Some of Portland’s beloved brands are on a roll to spicing things up this summer.

WasabiFest is making its debut in Portland on Saturday, June 14, highlighting the versatility of wasabi beyond its well-known role in Japanese cuisine. It’s described as “an intensely spicy event.”

The 21 years and older event hosts a lineup of Portland chefs, offering tastings, demonstrations, workshops and more.

“The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the few ideal climates for growing wasabi outside of Japan, making it the perfect location to celebrate this vibrant and complex ingredient,” Markus Mead of Oregon Coast Wasabi and co-owner of America’s largest wasabi farm, said in a statement. “I’m excited to be a part of an event that highlights real wasabi as a unique culinary powerhouse that can enhance dishes of all kinds.”

Guests can experience:

• Wasabi-infused culinary creations from Portland brands, including Elephants Deli, Kate’s Ice Cream, Smith Teamaker, Pizza Jerk, Happy Mountain Kombucha, Urban River Spirits, HAB Sauce, Cultured Kindness and more.
• Live demonstrations from Mead.
• Premium saké samplings from a variety of brands, giving the chance to taste both Oregon and Japanese producers.

General admission tickets include a WasabiFest ochoko, a Japanese saké cup, upon entry.

There are ticket options for a 38-seat chef’s dinner, for an elevated experience, bringing together Portland chefs, including Kate Koo of Zilla Saké, with additional chefs to be announced.

“Wasabi is an ingredient that deserves the spotlight, and I’m beyond excited to be part of an event that celebrates its depth and versatility. Whether it’s adding a fiery kick to a dish or a delicate, aromatic lift, wasabi has the power to completely transform flavors in unexpected ways,” Koo said in a statement. “From a whisper of heat in a deviled egg to an unexpected twist on ice cream, WasabiFest will challenge everything you thought you knew about this remarkable ingredient.”

Here’s the details:

• What: WasabiFest 2025
• When: 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14
• Where: Redd East Event Space, 831 S.E. Salmon St., Portland

For more information and tickets, visit tinyurl.com/27du2vfr.