THE SUMMER NIGHT MARKET

Richmond, British Columbia
By Susie Lee

The lights are dazzling, the music is vibrant, and the outdoor market is filled with thousands of buzzing visitors. Curious shoppers are wandering through, and over four hundred vendors are inviting, selling or demonstrating their products or food. The Summer Night Market is not only one of the hottest summer attractions in Richmond, but it is also the biggest outdoor Asian-style market in North America. This unique Asian bazaar draws approximately 30,000 visitors nightly to enjoy live cultural entertainment, scrumptious food and basement priced merchandise from May through October.

FOOD FRENZY

My favorite attractions at the Summer Night Market were the mouth-watering food vendors that carried all sorts of different foods, drinks and desserts. I made sure I didn't eat anything before I came so that I could taste the delectable array of Asian cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia, just to name a few. I was salivating just from walking around the area! The vendors were busily cooking over their hot open grills and beckoned me to try their tasty marinated meat satays on skewers. Moving down the stalls, I bumped into boisterous teenagers holding steamed shrimp dumplings, spare ribs, and steamed buns from a Chinese dim sum stall. I also found a Korean stall that barbecued marinated ribs, pan-fried potato noodles and sold hand-made rice rolls. My preferred thirst quenching drink was bubble tea, which is a wonderful blend of sweet, chewy tapioca balls submerged in a flavored juice. The choices of food were endless and included octopus balls, shaved ice cream, crepes, hand-pulled candy, sugar cane juice, coconut juice, pot stickers, tempura, chocolate dipped fruit, mini donuts, hot dogs, noodles, squid on a stick, curry fish balls, spring rolls, and the menu list goes on...

There was a combination of delicious scents at the market but my nose crinkled as I noticed a pungent odor in the air. I looked around to see if one of the garbage cans were overflowing, but then I found myself standing in front of the stall that was actually selling what I was smelling. It was the deep fried fermented tofu called Stinky Tofu, which is really an understatement! It's crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a blue cheese flavor. Surprisingly, they say the taste is milder compared to the intense odor it releases. They also say the stinkier the smell, the tastier it is. I'll have to take their word for it. Believe it or not, this is a popular snack in many parts of Asia! No Asian market would be complete without selling Stinky Tofu. I will have to hold my nose and experience this tasty adventure one day!

Whether you are in the mood for Asian cuisine or not, there is something here for everyone's palate. Since the food court area is the busiest and most popular, I would suggest coming before 8:00 pm in order to avoid lineups.

SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

The Summer Night Market is truly a shoppers paradise as visitors can find everything from inexpensive DVDs, Samurai swords, motorcycle helmets, bras, cell phone accessories, jewelry, dog sweaters, and books, to household items, plants, and much more! I found it helpful to walk around to all the stalls before I decided to buy anything because there were so many choices and prices that varied from one vendor to another. Young people love shopping here because they can find good merchandise at lower prices than at the retail stores.

Although the Summer Night Market has bargains galore, it's common to haggle prices down further with the vendor. This is customary in Asian countries as you rarely pay the asking price. But be careful not to go too far as to insult the vendor. There is a fine line in how far to haggle. Most vendors at the night market accept CASH ONLY, so don't forget to visit the bank before you come.

In the sea of people, it's easy to get separated from those you came with, so make sure you hold on to or keep a close eye on your children, friends, or partner! It might be wise to have a designated meeting spot in case you or others get separated from the group!

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Summer Night Market is a place where young and mature can enjoy the festive atmosphere, delicious food, bargain prices, and live cultural entertainment. The market is a great example of how different cultures can come together and enrich each others lives.

ADVENTURE TIPS

• Admission to the night market is free, but bring cash. Nearly all vendors at the night market only accept cash. There are a few ATM machines available on site but they usually have long lineups.
• Watch where you park! With up to 30,000 people showing up at the same area, you can imagine the parking challenges. Do not be tempted to park in illegal zones. I saw many cars being towed while we were visiting.
• Visit a washroom before you go to the night market. Portable toilets are available on site, but again, long lineups are the norm.
• The Summer Night Market operates from late May to early October.
  Hours are 7:00 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (12:00 am prior to holiday Monday) on Sundays, and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm holiday Mondays (such as Labour Day)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Summer Night Market
Lions Communications Inc.
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC, V6V 1J7
Tel: 604-278-8000, Fax: 604-909-2642
www.summernightmarket.com

+ Part 1: VANCOUVER GUN CLUB
+ Part 2: RICHMOND GO-KART TRACK
+ Part 3: SUMMER NIGHT MARKET

+ Download PDF One-sheet
+ Summer Night Market