Jon Kung, popular chef, podcast host and content creator partnered with the National Peanut Board (NPB) to create the ultimate, peanut-packed market experience in collaboration with Smorgasburg, the largest weekly open-air food market in America. The Peanut Explorers Market inspired guests to explore international fares with peanuts. For two weekends only, the Peanut Explorers Market took over Smorgasburg Williamsburg.
The Peanut Explorers market featured unexpected peanut-centric dishes and snacks, with peanuts at the center. The vendors ranged across a wide variety of cultures and cuisines.
Guests were inspired to try something new and adventurous while at the market. Peanuts were the familiar food in the unfamiliar, the key to unlocking new flavors and expanding their palate.
The partnership's mission was to show Americans how easy and fun it can be to try new foods, especially with peanuts at the center. The Peanut Explorers Market inspired attendees to explore more adventurous culinary options both when dining out and cooking at home.
Some featured dishes included:
88 Coffee’s Peanut Cold-Foam Mocha Vietnamese Coffee – A peanut-forward twist on classic Vietnamese coffee with a dreamy peanut cold foam, chocolate sauce and garnished with peanut halves.
Big Mozz’s Poppin’ Peanut Chicken Bites – Peanut-infused popcorn chicken and mozzarella bites with a Thai chili peanut sauce.
Home Frite’s Peanut Satay Fries – Crispy fries drenched in a rich peanut satay sauce, aioli and fresh diced onions.
Mao’s Bao’s Kung Pao Shiitake & Peanut Bao – A peanut-forward take on the beloved bao – tender shiitake, crispy tofu, peanuts, bell peppers and scallions in a spicy, peanutty Kung Pao sauce.
Noodle Lane's Peanut Kung Pao Rolls – Roll up with these peanutty rice rolls featuring roasted peanuts, chilis and chili oil tied together with a classic peanut sauce.
Paella Party’s Spicy-Thai Style Peanut Paella – A spicy Thai-style peanut paella made with a coconut milk base, pork, mushrooms, green onions, and infused with an irresistible peanut sauce.
Guests who attended the event sampled the featured dishes and visited the NPB tent to get some fun Peanut Explorers Merch.