Vancouver culture is heavily influenced by East Asian Culture: sushi, bubble tea, and the world-renowned Richmond Night Market. I love the Night Market because, for me, the opening of the Night Market signifies the beginning of summer.
As a kid, I used to beg my mom to take me to the Richmond Night Market because all my friends would go and tell me how fun it was. Every year, my mom said no. Probably for the greater good because it would have been a nightmare to take me there as a child.
I finally got my sister to take me to the Night Market for the first time last year and I was overwhelmed, to say the least. Bright, flashing lights mixed with loud music and more people than I had seen in the last year and a half. At first, I thought, who would enjoy this? It just feels like an anxiety attack bound to happen, not to mention extreme sensory overload. But as I ventured further through the stands, I understood why everyone raved about the market every year.
When I first entered, there was a stage with a singer performing. I didn’t stay to listen for long but there was a seating area if you did want to stay.
I love love love shopping so the Night Market was like heaven to me. There were so many things to buy but sadly not enough money in my bank account to buy everything. Every stall I passed had something I wanted, whether it be socks, a stuffie, or a bag. There was a vendor for nearly anything you could want. They had phone accessories, trinkets, gadgets, and clothes.
As I left the stalls of shops, I entered an even more magnificent place: the food area. It’s no wonder the Night Market is known around the world for its food. Rows, on rows, on rows of food stalls with everything from cotton candy to boba to takoyaki. There were also fusion food stalls selling sushi tacos and Japanese-style poutine. You can also find BBQ shrimp, sushi, ramen, and rolled ice cream! I just found out about the rolled ice cream today; I don’t know if they had it last year but I’m seeking out the ice cream this year. The Night Market was busy but we found seating pretty easily.
http://twitter.com/voyagewriters/status/1157443809233580032
Make sure you have some energy conserved before going to the Night Market. I was exhausted by the end of the night after walking around for hours. I was thankful I made my sister drive so I could sleep on the way home. I hope I can convince her to drive me again this year.
The Richmond Night Market should be on your summer bucket list this year if you’re a foodie or if you like shopping. The Night Market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings starting this Friday, April 29th until October 10th.
Summer! Magic! Rainbow! 🌈
T-minus 10-days until the 2022 Richmond Night Market Grand Opening.
Plan your visit now ➡️ https://t.co/JrIUeP7HxI#RichmondNightMarket pic.twitter.com/AYfrQCvFl4
— Visit Richmond, BC (@VisitRichmondBC) April 20, 2022