Embark on a Flavourful Journey with the DTK Travelers Tour
February 2024
Kitchener is a bustling hub of cultural richness. In fact, in 2023 the city was named the most culturally diverse city in Canada. It was this designation that sparked the idea of creating an event to showcase Downtown Kitchener’s culturally diverse food scene.
“We wanted to share Downtown Kitchener’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food scene with every visitor that comes downtown,” says Arnold Yescas, Community Connections Manager at the Downtown Kitchener BIA. “As visitors walk along the streets of Downtown Kitchener, they are met with a tapestry of flavours, each bite telling a story of heritage and tradition. Every corner of DTK offers a unique culinary experience, reflecting the diverse cultures that call this place home. The DTK Travelers Tour helps us share that story.”
How it Works
The DTK Travelers Tour is a month-long exploration of food in Kitchener’s downtown core, with each week focusing on a different international culinary region. Week 1 features the foods of Europe; week 2 explores the flavours of India; week 3 highlights the vibrant tastes of Asia; and week 4 offers the lively and diverse flavours of Latin America and the Caribbean. Participating restaurants will offer at least one traditional dish from the specific focus region for the week. On Fridays and Saturdays, select restaurants will also offer live cultural entertainment and music, as well as unique drink pairings designed to further enhance the dining experience. The DTK BIA has also partnered with the Kitchener public Library to present the “Family Sunday” series each week throughout the Travelers Tour from 1-4 pm. It’s a free, family-friendly event that offers cultural entertainment, music, dancing, and food samples from local restaurants participating in the Travelers Tour.
Be Immersed in Kitchener’s Culture
“What we’re offering with the DTK Traveler’s Tour is far beyond food,” says Yescas. “This event offers an interactive and intimate experience with business owners, chefs, mixologists, artists, and the creative minds who live and work in Kitchener and come from different cultures, religions, and parts of the world. Through the Travelers Tour, we can learn about their history, influences and inspirations, providing a more intimate way to connect with the people who make our Downtown core thrive.”
In addition to the culinary and cultural offerings, the Downtown Kitchener BIA is providing restaurants with printed menus that include QR codes allowing Travelers Tour participants to sign up for giveaways, Yescas says. “The DTK BIA will be giving away $1000 DTK Dollars each week. The more restaurants you visit, the more entries you get!”
Step into the vibrant world of Downtown Kitchener and immerse yourself in the DTK Travelers Tour—an unforgettable culinary adventure that celebrates diversity, community, and the shared love of good food and good company.
DTK Traveler’s Tour
February 19 – March 17