Japanese street fair culture has a home in São Paulo this weekend! Chiisai Izakaya transforms the sidewalk along Alameda Franca, in the Jardins neighborhood, into an open-air matsuri. The free event offers a true street food experience—eating standing up, with your hands, gathered around the fire.
The name Chiisai Matsuri brings the identity of Chiisai Izakaya—a modern Japanese bar heavily inspired by izakayas (Japanese pubs)— to the streets of São Paulo .
“Chiisai” means “small” in Japanese, so the name lives up to the comparison of smaller bars with outdoor tables and the more intimate atmospheres found in Brazilian bars.
The event debuts its first edition with references to yatai—the compact wooden and canvas stalls that dot the street corners of Japan, offering quick snacks and the aroma of charcoal smoke.
The cuisine at Chiisai Matsuri
The menu is designed for sharing: robata (grilled skewers, the house specialty) featuring filet mignon with scallions (R$ 30), chicken thighs (R$ 25), chicken hearts (R$ 25), squid (R$ 30), and fried shrimp (R$ 30) go straight from the grill to your hands.
On the hot griddle, yakisoba with homemade sauce comes in three versions: filet mignon (R$ 49), chicken (R$ 49), and seafood (R$ 59). The onigiri come with fillings such as salmon with mayonnaise and ume (R$ 25), cod marinated in miso (R$ 30), and bluefin tuna (R$ 30).
In partnership with Damm, a whole salmon will be slowly roasted over the fire and sliced in front of the audience, and will even be served as a Sando (an artisanalsandwich, a classic at Japanese festivals) for R$ 49.
On the drinks front, Suntory runs an exclusive cart featuring three signature cocktails: Jaspion (Haku vodka, R$ 45), Suika (Roku gin, R$ 55), and National Kid (Hibiki Whisky blend, R$ 79).
And finally, for those who prefer beer, Utiná Beer offers a selection of craft beers chosen to pair perfectly with the grilled dishes. In addition, Ohayou adds to the festival atmosphere with happi coats, aprons, and bandanas for sale.
The intimate atmosphere
Chiisai Izakaya was born from a partnership between chef Alexandre Saber, known as Sassá (Sassá Sushi, in Itaim Bibi), and chef Wilson “Sallada” Kinoshita, son of renowned chef Toshio Kinoshita.
True to its name, the venue seats only 30 people, with décor that blends manga cutouts, illustrations, and neon signs. The festival, however, takes this concept to the street in an informal way—meaning no reservations or tickets are required.
Details
Address: Alameda Franca, 149 – Jardim Paulista
When: Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 p.m. to midnight
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Event accessible to wheelchair users
More information on the official website or on Instagram @chiisai.izakaya
