YouTube This Week - Behind the Booth with Cloris Creates
Are you a proud pet parent who loves flaunting your furry friend's adorable face everywhere you go? If so, we have some delightful news to share! Our newest video spotlights an incredible vendor who has captured the essence of over 1000 different pets in unique keychains and stickers. Prepare to be amazed as we explore the world of adorable and customizable pet memorabilia that is sure to melt your heart.
In our newest installment of Behind the Booth, we get to meet Cloris, the artist and owner of Cloris Creates. Her inspiration for creating so many different exotic pet keychains and stickers comes from her passion of wanting to be able to represent all types of pets. Being an owner of a White Husky she struggled to find White Husky merchandise to show off her love of her furry companion. Her goal is to represent as many pets as she can, especially the more exotic pets because they don’t get a lot of representation. Now, she has keychains representing over one thousand different pets!
Cloris hints at the struggles beginning her small business during the pandemic. It is inspiring to see so much growth and success from her through the journey she embarked on during uncertain times! We are proud to be a platform that supports many creators and entrepreneurs with their dreams and are always looking forward to hearing more success stories like Cloris’.
Visit Cloris Creates and many more of our amazing vendors this upcoming weekend July 28-30, 2023 in Pleasanton, CA for our last Bay Area 626 Night Market! Click HERE to register for tickets.
The Milk Tea Company Opens First Location in 626
The Milk Tea Company started out as a vendor at our 626 Night Market events in Arcadia and Costa Mesa. After coming back for multiple seasons, they have finally opened a storefront in 626! They just opened in February 2021 in Rosemead, CA.
The Milk Tea Company started out as a vendor at our 626 Night Market events in Arcadia and Costa Mesa. After coming back for multiple seasons, they have finally opened a storefront in 626! They just opened in February 2021 in Rosemead, CA (9711 Valley Blvd, Ste A, Rosemead, CA 91770).
The Milk Tea Company’s booth at 626 Night Market | Image by @themilkteaco
At their new location, they have included their popular Hong Kong Style Milk Tea and Royal Milk Tea on their menu. Besides teas, they also have a selection of coffee and milk-based drinks. Have you ever had curry flavored popcorn chicken? What about 13 spice? You can try those flavors and more at The Milk Tea Company since they also offer popcorn chicken to snack on!
Royal Milk Tea and 13 Spice Popcorn Chicken | Image by @akinnaeats
Rosemead storefront | Image by @themilkteaco
Find their whole menu here and pay them a visit soon! Do not forget to tag @themilkteaco and @626nightmarket in your pictures, we want to see what you try!
Win Some Treats From Our Halloween Contests!
Trick-or-treating looks a little different this year, but we want to spice it up a little with some Halloween festivities! If you haven’t see on our Instagram already, 626 Night Market is hosting not just one, but three different Halloween Contests!
Trick-or-treating looks a little different this year, but we want to spice it up a little with some Halloween festivities! If you haven’t see on our Instagram already, 626 Night Market is hosting not just one, but three different Halloween Contests! We extended the deadline so you have until Sunday, November 1st at 11:59PM PST to enter. Keep scrolling to read more…
COSTUME CONTEST
Show us your best Halloween costumes! Bonus points if they’re night market inspired!
You may be staying in this Halloween, but you can still dress up. Whether you’re making or buying your costume, don’t forget to tag us! You never know, your wicked costume could win some goodies from My Bunny Valentine, Neoclassics Clothing, Fancy Flavors, The Beaute Maison, and Panty Cat.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Show us your creative pumpkin carving designs!
Pumpkin carving is a classic Halloween activity. If you haven’t tried it before, now’s the time! You could even make some delicious pumpkin recipes afterwards. You could win some goodies from Cali Vibes Candle Co., Crescendo Ice Cream, Drunken Cake Pops, Paper Sutekka Kawaii Shop, and Pattra’s Home.
Decoration Contest
Show us your spooky Halloween decorations!
The best way to get in the Halloween spirit is to decorate your home with some spooky decorations. Show us your yard decorations, DIY Halloween crafts, or even some Halloween treats! Your decorations could win some goodies from BoBaPOP Tea Bar LA, Kinda Fit Kinda Fat, LOKISA, Scoops On Tap, and TuChelada.
