Night Markets
- Raquel Gilbreath
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
When the sun sets, the streets come to life with night markets, where vendors sell toys, clothes, and some of the best food you will ever eat! Originating in China, night markets have grown in popularity all around the world. Most people visit night markets to try various foods.
Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan
Shilin Night Market is the most well-known night market in Taiwan and the food court is
held underground. One of the most popular stalls is Jiaxiang Cold Noodles, which serves sour and spicy cold noodles topped with cucumber, and is a must-stop stall, especially on Taiwan's hot and humid nights. The grass tea drink is a well-loved, slightly-minty iced tea sold at Wang’s Herbal Tea Shop. For a sweet treat, stop at one of the many stalls selling shaved ice served with various toppings like sweetened milk, or try a mung bean milkshake, which is mildly sweet and earthy. At over 500 vendors there are plenty of things to explore and a seemingly unlimited number of snacks to try.
626 Night Market in Arcadia, California, USA
626 Night Market is located right outside of Los Angeles. Hosting 250 vendors and stalls, this is the largest night market in the United States. 626 Night Market is unique in
that many local artists will sell their creations or perform their music there. With vendors serving hand-pulled noodles, grilled lobster, birria ramen fusions, and many delicious desserts, there is plenty to try. 626 Night Market is only held for three days at a time, a few times a summer, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Richmond Night Market in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Held on the weekends in summer, the Richmond Night Market the largest night market in Canada. There are 110 food vendors and 110 retail vendors at this night market. To try the viral mozzarella cheese coin, stop by The Bank of Canady stall. By far, the most popular thing to try here is the BBQ squid at the Lao Er BBQ Squid stall. Be sure to look at all the artists selling everything from handmade earrings and press-on nails to amigurumi, which are crocheted stuffed animals.
Pasar Malam Taman Connaught in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pasar Malam means “night market” in Malay, and Pasar Malam Taman Connaught is two kilometers (or one and a quarter miles) long. Although the prices are reasonable, haggling is a common practice at stalls selling souvenirs, trinkets, and kitchenware, so be prepared to try and get a deal. Satay, which is barbequed meat, usually chicken or beef, on skewers and served with a chili sauce, is a must-try at this market! For dessert try the Japanese cheesecake at UCO Pastry Cheese Cake, which has flavors like bamboo charcoal cranberry, pandan cheese, and double chocolate.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Night Market in Marrakech, Morocco
Located in Marrakesh’s old city, Jemma el-Fnaa Night Market is open 16 hours a day, every day of the year, however, it gets especially popular after the sun goes down. There are street performers, hundreds of stalls selling various pottery and spices, and dozens of food stalls. Adventurous eaters should try ghoulal, which is a soup made with snails and a lot of spices, or mixed sheep brain which are stewed with other cuts of meat and served with a tangy sauce. To cool down in the Moroccan heat, try a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
If you are interested in trying local street food, trying your hand at haggling, or just experiencing a fast-paced environment and slightly chaotic atmosphere, night markets are the place to be! If you want to explore the markets before they get busy, there are off-peak times that are less overwhelming.
For more travel inspiration and tips on night markets, visit www.tropicalsunsettravel.com or
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