Hey besties!
Do you ever think back to food you’ve tried before and wish you could have it again? Same. And when I say “all the time,” I really mean it—I have more food memories than actual restaurant names!
That’s honestly why I started snapping pics of everything I eat: so many great meals have just disappeared into memory over the years. Well, this past weekend, a particularly vivid food memory came back: Smorgasburg in Miami.
Quick Recap Video:
The timing couldn’t have been better, since it was the same week the event became a regular thing in Miami! I texted my foodie friend, she signed on in a heartbeat, and off we went for an amazing time.
The Sips & Bites
Before we get to the highlights, here’s a rundown of all the memorable food and drinks we sampled—because at Smorgasburg, every bite and sip really is its own mini adventure. Grab a snack (or two) before reading, trust me!
Refreshing Rose Tea
Now, if you’ve ever been to Miami in the summertime, you know the heat and humidity are no joke.
Thankfully, there were umbrella-shaded spots to cool off and vendors serving the most beautifully brewed rose tea. I usually lean more jasmine than rose, but this was so light and subtly floral—just enough to feel refreshing, not overwhelming. And ice cold, which was basically essential for surviving the Miami sun!
Mao’s Bao: A Pan-Fried Delight
I’d had bao buns and soup dumplings, but Jianbao was new to me. Picture this: little snack-sized buns, pan-fried until crispy on the bottom, with a juicy, gelatin-rich filling that steams perfectly inside.
They had a bunch of different flavors—lamb, pork, chicken, beef, and even vegan Impossi(bao)—all color-coded, which made it really fun (and easy to stake claim to your favorites!). Six buns for $15 felt like a steal, and sharing them with my friend meant I could sample them all.
Can we talk about that chewy, crisp texture and those savory fillings? Personal favorite had to be the Lamb and the Pork. Bonus: you could mix your own vinegar sauce on the side, so I made mine just spicy enough. I later found out Jianbao originated in Shanghai, and Mao’s Bao will be at Dream Asia Fest too! Crossing my fingers I can convince my partner to try them with me this time.
A Taste of Haiti: Naomi’s Garden
Okay, this one was totally unexpected. I swung around the corner to see samples being handed out by Naomi’s Garden.
I was about to taste their vegan Haitian legume—chickpeas and veggies served with fluffy rice. The flavor was deep, comforting, and a little earthy, with enough spice to keep each bite interesting.
Definitely one of those plant-based dishes that doesn’t make you miss the meat at all. Miami’s got such a cool range of flavors, and this plate was proof.
Filipino BBQ Skewers from So Sarap
Next up: So Sarap.
I’d heard whispers about their New York-famous Filipino BBQ and finally got to try chicken and pork skewers right off the grill.
I also got to try their Filipino longaniza! Sweet, garlicky, and just the right amount of juicy, it totally stood out from the skewers and brought a whole different flavor vibe to the mix.
The marinade was sweet, savory, and just a little smoky—unlike any other grilled meats I’ve had before. It was so good that I went back and spent some of the last of my festival budget for another pork skewer.
Each bite was juicy perfection and loaded with umami. Now I’m hoping they come to Dream Asia Fest too, so I can get another taste!
Tastes from a Friend’s Plate
One of my favorite parts of going with a friend: you basically get to try double the food. My friend branched out with a few different dishes, and when she got too full, I happily helped finish them off. Sharing at a food festival is a must!
Elote Lovers’ Classic Cup
You know I couldn’t resist corn. The classic elote cup was creamy, cheesy, spicy, and had that perfect balance of sweet and heat. Every layer had something new going on. Definitely one of the better versions I’ve tried, and I will always make room for elote.
Wakamole’s Custom Elote Guacamole
Okay, this one surprised me—in the best way.
My friend ordered custom guac with elote mixed in, and somehow I found myself finishing most of it. The sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the avocado paired up for the dreamiest combo with just a bit of spice. I’m officially on team “add corn to your guac.”
The Sounds of Smorgasburg
As if the food wasn’t enough, there was a Bahamian Junkanoo band parading through the crowd. Bright colors, live music, and that contagious energy instantly made the whole event feel like a party. Honestly, I could have just watched them all day.
My favorite part was how they got everyone dancing (even if you can’t dance, don’t worry—you’ll fit right in). You can hear how beautiful their music sounded at the end of my video!
Final Thoughts
Would I go back to Smorgasburg Miami? Absolutely. It was a blast, a snack-packed weekend that totally delivered on flavor and fun. The biggest highlight? Discovering totally new dishes alongside old favorites—and sharing bite after bite with a great friend. If you ever get the chance, bring your best foodie buddy and your biggest appetite!
Stay tasty, Besties!