HOW TO ENTER
Post a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #626NMHalloween to enter! Make sure you are following the respective accounts for the contest you are entering. You can enter one or all of them!
COSTUME CONTEST
@626nightmarket_bayarea, @mybunnyvalentine, @neoclassics, @officialfancyflavors, @thebeautemaison, @victoria_llama
PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
@626nightmarket_oc, @calivibescandleco, @crescendoicecream, @drunkencakepops, @papersutekka, @pattrashome
DECORATION CONTEST
No Yeast? No Problem!
Can’t find any yeast at the grocery store? All you need is flour, water, and a container to start making your own yeast at home! Although you are technically making sourdough starter (yeast mainly used for sourdough), you can still use it in other recipes to make them rise and add a unique (that sourdough-like) taste!
Photo from @gfjules.
Can’t find any yeast at the grocery store?
All you need is flour, water, and a container to start making your own yeast at home! Although you are technically making sourdough starter (yeast mainly used for sourdough), you can still use it in other recipes to make them rise and add a unique (sourdough-like) taste! I would say that is still better than dense bread or pastries with no yeast at all.
Here’s a simple guide on how to create your own starter!
Materials
Flour (unbleached)
Water (filtered or distilled)
Glass or plastic container (mason jar)
Instructions
1. Add flour and water
Take your container and add in equal parts flour and water by weight. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, that’s roughly 3 parts flour to 2 parts water. Don’t forget to use filtered or distilled water since the chlorine in tap water can prevent the yeast from growing. Any sort of flour will work as long as it is unbleached. If this is your first time, all-purpose flour is usually the easiest to use.
2. Mix it together until smooth. Cover loosely with a lid and let it sit.
Depending on the temperature of your home, you may need to create a warmer environment for your yeast. You can either place it in a warm spot of your home (for me it’s on the windowsill when it’s daylight but not in direct sunlight) or in the oven with just the light on.
3. Mix
Within the first 24 hours mix 2 to 3 times.
4. Feed
After 24 hours, it is time to add more! Every time you feed your starter, you are helping it grow and create more activity (a.k.a. the bubbles you see in yeast). You will need to discard half of your current mixture before you add more. If you don’t do this at each feeding you will eventually find yourself with way too much starter. Don’t worry! There are plenty of recipes online to use your discard. Add in the same amount you added in step 1, equal amounts of flour and water by weight or roughly 3 parts flour and 2 parts water. Give it a good mix, cover it loosely, and let it sit in a warm spot again.
5. Repeat
Keep discarding and feeding your yeast once a day until you finally see bubbles forming. But even when you see the first signs of bubbles, your starter is most likely not strong enough to use yet. I would recommend giving it a couple more days to create a stronger starter. This whole process should take about a week.
USAGE
It is best to use your starter when it is at its peak. Its peak would be after you feed it and it starts expanding and creating bubbles. Use it before the activity slows and it starts deflating again. When you use it in recipes other than sourdough, you will usually substitute 1 cup of starter for 1 packet of yeast. Sometimes it varies depending on your recipe, but through trial and error you will get more familiar with your yeast and know how much to use in recipes. You will also need to subtract some water and flour from the original recipe since your starter itself contains water and flour. How much you need to subtract depends on how much starter you are using in the recipe.
Tip: Use a rubber band to mark how much your starter has risen!
Time to feed it!
Rising
At its peak!
Time to feed it!
More bubbles = more activity
Storage
You can keep feeding and using it every day if you are a frequent baker. If you do not bake as much, you can keep it in the refrigerator and only need to feed it once a week. All you have to do is feed it, close the lid, and put it in the fridge. When you want to use it, take it out, stir it, and place it in a warm spot for it to start up again. Depending on how many days it was in the fridge, you will most likely need to feed it once or a couple times when it gets back to room temperature and wait for it to bubble before using it.
conclusion
Congratulations! You have created a starter that you can use when you bake! It is ok if you do not want to make sourdough. I have used it to make normal bread and cookies myself. But you know how sourdough is kind of sour? Your baked goods might have that slight sourness too. For some recipes I could taste the “sourness” but for some recipes it did not affect the taste. You can keep using this starter again and again, replenishing it each time you feed it. If you want to know more about yeast and sourdough starter, there is plenty of information online!
