Car Free Day on Commercial Drive is one of Vancouver's best street food events, and the vendor lineup gets better every year. Whether you're looking for quick bites from food carts, discovering pop-up stalls from neighbourhood favourites, or supporting local Commercial Drive staples stepping outside their brick-and-mortar locations, this guide covers all your delicious options. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Quick Navigation
- Food Carts & Trucks (No Storefront)
- Pop-Up Vendors from Outside Commercial Drive
- Commercial Drive Storefronts Setting Up Booths
Food Carts & Trucks (No Storefront)
Mobile vendors bringing their specialties to the street.
Alossea Breads
Artisanal breads crafted in small batches
Loaves
- Classic Loaf - $9
- Brioche Loaf - $12
Alossea Breads brings carefully crafted artisanal loaves to Car Free Day. Their quality bread is perfect for anyone looking to support small-batch bakers and take home a genuine, freshly-made loaf that elevates any meal.
Angkor Harvest
Authentic Cambodian street food featuring lemongrass skewers and coconut rice bowls
Coconut Rice Bowls
- Coconut Rice with 2 Skewers and Green Mango Salad - $18
- Coconut Rice with 2 Skewers and Green Papaya Salad - $18
Cambodian Lemongrass Skewers (Chicken, Beef, Prawn)
- 1 Skewer - $7
- 2 Skewers - $12
Angkor Harvest brings authentic Cambodian flavours to Car Free Day with beautifully marinated lemongrass skewers infused with galangal, turmeric, fingerroot, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, and olive oil. The generous bowls pair aromatic jasmine coconut rice with your choice of fresh green mango or papaya salad, creating a genuinely balanced and flavourful meal. Quality ingredients and careful preparation shine through in every bite.
Antojos y Sabores
Fresh, authentic tamales and traditional Mexican aguas frescas
Tamales (Fresh, Ready to Eat)
- Pork Rojo - $7.99
- Chicken Green Sauce - $7.99
- All Cheese - $7.99
- Poblano Pepper - $7.99
- Pineapple - $7.99
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Aguas Frescas
- Horchata - $5.25 (Creamy rice-based beverage)
- Mint Lemonade - $5.25 (Refreshing herbal blend)
- Mango - $5.25 (Tropical fruit cooler)
Antojos y Sabores brings authentic Mexican street food to Car Free Day with freshly made tamales in traditional and creative flavours. Each steamed tamal is made to order, served warm and satisfying. The refreshing aguas frescas offer the perfect authentic accompaniment. Support this local vendor at the event, and if you miss them, their tamales are also available in the frozen section of select local grocery stores.
Island Husk Bar
Fresh-squeezed tropical fruit juices and refreshing combos
Single Drinks
- Whole Pineapple Slice - $13.00 (100% fresh pineapple, ice blended for a smooth, refreshing drink)
- Whole Watermelon Slice - $12.00 (100% fresh watermelon juice over ice for the ultimate tropical flavour)
- Pineapple Juice in a Cup (16 oz) - $8.00
- Watermelon Juice in a Cup (16 oz) - $8.00
Combo Deals (Two Drinks)
- Pineapple Combo - $19.00
- Watermelon Combo - $18.00
Island Husk Bar delivers exactly what you need on a warm day: genuinely fresh tropical juices with no artificial flavours. The whole fruit presentations are visually stunning and the prices are reasonable for quality freshly-squeezed juice. Perfect for refreshing between food carts.
Mimi's Focaccia
Loaded focaccia slices and hearty dawgs, plus Italian desserts
Focaccia Slices
- Apple Crumble Slice - $8.50
- Tiramisu Slice - $8.50
- Vodka Sauce Slice - $7.00 (limited availability)
Dawgs (Loaded Sandwiches)
- Veggie Dawg - $13
- The Classic - $13
- Caramelized Onion Dawg - $14
- Jalapeno Cheddar Dawg - $14
Mimi's is a standout for quality focaccia and creative protein-loaded sandwiches. The slices are generous and flavourful, the dawgs are hearty and satisfying, and prices are fair for the portion size. Perfect if you want something both sweet and savoury in one visit.
