Market food and culture a showcase of diversity
It was Tony Xu's first time working his own stand — Kungfu Big Kebab — at this year's Ottawa Chinatown Night Market. Standing over a hot grill, he said simply, “We wanted to bring out Chinese barbecue here and let everyone try it and see how it goes.”
Judging by the reviews of customers, the lamb and beef kebabs — $10 a stick or 3-for-$25 — were a weekend hit.
Yukang Li got one of each and gave them a good review: “Chewy, fresh, juicy and big portions.”
The executive director of Chinatown's BIA said its weekend-long night market is the perfect showcase for all Asian cuisine, Chinese art and cultural shows.
“Ottawa needs this because it showcases the diversity that Canada is proud of,” Li said.
Some 30,000 people hit Somerset Street West across the weekend, and were from all walks of life and cultures. Some stood in line 20 deep for a taste from vendors.
“This is what diversity looks like,” Li said Sunday, the final day of the popular night market.
The weather was perfect — sunny, 23 C with a breeze that never smelled so good. Street pedlars had it all — from deep fried cold noodles to deep fried ice cream to handmade crafts and toys.
Kaiwen Wu, 25, came to sell her handmade wares and had this to say about the importance of the night market: “I think it's a very good opportunity to explore Asian food and culture.”
There was plenty of both.
The night market featured nonstop multicultural performances like the dragon and lion dance, martial arts demonstrations and live music.
Emily Huang spent Sunday serving up kebabs, smiling as she summed up the night market.
“It brings people together because good food makes people happy,” she said.
Another, separate, night market — the Ottawa Asian night market — also took place on the weekend at the Tanger Outlets parking lot in Kanata.