Top 6 Vendors Offering Takeout or Delivery in 626 and LA
Looking for some delicious takeout or delivery options? We’ve done the research and put together some of our favorites so you don’t have to! Here are a few of our picks for those in 626 and LA:
Looking for some delicious takeout or delivery options? We’ve done the research and put together some of our favorites so you don’t have to! Here are a few of our picks for those in 626 and LA:
LOBSTERDAMUS
Images via @justinquebral.
If you haven’t had Lobsterdamus at the 626 Night Market, did you really go? If you have ever walked past their booth at our events you know how crazy their line gets! Lucky for you, they’re open for curbside pick-up every Thursday to Sunday. You can order some mouth-watering Lobster with just a few clicks and then wait in the comfort of your car! Besides Lobster, they’ve got their Garlic Noodz, Lobster Truffle Fries, and some new Filipino additions as well. Don’t forget to pre-order!
Follow them on Instagram for updates and find their full menu on their website.
PARAISO JUICE BAR & GRILL
Images via @paraisojuicebar.
Mexican Food with a Twist. You can’t go wrong with Paraiso! Besides offering Burritos, Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos, and more…they have a section of their menu devoted to Hot Cheetos! If you are a Hot Cheetos fan, you have to try their Hot Cheeto Burrito, Taco, Mulita, or Fries. They also have a wide range of drinks, from Aguas Frescas to Raspados, to accompany your meal. Call in your order or walk-in for takeout! They also have free delivery within a 5 mile radius of their store in La Mirada.
Follow their Instagram for updates and go to their website for the menu.
ENSAYMADA PROJECT
Images via @ensaymadaproject.
Ensaymadas are a traditional Filipino sweet brioche. They are handcrafted by hand and use an artisanal recipe. Ensaymada Project’s mission is to bring the traditional Filipino Ensaymada to people worldwide while also creating new flavors. People easily buy these by the dozen! The Classic Cheese and Ube flavors are some of their most popular flavors, but honestly they’re all a hit and will be devoured in no time! They are currently available for pick up or shipping within USA and Canada!
Follow their Instagram and check their website for rotating flavors.
MAIN CHICK
Images via @eatmainchick and @lafoodiegirl.
Main Chick Hot Chicken serves Nashville style fried chicken with spices ranging from mild to some of the hottest peppers in the world. You can chose from their different combos that feature their sandwiches, tenders, fries, and house sauce. They are currently in West LA and plan to open a brick and mortar in Pasadena in the future. You can order online for pick up or delivery now!
Follow their Instagram and visit their website to view hours and ordering options.
BELLY BOMBZ
Images via @bellybombz.
Belly Bombz has been voted “Best Wing Restaurant” at the Santa Anita Craft Beer and Wing Festival and “Best Burger Restaurant” at the Burger & Brewfest in the past. What more can I say? This gourmet food truck has delicious wings, burgers, and fries to satisfy any craving! They are currently taking orders in Whittier and Artesia and selling gift cards too.
Visit their Instagram and website for the menu and ordering options.
CHICK N' SKIN
Images via @unlokt_la and @chicknskin.
First launched at the 626 Night Market in 2017, Chick N’ Skin sells tasty fried chicken skins. They deep fry and then season them with one of their six flavors: Original, Thai Chili Lime, Salt & Vinegar, Buffalo Wing, Chinese Salt & Pepper, and BBQ Bacon. You can eat them straight out of the bag or make your own creation. They taste great in burritos, nachos, and even salads! Better yet, Chicken N’ Skin ships anywhere in the US!
Follow them on Instagram and order from their website.
Check out the full list of 626 Night Market vendors still operating here.
Top 6 Vendors Offering Takeout or Delivery in the Bay Area
Craving some food from your favorite 626 Night Market vendors? Don’t worry, we gotchu! Check our website to see which vendors are open for takeout or delivery. Here are a few of our picks for those in the Bay Area:
Craving some food from your favorite 626 Night Market vendors? Don’t worry, we gotchu! Check our website to see which vendors are open for takeout or delivery. Here are a few of our picks for those in the Bay Area:
BOMBZIES BBQ
Images via Bombzies BBQ.
