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22 FEB 2025

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, Rolling German Sausage, Melbourne Paella Co, Dolci Momenti, Lucky Coin, Thai at Dunes, 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, Two Tins Patisserie and Petrel Hotel.

COMMUNITY FOOD STALLS AT PAKO FESTA 2025

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op

Menu

Bushtucker BBQ:

  • Kangaroo burgers 
  • Sausages 
  • Lemon myrtle slice 
  • 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 
  • Carrot halwa 
  • Chana dal 
  • Bangladeshi sweet items 
  • Soft puri 
  • Soft drinks 

You can try authentic Chana dal (a type of split chickpea that is hulled and split, leaving a small, yellow split pea) prepared in the best traditions of Bangladesh cuisine at this year’s Pako Festa. Try it on its own or with the famous soft puri! This exotic vegetarian feast will be the one to remember! 

The Bosnian Lily Geelong Association

Menu

  • Cevapi – Skinless Sausages 
  • Pitas (meat or spinach or cheese filling) 
  • Soft drinks 
  • Water

Talking about pies… 

If you craving a satisfying meal like a pie, you can choose one of these 3 types of pita pie at the Bosnian Lily Geelong Association stall: “sirnica” (cheese pie), “zeljanica” (spinach and cheese pie) and “burek” (beef/lamb). All you need to do is choose which one are you trying at 2025 Pako Festa! 

NEW IN 2025!

Brazilian 
Association
of Greater
Geelong

Menu

  • Traditional Brazilian BBQ  Beef Skewers 
  • Brazilian Hot Dog 
  • Brazilian Cakes (assorted) 
  • Truffles 
  • Toffee Apple 
  • Guaraná 
  • Apple juice
  • Coke
  • Water 

Get ready, foodies! The Brazilian community is firing up their grills at their first-ever food stall at Pako Festa! 
What’s Cooking? 
The famous Brazilian Hotdog – a wild, flavour-packed meal loaded with corn, crispy potato chips, and other surprising ingredients. It’s not just a hotdog, it’s a taste of Brazil’s vibrant street food scene! 
For all our sweets lovers, our community got you covered with cultural delights like toffee apples and famous Brazilian truffles. Sweet, and oh-so-delicious! 

CHINESE ASSOCIATION OF GEELONG

Menu

  • BBQ skewers (lamb, chicken, squid and vegetable)

  • Rice dumplings 

  • Spicy cold noodles 

  • Steam buns 

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, spicy cold noodles and everyone’s favourite steam buns served to you by Geelong Chinese community. 

Croatian Cultural and Artistic Association - HKUD Lado Geelong 

Menu

  • Cevapi rolls (skinless sausage rolls) 
  • Raznjici rolls (BBQ meat rolls) 
  • Sarma (cabbage rolls) 
  • Kolaci (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. Don’t miss your chance to try it at Croatian Cultural and Artistic Association HKUD Lado’s stall! 

Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong

Menu

  • Selection of traditional breads 
  • Assorted sweet treats 
  • Soft drinks 
  • Water 

Where to find the largest selection of Filipino baked goods and sweets in Geelong? Only at Pako Festa 2025, come and check it out at our Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong️!  From melt-in-your-mouth ensaymada (bread) to the irresistible ube pandesal (traditional bread rolls with ube filling), every bite is a taste of Philipine’s rich cultural traditions.  

Filipino Social Club of Geelong

Menu

  • “Inihaw”- pork skewers

“Inihaw” – Pork Skewers. This dish has been a highlight since the inaugural event in 1983 and continues to live up to its reputation. Come and check out our incredible Filipino Social Club of Geelong Inc serving their famous inihaw on the day! 

Alliance Francaise de Geelong

Menu

Freshly baked pastries: 

  • Croissants 
  • Pain au chocolat 
  • Almond croissants 
  • Coconut rochers 
  • Orangina (iconic French orange drink) 

Did you know that in France, there are strict regulations governing what can be labelled as a croissant? To be legally considered a croissant, it must adhere to specific standards, ensuring the use of quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Only French-certified croissants will make it to our 2025 Pako Festa Alliance Francaise de Geelong stall! Don’t miss your chance to try them! 

Hazara Community

Menu

  • Qabuli Palaw (rice dish with lamb) 
  • Chicken Kabab 
  • Bolani (stuffed flatbread) 
  • Bosraq (traditional sweet) 
  • Soft Drinks 
  • Water 

Experience the magic of Qabuli Palaw, a cherished Hazara dish at this year’s Pako Festa! This masterpiece of flavour and tradition is a must try! Qabuli Palaw often served at weddings and special occasions due to its intricate preparation method. The dish begins with tender, slow-cooked lamb, infused with onions, and warm spices. Fluffy basmati rice is layered over the meat, allowing the rich flavours to meld together. What is trully interesting about this dish is its crown of caramelised carrots and sweet raisins, which add a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. It takes a lot of care and patience to prepare Qabuli Palaw, making it a symbol of Hazara hospitality! 

NEW IN 2025!

Geelong Latin American Movement (GLAM)

Menu

  • Mexican conchas bread

  • Mexican pan de muerto

  • Colombian guava bread

  • Uruguayan Alfajores

  • Traditional coffee

  • Soft drinks

  • Natural juices 

This year, Pako Festa offers a unique opportunity to taste the offering from the rich cultural heritage of Latin America with Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)! 
Its delicate orange blossom flavour is believed to be exactly what the essence of the soul tastes like, and it is traditionally a central element in Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. 
This delicious baked treat is rarely found outside the season, making this a special chance to taste a slice of history and culture! 
Available at the Geelong Latin American Movement’s food stall this year! 
Stop by and savour this once-a-year treat. Pair it with coffee for the ultimate cultural experience. 

