A Flavourful Journey: The Oriental Shop Taster Festival Recap
The Oriental Shop Taster Festival was a day to remember. After months of planning, the big moment arrived on Saturday 6 September, bringing together a vibrant mix of food lovers, curious first timers, loyal customers and suppliers ready to share their creations. From crispy snacks and fragrant teas to bubbling noodles and sweet mochi, the day was filled with colour, flavour and community spirit.
Sunshine and Early Excitement
The weather could not have been better. A warm September sun lit up the stalls and gave the whole event a cheerful atmosphere. There were moments when the wind picked up, but with some quick thinking and teamwork, everything stayed on track and the tastings never stopped.
Our official start time was set for 11am, yet the excitement proved too much for some. By 10:30am, guests were already arriving, eager to be among the first through the doors. From then until closing, the flow of people never slowed, creating a lively buzz that carried through the entire day.
Inside, the shop was packed with visitors. For many it was their first time exploring Oriental Shop, and they were delighted to discover shelves filled with sauces, spices, drinks and snacks they had never seen before. Existing customers were just as thrilled, eager to explore the new promotions and enjoy tasting freshly launched products. The pop up shop outside gave everyone a chance to pick up their favourites quickly, adding to the energy of the festival.
Tastes from Our Vendors
The true heart of the festival lay with our vendors, who brought a stunning variety of foods and drinks for people to sample. Each stall added its own flavour to the day and together they created a journey across Asia’s most exciting tastes.
Manning Impex: Classics and Surprises
Manning Impex had a constant crowd. Their Miaow Miaow Prawn Crackers were a familiar favourite, light and crunchy with a savoury kick that pleased all ages. The colourful Cozzo Jelly Shots offered a playful twist, fruity and fun, while the Kauboi Korean Chips turned up the heat with bold spices that kept tasters coming back for more.
Yakult: A Peachy New Favourite
Yakult drew plenty of interest with their brand new Peach Plus flavour. Refreshing and light, it was the perfect drink for a sunny day. Visitors loved its smooth sweetness, and many commented on how well it paired with the savoury snacks they were trying. By the end of the day, Peach Plus had won over a new crowd of fans.
Digi East x Pocas: Variety to Delight Everyone
The Digi East stall, featuring Pocas, was bursting with choice. The Honey Ginger Tea in both Original and Lemon flavours offered comfort in a cup, fragrant and warming. For those with a sweet tooth, the chewy Pocas Mochi in mixed fruit and boba milk tea flavours were irresistible. The Josh Bosh Freeze Dried Candy fascinated tasters with its unusual texture and explosive crunch. Finally, the Instant Bubble Tea Kits in Taro, Coffee and Strawberry were a standout favourite, giving guests the chance to recreate their own bubble tea experience at home.
Madhuban: Authentic Curry Made Simple
Madhuban brought six authentic curry sauces that gave visitors a taste of restaurant-quality cooking at home. Rich, fragrant and full of spice, they were praised for being both delicious and convenient. Many left carrying tubs, excited to create hearty meals in their own kitchens with little effort required.
Chadha Oriental x Bibigo: Comfort in a Cup
Bibigo’s ramyun cups proved to be one of the most comforting highlights of the day. Hot, flavourful and satisfying, they gave visitors a chance to enjoy the warmth of Korean noodles on the spot. For those tasting them for the first time, it was a simple pleasure that quickly won their approval.
Freshasia: Street Food Theatre
Freshasia delivered a real sense of street food culture. Their takoyaki balls introduced many to the joy of Japanese flavours, while the Taiwanese roast pork sausages in both original and cheese filled versions quickly became a crowd favourite. The sizzling chicken and cartilage skewers added a playful texture and flavour, reminding guests of the lively atmosphere of Asian night markets.
A Day Full of Stories and Smiles
The Oriental Shop Taster Festival was about more than just food. It was about the people who came together to enjoy it. Throughout the day we heard stories of customers travelling from far and wide to join us. Families made it a day out, groups of friends shared tastings and curious newcomers found themselves exploring products they had never tried before.
It was a joy to see children trying new foods with excitement, to watch strangers compare notes on their favourite snacks and to hear loyal customers talk about their discoveries. The festival became a place of connection, where food acted as a bridge between cultures, ages and tastes.
Thank You to Everyone
A festival like this is a true team effort. We are incredibly proud of our staff, who worked tirelessly throughout the day. From the moment early guests arrived at 10:30am until the final customers headed home, they were on their feet with energy, answering questions, guiding visitors and making sure every tasting ran smoothly.
Our thanks also go to our vendors, who not only brought their products but also their stories, passion and knowledge. Their collaboration helped shape the day and opened doors for future partnerships that will bring even more variety to our shop.
Most importantly, thank you to our customers. Your support and enthusiasm are what drive us forward. You are the reason we hold these events, and your feedback and encouragement inspire us to do better each time. With your help, we will continue to grow, improve and bring even more authentic Asian flavours to your tables.
Looking Ahead
While the festival may be over for now, it marks only the beginning of bigger things to come. Plans are already underway for the next Oriental Shop Taster Festival, and we hope to make it even larger, with more activities, more tastings, and more opportunities to discover new favourites.
We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Tell us what you enjoyed most, what you would like to see added, and how we can make your experience even better. Together we can shape future events that truly reflect what our community wants.
In the meantime, our Mini Taster Weekends will keep the spirit alive. These smaller in-shop events focus on a single supplier or product, giving you the chance to try something new in a more relaxed setting. They are the perfect way to keep discovering fresh flavours between the larger festivals.
And while we cannot share all the details just yet, do keep an eye out for a Winter Taster Festival. It will be another exciting opportunity to enjoy seasonal flavours and celebrate food together during the colder months.
For suppliers interested in taking part in future taster events, we have created a short video featuring our vendors. They share their experiences of the festival, the benefits of being involved, and why it is such a valuable opportunity to connect with new customers and showcase unique products. Watch the video now and get in touch if you would like to join us at the next event.
Final Thoughts
The Oriental Shop Taster Festival was a celebration of food, culture and community. From the first cracker tasted in the morning to the last curry sauce purchased in the evening, every moment was filled with energy and joy.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success. With your support, we will continue to grow, experiment and create even bigger events in the future. We hope the festival inspired you to try something new, share it with friends and family and keep exploring the incredible world of Asian food.
Until next time, thank you for being part of our journey.