Bombzies BBQ is a food truck that specializes in Asian BBQ Bowls. From Teriyaki BBQ to Korean BBQ and even Thai Coconut Curry BBQ, you will definitely find something to satisfy your cravings. But don’t forget about their sides! Just thinking about their Kimchi Queso Fries, Crab Rangoons, and Crispy Chicken Potstickers makes my mouth water. They even do catering, so don’t forget them when you’re planning your next event or meeting.
Follow them on Instagram to see their schedule and specials and find their full menu on their website.
U DESSERT STORY
Images via @udessertstory.
Everyone loves a good instagrammable dessert and U Dessert Story has that and more! Their Bingsoo sounds amazing as the weather starts to warm up while their Crepe Cake is just the perfect way to end any meal. They also have so many drink options to choose from, you will have trouble deciding! Depending on which location you are at, they even have brunch options. Are you in the mood for some Mochi Waffles? How about some Loco Moco or Benedict? With three locations in the Bay Area, find your closest one or send a gift card to your loved ones!
Follow their Instagram for updates and go to their website to see their locations and menus. Gift cards available for purchase as well.
BUNSO BREADS
Images via @bunsobreads.
Talk about ube heaven! Bunso Breads is a Filipino bakery in the Tri-Valley area known for their bestselling Ensaymada Balls, a traditional Filipino sweet brioche. But they are always baking up something new in their kitchens. From Ube Flan Cupcakes to Ube Mochi Balls, they even just launched their Ube Quezo Rolls! Their menu items get sold out quick, so follow their social media if you want to snag yourself some ube goodness!
Follow their Instagram to stay updated when the next online ordering starts and view the items currently available on their website.
FANCY FLAVORS
Images via @officialfancyflavors.
Fancy Flavors specializes in French Macarons. Their Macarons are so beautiful and come in a variety of flavors. Occasionally they will post some limited items such as Choux Buns, Fruit Tarts, or Chocolate Covered Strawberries and they also accept custom orders! They are perfect for any occasion and available for nationwide shipping.
Follow their Instagram to see their new flavors and visit their website to place a pre-order.
I LOVE BRULEE
Images via @ilovebrulee.
If you are a Crème Brûlée lover you have to try I Love Brulee! Their Crème Brûlées come in the perfect size for you to snack on without getting full, so you can try their other flavors. Order them by the dozen and mix and match your favorite flavors!
Email ilovebrulee12@gmail.com to place an order and follow their Instagram to stay updated on seasonal flavors.
GONG CHA
Images via @betweenballoons and @gongchausa.
Gong Cha is known for serving quality bubble tea and has locations all throughout California. They have so many drink options to choose from, you can try a new flavor every time you go! They even sell Mochi Waffles and they launched their Crème Brûlée Mochi Waffle last month. Make sure to contact your closest Gong Cha for their store hours before heading in.
Follow them on Instagram or visit their website for their menu and locations.
Check out the full list of 626 Night Market vendors still operating here.
Top 6 Vendors Offering Takeout or Delivery in Orange County
Missing our 626 Night Market events? The next time you hear your stomach growl with hunger while sheltering at home, you can order takeout or delivery from one of your favorite vendors! Here are a few of our picks for those in the OC:
Missing our 626 Night Market events? The next time you hear your stomach growl with hunger while sheltering at home, you can order takeout or delivery from one of your favorite vendors! Here are a few of our picks for those in the OC:
Bred's Nashville Hot Chicken
Images via Bred Hot Chicken on Facebook.
Nashville-style Hot Chicken was a huge trend in food last year and vendor Bred's Nashville Hot Chicken was an instant hit with attendees. This Southern fried chicken is finished with a spicy sauce made with a generous amount of cayenne. Batter up and order the Supreme Chicken sandwich with vinaigrette slaw, pickles and Comeback sauce on a brioche bun. Choose your heat level from Wimpy, Mild, Medium, Spicy Dare and Double Dare. Add an entree of Chick N Waffles or a side of Millionaire Mac N Cheese.
Follow them on Instagram to see their schedule in Cypress, Diamond Bar, Irvine and Anaheim and order online.
Cafe 949
Images via @mrkevinknows and @cafe949.
