The influence of Asian culture in Metro Vancouver shines brightest at the annual summer tradition of the Richmond Night Market. It's a vibrant & busy night market, modeled on those found in Hong Kong or Taiwan.
Vendors sell everything from Asian DVDs to clothing to care products to dollar-store toys. You can enjoy the displays of martial arts & Asian culture, and the quirky contests, but the main draw in our book is the food.
Korean BBQ, Japanese yakitori & takoyaki stands, curried fish balls, Hong Kong dim sum, twisty fried 'Hurricane' potatoes, bubble tea, and fresh fruit stands are crowded together in a jumble of temptation. If someone walks by with something appealing, it's common practice to ask 'Where did you find that?" and make a beeline to get some for yourself.
The food is cheap (6 takoyaki shrimp balls for $5) and oh-so delicious as you walk around choosing your next taste treat.
Our favourites were the takoyaki fish balls, with your choice of shrimp, scallop, octopus or squid filling, and the Sumo Bites rice burgers, filled with sukiyaki beef. A savoury and delicious unique treat, quickly followed up by some fried bananas with coconut ice cream. Yum!
The Richmond Night Market is found in an industrial area in suburban Richmond, south of Vancouver, and runs on weekends - Friday-Sunday from 7 PM to midnight.
Delicious takoyaki - shrimp, scallop, octopus & squid
The famous Hurricane Potato
Korean bulgogi 'fire meat' & spicy BBQ beef
Sumo Bites - unique & delicious
A most tasty sukiyaki beef rice burger
[ttm tip: If attending the Night Market with kids, it's good to get there at opening time to take advantage of smaller line-ups at the food stalls, to feed the hungry young ones.]