Asian night markets inspire copycats in U.S.
NEW YORK — The night air is scented with the fragrances of dozens of cuisines from around the world. Vendors in tiny stalls stir noodles, toss crepes and fill dumplings as lines of hungry customers stretch into the dark.
That was the scene at the Queens Night Market as it opened for the season in New York City. It’s one of a number of sprawling nighttime food markets — inspired by the massive night markets of Asia — that have started popping up around the U.S.
Some of the markets are primarily Asianthemed, others promote food from around the world. The inexpensive, temporary market stalls also offer first-time entrepreneurs an opportunity to hone recipes and business skills without having to lay out the big bucks required for a brick-and-mortar shop or even a food truck.
Lines can be long, as small quantities of food are being made to order on the spot.
The events have a different vibe from laidback farmers markets or retail food halls. Instead, they have an after-dark energy and excitement that seems to pick up as the night goes on. Some charge a few dollars’ admission, but food items typically average $5.
QUEENS, NEW YORK
John Wang spent his childhood summers in Taiwan, his parents’ native land. “Every single night, I wanted to go to the night market there,” he recalled.
Those memories inspired him to start the Queens Night Market. The market kicked off its third season April 22 with 50 food vendors. Some 8,000 people turned out to sample everything from tamales stuffed with fried crickets to Indonesian coconut cakes.
Wang is committed to keeping the market affordable for both visitors and vendors.
“I want this to be the most accessible thing in New York City.”
ATLANTA
The Atlanta International Night Market, held April 21-23 at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, featured vendors selling food from around the world along with a “vegan village” for non-meat eaters. Founder David Lee, who was born in Vietnam and owns a chain of restaurants called Saigon Cafe, sees the market as a “platform” for Atlanta’s diversity.
PHILADELPHIA
Night Market Philadelphia began in 2010 and typically attracts 60 to 80 food vendors and 20,000 attendees. The cuisine ranges from empanadas and Jamaican jerk chicken to Khmer satay. “We try to elevate folks’ food festival standards and offer more interesting fare than corn dogs and pizza,” said Diana Minkus, spokeswoman for The Food Trust, the local organization behind the markets.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Two night markets take place in Southern California. The 626 Night Market in Arcadia, which started in 2012, has 200 vendors, and the OC Night Market in Costa Mesa has 160.
Spokeswoman Holly Nguyen said the markets were inspired by the night markets of Taiwan and the “core” of both markets are “Chinese and Taiwanese vendors.”