We’ve all drooled over the Instagram photos of whole grilled lobster on a bed of garlicky noodles or watched the crew over at Cafe 949 grill their lobsters while preparing orders at our events. You can still get their iconic Grilled Lobster Garlic Noodles and Vietnamese Coffee as well as live lobster.
Call or text order to (949) 264-3519. Free delivery within 10 miles of Anaheim.
MICOO
Images via MICOO.
MICOO is a new vendor who is set to debut at our events in 2020. Raised by immigrant parents (her mom from South Korea and her dad from India), the founder created a mochi ice cream brand that is a dichotomy of religion, culture, and cuisine. They offer artisanal ice cream flavors that are nostalgic and innovative such as Mexican Hot Chocolate, Strawberry Mascarpone, Mango Lassi, Matcha Rose (vegan) and Almond Orange Blossom (vegan).
Order pints online for contactless delivery in OC and LA every Monday.
Norigami Tacos
Images via @aleeexlovesfood and @norigamitacos.
The name is derived from “nori,” meaning “seaweed,” and “origami,” meaning “folding art.” Their sushi tacos are truly works of art, created one night as a drunken experiment when the chef dipped a sheet of nori into tempura batter and dropped it into the fryer. Sushi rice, krab mix, and sushi fillings were added and TA-DAH! Norigami Tacos was born! You can now eat their delicious and crunchy sushi tacos at home with the purchase of a Sushi Taco Kit. They also recently introduced new item Karekatsu: Japanese curry with crispy tonkatsu fried meat (or veggie). Musubis and Poke Bowls are also available.
DM them via Instagram or Facebook to order for their pop-up delivery service to OC.
Seoul Street
Images via @eatwithkim and @crazyfoodiequeen.
Seoul Street is the OG Bulgogi Fries vendor. You’re missing out if you haven’t tried this popular Night Market item with fries, cheese, egg, their homemade Korean slaw, white garlic sauce and green onions. They also offer a wide variety of traditional and fusion Korean cuisine such as Kimchi Fried Rice, BBQ Bulgogi Burger, Bento Boxes and Bulgogi Tacos.
Call (949) 966-1449 for pickup in Irvine. Delivery available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates and Grubhub.
The Donut Makers
Images via @capricorncow and @letsdodessert.
The Donut Makers came to fame when their Croncha, a hybrid French croissant and Mexican concha, made the news on Foodbeast. Soon after, photos of their colorful donuts and pastries were in every foodie’s Instagram feed and they were a vendor at last year’s OC Night Market event. See their full menu here.
Their Garden Grove store is still open from 6AM-12PM for pickup.
Check out the full list of 626 Night Market vendors still operating here.
Written by Holly Nguyen (@tableflipemoji), PR & Marketing Manager at 626 Night Market.
Apply for the 2020 Entrepreneurship Fund Today!
Do you have an idea for the next big foodie trend? Have you always wanted to be your own boss and run your own business? Well, here’s your chance!
Apply now for 626 Night Market’s Entrepreneurship Fund. Pitch us your best new food concepts and you may become a new vendor at one of our 2020 summer events!
We are looking for the freshest and most innovative new food vendors!
Do you have an idea for the next big foodie trend? Have you always wanted to be your own boss and run your own business? Well, here’s your chance!
626 Night Market aims to unite and empower the community by serving as a platform for showcasing local talent including chefs, entrepreneurs, and artists. We have created the Entrepreneurship Fund to help aspiring entrepreneurs kickstart their business. We have had multiple vendors start off at our events and have gone on to opening their own food trucks or brick and mortars. Pitch us your best new food concepts and apply now for 626 Night Market’s Entrepreneurship Fund and you may become a new vendor at one of our 2020 summer events!
Winners will receive a free booth space at an upcoming event to startup their new company. The 626 Night Market brings out hundreds of thousands of people every summer and will be the ultimate testing ground for your new concept. Join our most popular vendors as you get a chance to sell, receive feedback, and gain exposure to up to 100,000 attendees in just one weekend! Not only that, winners will be featured on our social media accounts as well. We are looking for the freshest and most innovative new food vendors, so start brainstorming and get started on reaching your dream today. Your new business won’t start itself!
