Les Moments Shoni sur Pierce: a vibrant and international neighbourhood party in downtown Montréal
This article was updated on August 29, 2023.
Shaughnessy Village, referred to as simply “Shoni” by its residents, is a thriving neighborhood where you’ll find everything that makes downtown Montréal so vibrant: culture, history, communities from all walks of life and an incredible culinary diversity. This September 8, 9 and 10, 2023, Montréal centre-ville, in conjunction with YATAI MTL invites one and all to Moments Shoni sur Pierce: a free neighbourhood party with lots to discover. Shall we take a look?
What’s on the program?
This festive event celebrates the neighbourhood's cultural diversity and unique offerings. You can partake of two exotic flavour kiosks and a bar, as well as several dance shows celebrating the multiplicity of Shoni, such as K-pop performances, an evening of 1980s Japanese city pop dancing, an Indian dance performance and a Latin dance workshop offered by Latine Groove.
Tantalizing tastes, local culinary specialties and new recipes created just for the event await along Pierce Street and in various local restaurants and establishments. For example, Chef Lee will be offering his specialty, Shen Jian Bao, for only $1! What a deal!
Where does Shoni come from, anyway?
Although Shaughnessy Village was named in the early 20th century in honour of Thomas Shaughnessy, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the neighbourhood has undergone profound demographic and cultural changes since its early days as an upscale, middle-class, English-speaking area. Today, Shaughnessy Village is a bustling neighbourhood where residents, students and a diversity of cultures come together to create a uniquely international living environment, hence its new, shorter name, which is easily pronounced in any language.
Incredible culinary diversity
With more than 80 restaurants in an area of less than one square kilometre, your taste buds can travel the world without leaving Shoni! Hands down, Shoni offers some of the best Korean, Japanese and Chinese culinary delights in the city. Take a seat on one of the 24 colourful terraces and improvise a picnic of local delicacies: bubble tea, dumplings, Korean hot dogs, pizzas, bao or tacos with a twist.
Among our favorite places to dine, we highly recommend having a drink and sharing a few dishes at the Korean resto-bar Ganadara or the sublime isakaya Kampai Garden. When it comes to dumplings, you won’t find better than Sammi & Soupe Dumpling whose artistry and taste will have you clamoring for more. Hyper-popular, Restaurant Kazu serves up street-food perfection. On a budget? Check out this list of places to eat in Shaughnessy Village for under $20.
A neighbourhood steeped in history, perfect to explore on foot
While making your way to your next culinary discovery, why not take a stroll through the neighbourhood and admire the 10 local murals, listed here, complete with a map to guide you?
A neighbourhood that never ceases to surprise...
For more information, please consult our guide to Shaughnessy Village.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.