Mr. Arancino
Authentic Sicilian gluten-free risotto balls in creative flavours
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Arancini (Gluten-Free Risotto Balls)
- 4 pieces - $16
- 6 pieces - $22
- 8 pieces - $28
- 12 pieces - $40
Flavours Available
- Beef Ragu - Rich, slow-cooked beef filling
- Vegetable Ragu - Hearty vegetable base
- Spinach - Fresh, earthy greens
- Cheese - Creamy mozzarella centre
- Pizza - Classic tomato and cheese
Mr. Arancino brings authentic Sicilian craftsmanship to Car Free Day with beautifully golden, crispy risotto balls that are entirely gluten-free. Each arancino features a creamy rice exterior giving way to thoughtful fillings, from traditional beef ragu to creative flavours like pizza. The generous sizing and bulk pricing make it easy to sample multiple flavours or grab a satisfying snack for the event.
Taco Tigre
Asian-inspired tacos with bold, creative flavours and a playful twist
Tacos
- Beef Brisket Pho Taco - Slow-cooked tender beef brisket with comforting pho-inspired flavours
- Lemongrass Chicken Taco - Vibrant citrus flavours of lemongrass dancing with tender chicken (the standout favourite)
- Caramelized Pork Taco - A symphony of sweet and savoury notes in every bite
- Korean Kimchi Beef Taco - Slightly spicy and sour, with bold kimchi heat
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Pricing
- 3 Tacos - $19
- 4 Tacos - $19
- Extra Tacos - $4 each
- Loaded Nachos - $15
- Pop/Water - $3
Taco Tigre brings a vibrant fusion of Asian and Mexican flavours to Car Free Day with their boldly creative taco lineup. Each variety tells a story, from the comforting slow-cooked beef brisket to the bright, citrusy lemongrass chicken that truly steals the show. The pricing is generous (3 or 4 tacos for the same price), making it perfect for sampling multiple flavours and discovering your own favourite.
Umbrella Bistro
Gourmet grilled coelho cheese sticks and loaded poutines, 100% vegetarian
Cheese on a Stick (Grilled Coelho Cheese)
- Original Grilled Coelho Cheese - $7.19 (Crispy outside, melty inside—classic)
- Hot Honey Grilled Coelho Cheese - $8.19 (Sweet spicy kick with honey melt)
- Churros Style Grilled Coelho Cheese - $8.19 (Sweet cinnamon roll with dulce de leche)
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Cheese Combos
- 2 Coelho Grilled - $14.19
- 2 Coelho Sweet - $15.19
Poutines
- Classic Poutine with Crispy Cheese - $15.19
- Original Crispy Fries - $9.19 (With mayo and ketchup)
- Sweet Potato Fries - $11.90
Drinks
- Coke - $2.50
- Coke Zero Diet - $2.50
- Ice Tea - $2.50
- Agua Fresca - $3.50
- Water - $2.00
Umbrella Bistro brings a fun, playful twist on cheese street food with their gourmet grilled coelho cheese sticks. Born in Montreal and produced in Canada, these 100% vegetarian, gluten-free sticks offer genuine comfort with crispy exteriors and melty centres. The creative flavour options (hot honey, churros-style) and loaded poutines make this a crowd-pleasing stop for anyone craving indulgent, cheesy bites.
West Coast Bannock
Authentic Indigenous bannock street food infused with traditional flavours
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| OG Bannock |
Rez Dogs (Bannock-Wrapped Hot Dogs)
- Rez Dog: Beef - $11 (Bannock dough wrapped around a juicy beef hot dog and deep-fried to golden perfection)
- Rez Dog: Vegetarian - $11 (Bannock dough wrapped around a vegetarian hot dog and deep-fried to golden perfection)
- Rez Dog: Tofu - $11 (Bannock dough wrapped around a savoury tofu dog and deep-fried to golden perfection)
Sandwiches
- West Coast Willie Salmon Sandwich - $18 (Salmon spread with dill mayo, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and red onion served inside fresh bannock)
West Coast Bannock brings bold, genuine Indigenous flavours to Car Free Day with handmade bannock paired with thoughtful, quality ingredients. Each item celebrates traditional techniques and regional sources, creating satisfying, culturally grounded street food that tells a story. Supporting Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and East Van ownership means every bite supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and culinary tradition.