Need some ideas to kickstart your application? Take a look at our Top 8 Wish List post!
Share with your entrepreneur family & friends! Apply for the Entrepreneurship Fund below.
The Donut King Premieres at SXSW
As an executive producer on the film, we chose to help produce this film because the story of The Donut King resonates with us. It’s a story of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption. It's the rags to riches story of Ted Ngoy, a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975 and building an unlikely multi-million dollar empire baking America’s favorite pastry, the donut.
Photo by @thedonutkingfilm
626 Night Market is proud to present the documentary film The Donut King! As an executive producer on the film, we chose to help produce this film because the story of The Donut King resonates with us. Many Asian Americans in our community came from humble beginnings and have immigrant parents who started small businesses in the food industry like donut shops to support their families. It’s a story of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption.
The American Dream. A phrase used to describe many things. It could represent money and success for some or getting an education for others. The American Dream is different for everyone and it has evolved throughout the years, but we’ve all come to know it as an opportunity to better life in some way. People always think of the American Dream when they picture a new life in the United States. They dream of success and happiness, and who can blame them. The many rags to riches stories of immigrants power this opportunity and dream. Ted Ngoy is one of those stories.
Photo by @thedonutkingfilm
Originally from Cambodia, Ngoy came to America as a refugee in 1975. Having to create a new life for him and his family, he found this opportunity in a rather surprising form, donuts! Taking what he had and running with it, Ngoy was able to build a multi-million dollar empire with his chain of donut stores. Along the way he also helped and provided opportunities for other refugees by employing them and helping them start their lives in America. But despite establishing such a successful donut empire, he went through more ups and downs throughout his life.
The Donut King, directed by Alice Gu, is a documentary about Ted Ngoy. Not only is this documentary Gu’s feature-length directorial debut, but The Donut King will also be having its worldwide premiere at SXSW 2020. Show your support for this great American story by downloading the SXSW app and marking The Donut King as your favorite!
South by Southwest is an annual event lasting 10 days in Austin, Texas. It is full of unparalleled discovery, learning, and networking opportunities with creatives across tech, film, and music industries. Having a film selected for the festival is a great achievement. SXSW typically selects a little more than 250 projects for their program. This year, a total of 8,362 films submitted making that a less than 4% selection rate! Congrats to The Donut King and don’t forget to support them at SXSW and their future screenings and premieres!
626 Night Market Top 8 Wish List of 2020
The 626 Night Market may have over 250 food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions, but we’re always looking for more unique vendors to join us. As foodies ourselves, we narrowed our list down to 8 food items we found and can’t wait for someone to sell at our events!
The 626 Night Market may have over 250 food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions, but we’re always looking for more unique vendors to join us. As foodies ourselves, we narrowed our list down to 8 food items we found and can’t wait for someone to sell at our events!
1. VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD
Everyone is trying to eat healthier nowadays and more people are switching over to a vegan or vegetarian diet. Finding more vegan and vegetarian vendors is on the top of our list! Our attendees are always asking us for vegan and vegetarian recommendations, but we’re looking for more to add to our directory. With companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, the possibilities are endless!
Just in the past year, KFC launched Beyond Fried Chicken and Carl’s Jr. launched the Beyond Famous Star with cheese.
More companies are joining in as they use Impossible meat in their burgers, tacos, and even dim sum! What can you create for our events? We’re excited to see the possibilities!
2. MOCHI DONUTS (or anything else mochi)
If you don’t know what mochi donuts are yet, are you even a foodie?! They’re cute, they’re chewy, and they’re oh so delicious! Think of an American donut combined with Japanese mochi, traditional rice cake made from sweet glutinous rice flour, add some glaze and toppings, and BAM you’ve got yourself an instagrammable treat!
Photo by @thedoughclub
Photo by @alimama.nyc
Besides mochi donuts, we’re also craving mochi bread and daifuku, mochi stuffed with sweet filling. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with mochi.
