Cantina la Martina to Host 3rd Annual Cemita Festival

On Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 4 .p.m., Cantina la Martina will host its 3rd Annual Cemita Festival, a vibrant celebration of Puebla’s beloved sandwich: the cemita. This year’s event features 10 local vendors, each offering their own spin on the famous cemita sandwich.

Traditionally, a cemita is a layered sandwich made with sesame-covered bread, quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), and papalo (an herb native to Mexico), but participating chefs are encouraged to share their own creative interpretations.

Participating Vendors and Menu Includes:

Mariangeli Alicea Saez of Cantina la Martina: Joojeh Kebab Cemita with Khiar Mexican herb yogurt sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes

Elvia Zavala of Mija Mexican Table: Cemita de Milanesa de Res

Karla Torres & Ernesto Ventura of La Ingrata: Chicharrón Adobado Cemita with homemade Oaxacan style cheese, papalo from their garden, avocado

Amy Rivera-Nassar of Amy’s Pastelillos: Papalo Pernil (Roast Pork) Cemita with queso blanco, chipotle sweet plantains, pickled onion, garlic papalo sauce

Ange Branca of Kampar: Chicken Saté Cemita and Tofu Saté Cemita

Alejandro Gonzalez Duarte of Señor Slices: “The Puebladelphia!” Cheesesteak Cemita

Jake Loeffler, Dan Griffiths, & Sam Kalkut of Paffuto: Crispy Fatty Baddie Cemita with Italian carnitas, whipped ricotta, salsa verde, cabbage slaw

Brian Mattera of Gilda: Steak Cemita with marinated skirt steak, papalo salsa verde, avocado, grilled queijo coalho, slaw

Reuben Asaram of Reuby & Cory Powell of Make’m Bake’m: Knafehmita Cemita with rose water brioche cemita bun by La Ingrata, vanilla glaze, ground pistachios, dry rose petals, kataifi queso Oaxaca, frozen cardamom cheesecake by Make’m Bake’m, rose simple syrup

Each cemita will be sold for $15, with all the sales going directly to the vendors. Some vendors are cash only. An ATM will be available on site.

Attendees can also enjoy specialty cocktails available for purchase and music from DJ Cali Rumba.

This is a pay-as-you-go event; no tickets are required.

The Cemita Festival is taking place outdoors in Cantina la Martina’s backyard, which includes a large tent. Regular brunch service will continue inside the restaurant during the event.

Cantina la Martina is located at 2800 D St. in Philadelphia, PA 19134.

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