Pop-Up Vendors from Outside Commercial Drive
Visiting vendors bringing their menus to the event.
Antise Vancouver
Award-winning artisanal panettone and Italian pastries, handcrafted with 70-year-old natural yeast
Panettone & Italian Pastries
- Apollini - $6 (Single-serve artisanal panettone, perfect for sampling)
- Figs and Walnut Panettone - $52 (Full handcrafted panettone with dried figs and walnuts)
Antise Vancouver brings genuine Italian pastry craftsmanship to Car Free Day, led by award-winning pastry chef Emiddio Isernia. Their panettone is handmade using natural yeast dating back over 70 years, with a 30-hour slow-proofing process that develops nuanced flavours and aromas. Enriched with premium butter, candied fruit sourced directly from Italy, and Madagascar vanilla, each piece is an ode to Italian tradition. Their Apollini offers an accessible taste of this expertise, while the full panettones are worthy investment pieces for those seeking quality.
Boule Carre Bakery
Artisan brioche and flourless cheesecakes made with premium New Zealand butter
Cheesecakes
- Matcha Cheesecake - $8
- Strawberry Cheesecake - $8
- Caramel Cheesecake - $8
- Frozen Cheesecake
- Cheesecake Ice Cream
Artisan Brioche
- Brioche Honey Butter Toast - $8-9
- Brioche Custard & Chocolate Chip - $9
- Brioche Cinnamon Bun - $11
- Brioche Almond Bread
- Brioche Chocolate Croissant Bun - $11
Boule Carre Bakery brings Port Coquitlam's finest artisan treats to Car Free Day, with rich, buttery brioche loaves made from premium New Zealand butter and delicate flourless cube cheesecakes in rotating flavours. Each item is crafted with genuine care and quality ingredients, making these sophisticated pastries worth the hunt.
Hype Chocolate
Gourmet cannoli ice cream with creative fillings and premium chocolate
Cannoli Ice Cream
- Pistachio Knafeh Cannoli Ice Cream - $13 (XL Italian cannoli shell filled with creamy vanilla and mascarpone ice cream, pistachio knafeh "Dubai chocolate" filling, topped with Hype milk and dark chocolate dip, crispy kataifi, and Sicilian pistachio dust)
- Hype OG Cannoli Ice Cream - $11 (XL Italian cannoli shell with vanilla and mascarpone ice cream, coated in Hype milk and dark chocolate dip)
Hype Chocolate brings creative, indulgent cannoli ice cream to Car Free Day, transforming the traditional Italian pastry into a frozen dessert experience. The XL Italian cannoli shells paired with silky mascarpone and vanilla ice cream, premium chocolate coating, and inventive toppings (like the trending pistachio knafeh) make these genuine showstoppers. Perfect for those with a serious sweet tooth.
Karavan Premium Meats
Wagyu smash burgers and premium Korean BBQ skewers, grilled to order
Wagyu Smash Burger
- Single Patty - $13 (Crispy, caramelized wagyu smash)
- Double Patty - $15 (Double the juicy, flavourful beef)
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Korean BBQ Skewers
- 2 Skewers - $11
- 4 Skewers - $17
- 6 Skewers - $24
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Chicken Skewers
- 2 Skewers - $11
- 4 Skewers - $17
- 6 Skewers - $24
Combo Deals
- Combo A - $24 (1 Single Patty Burger + 2 Skewers + 1 Drink)
- Combo B - $33 (Double Smash & 4 Skewers + 2 Drinks)
Beverages
- Water / Pop - $3
Karavan Premium Meats brings quality grilled offerings to Car Free Day, specializing in tender wagyu smash burgers with that perfect caramelized crust and premium Korean BBQ skewers. The generous combo deals make it easy to enjoy multiple proteins with drinks, perfect for sharing or satisfying a hearty appetite at the event.