Photo by @iris.nihao
Photo by @travellinfoodie
3. PURPLE RICE YOGURT DRINKS
I don’t know if you’ve heard of it yet, but there’s a new trend growing! Shops selling purple rice yogurt drinks are popping up in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, but it hasn’t caught on in the USA…yet. What are in these drinks you may ask? The signature drink consists of purple rice, yogurt, and milk. Stores like HEY! I AM YOGOST have lots of variations on their menu including Oats Cereal Yogurt, Straws and Berries, Rice Mango Romance, Mysterious Asian Red Date, and even Durian Delight! Can you believe there’s more combinations on their menu? Will you be the first one to brings these to the 626 Night Market?
4. YAKITORI
We’re looking for more than just beef and lamb skewers are our events. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal, is simple and delicious! Each skewer is big enough for you to get a taste of the meat but small enough for you to taste everything else on the menu. Places like HATCH Yakitori + Bar have a wide selection to choose from including chicken breast, thigh, wing, gizzard, liver, and heart. Although traditionally just chicken, HATCH has expanded from just serving chicken yakitori and even have quail egg, shishito pepper, eggplant and miso, seared ahi belly, unagi, and more on their menu.
5. MALAYSIAN FOOD
If you haven’t been to Malaysia, you’re missing out! Malaysian cuisine is so unique (and delicious) because its food is a combination of different ethnic groups, mainly Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Some Malay dishes are also similar to food found in Indonesia and Singapore as well. Our mouths are drooling just thinking of nasi lemak which consists of coconut milk rice, sambal (a spicy sauce), ikan bilis (fried anchovies), cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg. It may also be served with an additional protein like chicken. Some other less known favorites are apam balik (a fluffy pancake usually with peanuts and cream corn filling, can be made crispy too), roti tisu (thin pan-fried dough drizzled with condensed milk and sugar on the inside and served in a cone shape, can be eaten by dipping pieces into curry), char kway teow (a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish), and many more!
6. BURMESE FOOD
Burmese food may not be the first thing you think about when you’re deciding what to eat for dinner, but it is a must-try! Have you ever tried laphet thoke (burmese pickled tea leaf salad) or mohinga (fish-based soup with rice noodles)? Don’t forget to try some Burmese curry with platha as well! Burmese cuisine comes from Myanmar and is inspired by surrounding countries such as China, India, and Thailand. The different regions in Myanmar also contribute to the rich taste that Burmese food has become.
7. CARBS
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love carbs?! When we say carbs, we really mean two things, pastries and everything else!
Pastries might sound basic and generic, but there’s a whole lot going on that you may not know about in the pastry world. Think outside the box! We searched around and found some pastries we want to try like cream puffs (did you know you can get ube and boba in them now?!), knafeh (a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, soaked in syrup, and layered with other ingredients), and egg tarts (pastry crust filled with egg custard). Can you believe no one has sold egg tarts at the 626 Night Market yet? You could be the first!
When someone says the word carbs, two things come to mind…Porto’s and dim sum! If you haven’t heard of Porto’s yet, they are a Cuban bakery and cafe founded by a Cuban family. They only have locations is SoCal so far, so make sure to try some on your next trip to SoCal! We love everything on their menu and so does everyone else, people literally leave Porto’s with multiple boxes of food!
Dim sum has been revolutionized by modern restaurants like Harumama and Yum Cha. What’s really changed the most are the buns. Whoever had the idea of making the buns into different colors and shapes must have been a foodie, they’re so cute and colorful now! Could you imagine going to the 626 Night Market and getting some dim sum? That’s a dream come true!
8. CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Many foods are making a comeback and charcuterie boards are one of them. They are usually filled with cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and more depending on how extravagant you want to get. Besides your traditional charcuterie board, we’ve also been seeing a new development…unconventional charcuterie boards! People have gotten so creative and just started laying a bunch of different foods on boards, thus creating the unconventional charcuterie board trend. There’s breakfast inspired boards, dessert inspired boards, and everything in between!
Well, we’ve laid down 8 different, but foodie-approved, ideas for you. If you’re up to the challenge and have a new food concept that hasn’t been seen before at the 626 Night Market, you’ve still got a couple months until our first event! That’s enough time to polish up your game plan for our 2020 season. Don’t forget to fill out the vendor inquiry form if you want to be a part of our events, the sooner the better! Will you be the next trend-setter at the 626 Night Market?
