter or oil!
Serbian Orthodox Church St Nicholas
Menu
- Cevapi rolls
- Traditional pastries
- Traditional cakes/sweets
- Sweet Crepes
- Soft drinks
- Water
In Serbia, sweet crepes are a beloved comfort food and one of the first desserts many people learn to make at home. They are often served to guests as a gesture of warmth and care, filled with jam, walnuts, chocolate or ground poppy seeds. For many Serbians, this dish is closely tied to family gatherings, childhood memories and long conversations around the table.
A long-time favourite at Pako Festa, the Serbian Orthodox Church St Nicholas community is proudly sharing this tradition once again. Don’t miss their freshly made sweet crepes, along with an assortment of traditional pastries, Serbian sweets and festival’s favourite cevapi rolls!
Serbian Parish Youth Club
Menu
- Savoury meat pita/ cheese /pumpkin pita
- Chevapi rolls with cabbage or onions
- Kifle with cheese
- Mixed cake boxes
- Kifle with jam
- Walnut baklava
- Sour cherry baklava
The vibrant Serbian Parish Youth Club’s stall will introduce our guests to traditional sweet dishes: walnut and sour cherry baklava, mixed cake boxes and traditional “kifle” pastry with cheese or jam. “Kifle” are also known as “crescent-shaped” rolls that are often made during festive seasons, weddings, and family gatherings. Sharing these pastries is a symbol of hospitality and is a beloved tradition in many Serbian households.
Our Serbian Parish Youth Club are also making savoury meat and cheese pita, chevapi rolls, and their famous sweet treats!
Sri Lankan Association in Geelong
Menu
- Split chickpeas vada
- Sweet Coconut Pancake
- Pol Roti (Coconut Roti)
- Pan Rolls
- Patties
- Nelli Cordial
- Falooda
- Cutlets
Our Sri Lankan community is back again after their incredibly successful first year of cooking their traditional delicacies at Pako Festa! This year, the community will be serving Pol Roti (Coconut Roti) — a humble flatbread with a big story. Made with freshly grated coconut and lightly spiced, Pol Roti has been a staple of Sri Lankan kitchens for generations, often prepared by hand for family breakfasts, village gather-ings, and festive celebrations.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tropical coconut fla-vour, Pol Roti can be considered an official taste of Sri Lankan culture and tradition at 2026 Pako Festa!
Come hungry!
Chinese Community
Menu
- BBQ meet skewers
- Rice dumplings
- Spicy cold noodles
- Soft Drinks
This year Chinese community will shine a spotlight on Sichuan cuisine, which is renowned for its bold and spicy flavours. Dishes from traditional Sichuan cuisine burst with spices! Come and try authentic rice dumplings or spicy cold noodles served to you by Geelong Chinese community.