The Pie Hole
Handmade pies, cookies, and sweet treats, freshly brought from the oven
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| Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Pie (GF) |
1/2 LB Stuffed Cookies
- Sugar Cookie - $6.25
- Fat Elvis Cookie - $6.25
- Tropical Macadamia Cookie - $6.25
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie - $6.25
5" Pies
- Apple Pie - $14.00
- Blueberry Cream Crumble - $14.00
- Butter Pecan Pie - $14.00
Small Sweets
- Lil' Cookies - $2.50
- Rice Krispie Bar - $3.25
- Daily's Pecan Butter Tart - $4.50
Merch
- Coffee Mug - $15.00
- Cookbook - $35.00
The Pie Hole brought their signature handmade pies and indulgent stuffed cookies to Car Free Day, and they sold out fast for good reason. Each cookie is generously sized and flavourful, the pies are perfectly portioned for personal enjoyment, and the small sweets offer affordable ways to sample their quality baking. If you catch them, grab the cookbook to recreate their magic at home.
Rumble Fish
Fresh, high-quality seafood from humble food truck roots to East Vancouver staple
Fish & Chips
- One Piece Pacific Cod + Chips - $17.50 (Crispy battered wild Pacific cod)
- Two Piece Pacific Cod + Chips - $24.50 (Double the crispy, flaky perfection)
- Steelhead Salmon + Chips - $16-24.50 (Fresh, delicate wild salmon)
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Sandwiches
- Crispy Cod Sandwich - Golden-fried wild cod on fresh bread
- Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich - Spiced up with a bold, punchy heat
- Prawn Roll Sandwich - $17.00 (Tender, succulent prawns)
Sides & Extras
- Handcut Kennebec Fries - Crispy skin-on chippy shop style
- House-Made Coleslaw - Fresh, tangy accompaniment
- Tartar Sauce - Bright and flavourful
- Sriracha Sauce - For those seeking heat
Rumble Fish brings genuine seafood craftsmanship to Car Free Day, having grown from their roots as a celebrated Squamish food truck to their flagship Hastings Sunrise location. Every piece of fish is carefully sourced and expertly fried to golden, crispy perfection with a tender, flaky interior. The handcut fries and house-made coleslaw elevate each meal into comfort food that respects quality ingredients. This is seafood done right, no shortcuts.
Whatafood
Authentic Brazilian pastels, whatabites, and açai bowls
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| Cheese and Beef Brazilian Pastels |
Pastels (Traditional Brazilian Pastries)
- Cheese Pastel - $12
- Beef & Cheese Pastel - $13
- Chicken & Cheese Pastel - $13
- Calabresa & Cheese Pastel - $13
Whatabites (Mini Pastels)
- Chicken Popcorn (8 pieces) - $10
- Cheese Popcorn (8 pieces) - $10
Açai Bowl
- Açai Bowl (16 oz) - $18 (Topped with granola, banana, and strawberries)
Beverages
- Sugarcane Juice (16 oz) - $12
- Guarana - $4
- Coca-Cola - $2
- Water - $2
Whatafood brings authentic Brazilian flavours to the street. The pastels are crispy, golden, and generously filled, while the whatabites are perfect for sampling multiple flavours. Their creamy açai bowl and fresh sugarcane juice round out a genuinely delicious Brazilian food experience.
Commercial Drive Storefronts Setting Up Booths
Your neighbourhood favourites expanding beyond their regular locations.
