Charles Koh
EatSeattle’s Charles Koh recently took a trip to the beautiful city of Richmond, BC to compete against food lovin’ people to participate in a Dash and Dine competition! You can look at this as the ‘Amazing Race’ meets food. Teams of two ate and tweeted their way through two Asian Night Markets. The race to a prize of $1,000 involved Speed, agility, and creativity.
With a population that is 65 percent Asian, Richmond’s two Asian night markets bring together an impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisines – to bring you a world of delicious food including mounds of swirly hurricane fries, Japanese takoyaki, skewered marinated beef and lamb, squid pancakes, roasted yams and fresh duck wraps. Sweet treats, from mountains of sweet mango and cream to fresh dragon’s beard candy, are also scooped and spun during the summer months.
Vendors at both night markets bring together some of the hottest and most unique accessories – including jewelry, clothing, and everything you didn’t know you needed – at street-side prices (cheap!). Droves of visitors make their way to the markets every year in search of two things in particular – socks and cell phone covers.
Also, catch some great live music, get your photo taken with a giant duck, then ride a shuttle down the road to take in a Bhangra cultural extravaganza. It’s just one more aspect to the “only-in-Richmond” night market to experience exciting entertainment at both sites. The International Summer Night Market has teamed up with the Vancouver Multicultural Society to highlight the vast cross-section of cultures taking part in the summer celebrations. It’s also hosting a weekly contest to crown the next rising star as a part of its Summer Night Idol contest.
Meanwhile, the Richmond Night Market is getting all its ducks in a row this year.Look for a giant “Moby Duck” mascot that will dominate the skyline, as well as a number of international duck characters. Try the Magical Duck Island adventure board game, which helps to uncover funky finds and tasty delights, for a chance to win a trip anywhere around the globe.
Richmond Night Market
Open: May 17 until October 14, 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m. Sundays and holidays.
Location: 8351 River Road next to Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line.
Cost: Admission is $2 or, buy a transferable Zoom Pass – $10 for 7 tickets or $20 for 15. Seniors and children 10 and under are free. Parking is free.
Get there (by transit): Take the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station and then walk about 200 meters west along River Road to the market.
Get there (by car): Head north on No. 3 Road at Bridgeport Road and follow the signs.
International Summer Night Market
Open: May 10 through September 8, 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m. Saturdays and holidays.
Location: 12631 Vulcan Way just west of the Knight Street Bridge.
Content provided by Tourism Richmond. Read more here.