Greek Orthodox Community of Geelong

Menu

  • Souvlaki in pitta wrap 
  • Greek cakes 
  • 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 sweets! 

Geelong Iranian Community

Menu

  • BBQ Lamb with rice
  • BBQ Chicken with rice
  • Soft drinks

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 celebration 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 taste this charcoal-grilled meat yet, Pako Festa is a perfect opportunity to try this unforgettable cultural 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 sticks (Japanese savoury pancake) 
  • Fairy floss 
  • Shaved ice 
  • Soft drinks

Okonomiyaki is a  traditional savoury Japanese pancake. 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 savouries 
  • 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

  • Nigerian BBQ (Beef)
  • Negerian BBQ (Fish)
  • Jollof Rice + Chicken
  • Jollof Rice+ Chicken + Plantain
  • Plantain 
  • Puff puff 
  • Koek sisters 
  • Zobo 
  • Malt

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! 

Pakistani Community

Menu

  • Samosa 
  • Chicken biryani 
  • Butter chicken 
  • Pani puri (crispy, deep-fried savoury dough balls) 
  • Jalebi (spiral-shaped fried sweet pastry) 
  • Gulab jamun (milk doughnuts)  
  • Papdi chat (crispy bread with chutney topping) 
  • Samosa chat (bite-size samosa with chutney topping)  
  • Chai 
  • Soft drinks 
  • Water 

Take your taste buds on the unforgettable journey to Pakistan. Taste the warmth of spices and complexity of flavours in one of our authentic cuisines presented at Pako Festa this year. Pakistani community will be cooking some famous staple dishes: from chicken biryani (chicken with basmati rice) to pani puri (fried dough balls). To sweeten your day, you can try some of the incredible traditional sweet pastries: gulab jamun and jalebi.  

Polish Community Association of Geelong

Menu

  • Polish Dumplings: 
  • cheese and potato 
  • meat and cabbage 
  • Polish Donuts: plum Jam
  • 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 them before! 

NEW IN 2025!

PUNJABI SWAG Community

Menu

  • Samosa 
  • Chicken Tikka 
  • Dal 
  • Rice 
  • Butter Chicken 
  • Mango Lassi 

Past Pako Festa visitors would have noticed the vibrant Punjabi community lighting up the parade procession with their colours and energy. But this year, there’s a big surprise prepared for you! Our incredible Punjabi SWAG community is cooking up a storm inside the Geelong West Town Hall from 12pm, serving a feast of exotic spices and authentic flavours.  

One of the traditional dishes you can try on the day is dal, a humble yet iconic staple of Punjabi cuisine. In Punjabi culture, dal symbolises nourishment, community, and hospitality – values shared in every meal cooked at their stall. 

Don’t miss this chance to taste authentic Punjabi cuisine, straight from the heart of Punjab to the heart of Pako Festa! 

Ukrainian Association of 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 which is first boiled and then fried with onion, butter or oil!  

Russian Orthodox Community

Menu

  • Lamb shashlik 
  • Siberian Sizzle-sausage in bread with cabbage 
  • Mikada cream layered traditional cake
  • Soft drinks
  • Water

Ever Heard of Russian Shashlik? Imagine tender, juicy chunks of lamb sizzling over an open flame, infused with the smoky flavours of a perfectly crafted marinade. Borrowed from Turkic cooking traditions, Shashlik is the Russian answer to the ultimate grilled meat skewer. 

Shashlik is one of the most popular choices for a shared family meal during the warmer months, where family and friends gather around the fire to cook, share stories, and laugh while soaking in the delicious aroma of grilling meat. It’s the heart of a perfect outdoor feast and a tradition that brings people together. 

Serbian Orthodox Church St Nicholas

Menu

  • Cevapi rolls 
  • Pita pastries 
  • Traditional cakes/sweets 
  • Crepes 
  • Soft drinks 
  • Water 

Sharing a platter of Ćevapi (skinless sausage) is a Serbian tradition that unites communities and brings people together for socialising and sharing a meal. Cevapi has been one of Pako Festa most popular treats for many years and our Serbian Orthodox Church St Nicholas community is proudly keeping this tradition alive. Try their famous cevapi rolls along with assortment of traditional pastries and traditional sweets! 

Serbian Parish Youth Club

Menu

  • Savoury meat pita/ cheese /pumpkin pita 
  • Chevapi rolls 
  • BBQ sausage rolls 
  • “Pasulj” – vegan Mediterranean bean stew 
  • Pumpkin pita 
  • Pickled vegetables 
  • 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, pork skewers and “pasulj” – beloved Mediterranean stew. 

NEW IN 2025!

Sri Lankan Association in Geelong

Menu

  • Sri Lankan Hoppers 
  • Sri Lankan Koththu 
  • Sri Lankan Butter Cakes (cup cakes) 
  • Sri Lankan hot and cold coffee 
  • Sri Lankan Ginger Beer 
  •  Sri Lankan King coconut water 

The vibrant Sri Lankan community is joining us at Pako Festa for the first time this year, and they are bringing the sizzle with their iconic Koththu dish! Watch as they cook this cultural staple right before your eyes: the flavours, the aroma, and that rhythmic music created by their cooking utensils will transport you straight to the streets of Sri Lanka! 
We cannot wait to welcome them and sample all the traditional dishes of this incredible country served only at Pako Festa! 
Come hungry!