The Bench Bakehouse
Neighbourhood favourite artisan bakery with naturally leavened sourdough and handcrafted pastries
Pastries
- Croissant - $5.60 (Buttery, flaky classic)
- Pain au Chocolat - $6.00 (Rich chocolate inside)
- Morning Bun - $6.20 (Sweet, caramelized morning treat)
- Seasonal Danish - $6.95
- Almond Double Baked Croissant - $6.45
- Apple Almond Double Baked Croissant - $6.75
- Spinach & Feta Croissant - $6.65
- Kouign Amann - $6.20
- Lemon Blueberry Scone - $6.00
Baked Treats
- Brownie - $5.00
- Chocolate Raspberry Slice - $4.75
- Banana Bread Slice - $5.75
Cookies
- Lemon Shortbread - $8.50
- Chocolate Chip Shortbread - $8.50
- Rosemary Asiago Shortbread - $8.50
- Corn Fog Shortbread - $8.50
- Chocolate Chip Cookies - $5.00
- White Chocolate Cookies - $5.00
- Tart Macaroon - $6.50
- Gluten-Free Oat Bar - $5.30
- Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies - $8.50
Naturally Leavened Sourdough
- Country Sourdough - $10.00
- Red Fife Sourdough - $10.25
- Multigrain Sourdough - $10.25
- Toasted Sesame Sourdough - $10.25
- Porridge Sourdough - $10.00
- Kalamata Olive Sourdough - $10.25
- Emkorn Sourdough - $10.25
- Cheddar Jalapeno Sourdough - $10.25
- Baguette - $5.00
- Bluecheese & Fig Walnut Baguette - $8.50
The Bench Bakehouse brings their celebrated neighbourhood bakery to Car Free Day, offering naturally leavened sourdough made in-house alongside handcrafted pastries and thoughtful cookies. The quality shines through in every item, from flaky croissants to robust sourdough loaves. Whether you're grabbing a quick pastry or investing in a full loaf to take home, you're supporting genuine artisan baking on Commercial Drive.
Delhi Fusion Indian Cuisine
Car Free Day special menu featuring classic Indian curries and tandoori specialities
Combos & Mains
- Butter Chicken Combo - $10.99 (Creamy butter chicken served with fresh naan and steamed rice)
- Chana Masala Combo - $10.99 (Spiced chickpea curry with naan and rice)
- Chicken Biryani - $10.99 (Aromatic basmati rice with tender chicken)
Appetizers
- Veg Pakora - $3.99 (Golden-fried vegetable fritters)
- Tandoori Chicken - 1 pc $2.99 (Tandoori-grilled leg quarter) / 2 pcs $4.99
- Samosas - 1 pc $3.00 (Spiced potato and pea filling) / 2 pcs $5.00
Beverages
- Canned Pops - $1.99 (Ginger Ale, Coke, or Diet Coke)
Delhi Fusion brings a special Car Free Day menu showcasing their neighbourhood favourite Indian flavours at street-friendly prices. The combo deals offer generous portions of authentic curries paired with fresh naan, making it easy to enjoy a complete meal. Quick appetizers and affordable beverages round out an accessible introduction to their cooking.
Hariyali Express Indian Cuisine & Bar
Authentic Indian street food and refreshing traditional beverages
Mains
- Butter Chicken & Rice - $10 (Creamy, aromatic butter chicken served over fluffy rice)
- Chana Masala & Rice - $8 (Spiced chickpea curry with fragrant basmati rice)
Appetizers
- Chicken Skewers - $6 (Tender marinated chicken skewers, perfectly grilled)
- Vegetable Samosa - $4 (Crispy pastry pocket filled with spiced potato and peas)
- Vegetable Pakora - $4 (Golden-fried fritters of fresh vegetables in chickpea batter)
Beverages
- Mango Lassi - $6 (Smooth, creamy yogurt drink with fresh mango)
- Orange & Peach Iced Tea - $5
- Cucumber & Mint Iced Tea - $5 (Refreshing and cooling herbal blend)
Hariyali Express brings the warmth of genuine Indian flavours to Car Free Day, with richly spiced curries, perfectly crispy appetizers, and refreshing traditional beverages. The butter chicken is comforting and aromatic, the mango lassi is creamy and authentic, and the iced teas offer a cooling respite on a warm day. Supporting your neighbourhood Commercial Drive favourite means getting restaurant-quality Indian food at street prices.
