Yatai MTL is Montreal's grand Japanese street market: for four days at the start of summer, the Bassin Peel in Griffintown transforms into a small open-air Osaka. Street food, artisan stalls, sake, shows, and activities for the whole family: the event celebrates Japanese culture and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Considered the largest Japanese festival in Quebec, Yatai MTL has become a must-attend event for Japan enthusiasts... and food lovers.

Yatai MTL 2027: Dates to be confirmed

The most recent edition of Yatai MTL was held from June 4 to 7, 2026, at Bassin Peel. At the time of writing, the dates for the 2027 edition have not yet been announced. However, the organizers have invited the public to return "next year," and the festival traditionally takes place in June.

To know the official dates as soon as they are announced, keep an eye on the official ASIASIE website as well as Yatai MTL's Facebook page and Instagram account. Ticket presales usually start a few months before the event.

What is a yatai?

In Japan, a yatai is a small mobile food stand, often made of wood and lit with lanterns, found on the street or during neighborhood festivals (matsuri). People stop by for a quick meal: skewers, fried noodles, grilled squid, drinks... This street food tradition is what the Montreal festival brings to the banks of the Lachine Canal.

Yatai MTL is organized by ASIASIE, a non-profit organization founded in 2018 by Yasuko Tadokoro and Thien Vu Dang. Its mission: to introduce Asian cultures and highlight local entrepreneurs, restaurants, and creators inspired by them. The 2026 edition was the eighth.

Japanese street food: What to eat at Yatai MTL?

The heart of the event is the culinary space. Restaurants and caterers from the Montreal area offer a menu designed for the street, with shareable portions and classic Japanese flavors:

  • yakisoba, these stir-fried noodles with sweet and savory sauce;
  • okonomiyaki, the topped Japanese pancake;
  • karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and katsu;
  • onigiri, rice balls;
  • ramen, fried bites, and other creations from Montreal restaurants;
  • desserts like taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) and matcha drinks.

In 2026, the selection included Ramen Nakamichi and KATSUYA. The list of restaurants and vendors changes from year to year; it is published by the organization a few weeks before the event.

For drinks, adults can find a sake bar, Japanese beer, umeshu (plum liqueur), and cocktails. There are also teas and non-alcoholic options for the whole family.

Vendors, artisans, and Japanese culture

Yatai MTL is not just a food festival. The site is divided into three sections: the culinary space, the vendor space, and the cultural space.

In the vendor space, local artisans and shops present products inspired by Japan: stationery, clothing and accessories, jewelry, kitchen items like Japanese knives, teas, and decorative objects. It's the perfect place to find an original gift or souvenir.

The cultural space offers a program of shows, artistic performances, dance, and workshops. Some activities have become festival signatures, like the cosplay contest and the Shiba and Akita dog parade (the "Shibalade"). Many visitors also take the opportunity to wear their kimono or yukata. The full program is revealed each year on ASIASIE's platforms.

Tickets and prices

Entry to Yatai MTL is paid but very affordable. In 2026, tickets ranged from $3 to $5 depending on the purchase date (cheaper presale), with online-only ticketing. Entry was free for children 12 and under and for those 65 and over. Meals, drinks, and purchases are extra.

The 2027 prices are not yet known: check the official website before your visit. On-site, debit or credit cards are accepted everywhere, and food stands also take cash.

Hours and access to Bassin Peel

In 2026, the festival was open:

  • Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.;
  • Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.;
  • Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Doors open about 30 minutes before the indicated time. The hours for the next edition will be confirmed by the organization.

The Bassin Peel is located at the corner of Peel and Wellington streets, in Griffintown, along the Lachine Canal, near downtown Montreal. Parking is limited: prioritize the metro (Bonaventure station), bus, bike, or BIXI. The event takes place outdoors; in case of bad weather, updates are posted on ASIASIE's social media.

Practical information about Yatai MTL

  • Next edition: 2027, dates to be confirmed (last edition: June 4 to 7, 2026).
  • Location: Bassin Peel, corner of Peel and Wellington, Griffintown, Montreal.
  • Price: entry from $3 to $5 in 2026; free for children 12 and under and those 65 and over.
  • Organizer: ASIASIE, non-profit organization.
  • Pets: dogs were welcome in 2026.
  • Payment: cards accepted; cash at food stands.
  • Up-to-date info: asiasie.com.

Our advice: come during the week in the early evening or as soon as it opens on the weekend to avoid the longest lines at popular stands, and bring an appetite to try several dishes.

Frequently asked questions about Yatai MTL

What is a yatai?

A yatai is a typical Japanese mobile street food stand. Yatai MTL adopts this concept with numerous Japanese food kiosks at Bassin Peel.

When will Yatai MTL take place in 2027?

The 2027 dates have not yet been announced. The festival usually takes place in June; the last edition was held from June 4 to 7, 2026.

Is Yatai MTL free?

No, entry is paid but at a low price ($3 to $5 in 2026). It was free for children 12 and under and those 65 and over. Food is paid for at each stand.

Are there other Asian food festivals in Montreal?

Yes. The Asian Night Market is another popular Asian street food event in the Montreal area.

Also to discover in Montreal

Do you love Asian cuisine and culture? Read our article on the Asian Night Market, extend the experience with a bowl at Ramen Ramen Fes or discover the illuminated Japanese Garden at the Jardins de lumière.

👉 See the full Yatai MTL listing on Évasion Québec.