Oh Sweet Day! Bake Shop
Handcrafted artisan cheesecakes in creative, rotating flavours
Handcrafted Cheesecakes
- Classic Vanilla - $9.95
- Lemon - $9.95 (Bright citrus flavour)
- Chocolate - $9.95 (Rich and decadent)
- Birthday - $9.95 (Festive cake flavour)
- Ube - $9.95 (Purple yam, creamy and nutty)
- Mango - $9.95 (Tropical and refreshing)
- Salted Caramel - $9.95 (Sweet and salty balance)
- Black Sesame - $9.95 (Nutty, distinctive flavour)
- Peanut Butter - $9.95 (Rich and creamy)
- Oreo - $9.95 (Cookie lover's dream)
- Earl Grey - $9.95 (Elegant tea-infused)
Oh Sweet Day! Bake Shop brings their neighbourhood cheesecake expertise to Car Free Day with handcrafted slices in a rotating array of creative flavours. From classic vanilla to adventurous ube and earl grey, each slice is made with care and precision. The fair pricing and diverse flavour lineup make it easy to sample multiple varieties or find your new favourite cheesecake.
Sula Indian Restaurant
Flavourful Indian curries, momos, and skewers served fresh
Any 3 Items for $15 (Includes Rice)
Build your own combo by choosing any three items from below:
- Vegetable Samosa (Crispy pastry with spiced potato and peas)
- Vegetable Pakora (Golden-fried vegetable fritters)
- Paneer Momos (Soft dumplings filled with cottage cheese)
- Butter Chicken (Rich, creamy tomato-based curry)
- Chana Masala (Spiced chickpea curry)
Chicken Skewers
- 1 Skewer - $6 (Marinated tender chicken, perfectly grilled)
- 2 Skewers - $11
- 3 Skewers - $15
Sula Indian Restaurant brings generous portions and excellent value to Car Free Day with their flexible combo deal, letting you mix and match your favourites. Whether you're sampling multiple dishes or committing to a full meal with skewers, Sula delivers authentic Indian flavours at street prices. The combo options are perfect for trying a bit of everything without breaking the bank.
Uprising Breads Bakery
Celebrating 50 years of fresh-baked breads, pastries, and neighbourhood warmth on Commercial Drive
Artisan Breads (Baked Fresh Daily)
- Cracked Wheat & Sunflower - Nutty, textured loaf
- Whole Wheat & Rye Finnish Loaf - High-fibre, hearty
- Heather's Buttermilk & Honey - Irresistible white bread, perfect for French toast
- The Grainful Bread - Organic high-fibre multigrain flagship
- Wheat & Gluten Free Flax Bread - Made with millet, sorghum flour, and ground flax
- 100% Whole Wheat Bread
- Corn Bread
Uprising Breads Bakery is a Commercial Drive institution celebrating 50 years of genuine neighbourhood baking. Bakers start at 3 a.m., making everything from scratch with no shortcuts—muffins, scones, and croissants are fresh from the oven when they open at 7 a.m. Their house-made soups, sandwiches, and pastries are crafted daily with care and quality ingredients. This is a place where the community has gathered for decades, and their commitment to artisan baking remains unwavering.
Final Thoughts & Festival Tips
Car Free Day on Commercial Drive is one of the ultimate highlights of Vancouver's summer street food calendar. It’s a wonderful way to discover brand-new pop-up vendors, support mobile food carts, and celebrate our local neighbourhood favourite storefronts.
A few quick tips for your visit:
- Pace yourself and share: Split dishes with friends so you can sample as many vendors as possible along the route.
- Bring cash and card: While most vendors take electronic payments, having a bit of cash handy keeps lines moving smoothly during peak hours.
- Take home some treats: Don't forget to grab artisanal bread or frozen specialities to enjoy later in the week!
Which food stall or dish are you most looking forward to trying? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your festival picks!
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