Exclusive Interview with the Cast of New Food and Travel Series 'Family Style'
Last year, YOMYOMF reached out to us to film their new food and travel series Family Style at our 626 Night Market event in Arcadia. We talked to 3 of the cast about night markets, new food discoveries and the importance of food in Asian culture in an exclusive interview!
Anthony Ma in Family Style eating giant fried squid at 626 Night Market
Last year, the YouTube channel based on pop culture blog, "You Offend Me, You Offend My Family" YOMYOMF reached out to us to film their new food and travel series Family Style at our 626 Night Market event in Arcadia. They wanted to feature us alongside night markets in Taiwan in their episode about night markets. And of course we were on board with this!
The series follows the “Foodie Fam” — 8 friends bound together by their knowledge and love for culture, cuisine and sharing family moments around the table — as they travel around the world with their famous friends (Harry Shum Jr., Ki Hong Lee, Daniel Dae Kim, and many more) to Vietnam, China, the Philippines as well as Hawaii and Los Angeles to explore all sorts of cuisine and the tradition behind it.
We talked to 3 of the Foodie Fam about night markets, new food discoveries and the importance of food in Asian culture in an exclusive interview below!
Stacy Fan (contributing Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, China and founder of the “Eurasian Vogue” blog)
Anthony Ma (Taiwanese-American actor/writer/filmmaker; “Dear White People,” “NCIS: Los Angeles”)
Amanda Suk (“The Runaways”)
Have you ever visited night markets outside the US? If so, how did the night markets there compare to 626 Night Market in California?
Fan: I’ve visited night markets in Taiwan. I think the biggest difference is the variety of fusion options that they have at the 626 Night Market, but I think it’s great. It’s respectfully embracing different cultures and at the same time encourages people that visit to try different kinds of foods that they might not have had a chance to experience otherwise!
Ma: Yes, I have! Ever since I was a kid I've visited Taiwan every year and have gone to their night markets. I can't say that I've been to all of them (there's way too many to visit) but I often visit the ones in Taipei, Zhongli and Kaoshiung. The first thing that comes to mind as far as comparisons to the night markets out here are of course the prices, it is MUCH more affordable in Taiwan than it is in the states, I could eat at 8-10 different delicious food stands with $10 where in the states that's probably the price at one stand. The night markets out there also run EVERY night, where in the states it's seasonally held. But one thing I do find very special about the night markets in the US is how it's built a community of passionate and innovative food trendsetters from all walks of life, not only Asians. This gives us a place where we can eat Lobster pasta or a sushi burrito while sipping on some boba milk tea, you can only get that experience in the melting pot culture of America.
Suk: I’ve never been to any night market so 626 was my first experience!
What was your favorite food at 626 Night Market?
Fan: I had this amazing Sweet Kloud: Cotton Candy Burrito with ice cream at the 626 Night Market, something I’d never had before, but loved, so inventive!
Ma: Definitely the giant fried squid that was way bigger than my head.
Suk: I feel like there is so much I still have yet to try at 626 but I really loved Lobsterdamus because I don’t normally eat lobster or crab but their lobster nest totally changed my mind.
Were you ever corrected on the way you've been eating a certain food, maybe one from your own culture?
Fan: One of my fondest memories of Taiwan was actually at a night market. I had been standing in line at this very popular noodle soup stand, and the woman who owned the stand was behind cooking and serving the food. The line went on forever and it was a hot night. She was sweating but smiling the entire time. Her energy was incredible. When it was my turn, I ordered my noodle soup, thanked her and sat down to eat it. She actually followed me over to where I was sitting and physically showed me how to drink the soup and eat the noodles to get the best of the flavors. She did it in the kindest way, almost like a mother showing their child. She was very proud of her food (and rightly so, it was so good..!) and wanted to make sure I got the full experience. It was a really touching moment for me. She was so busy and so hot, but it meant so much to her that I eat the food properly. That moment for me really epitomized just how important food is in the Asian / Taiwanese culture and the spirit, passion and pride behind it.
Ma: I'm still bad at holding chopsticks...every time I have a meal with my father, he's always gotta complain about the way I hold them. As far as foods though, I remember when I was very young I used to eat a xiaolongbao in one single bite and it burned the hell outta my tongue! My mother then taught me to use a spoon, then take a tiny bite of the skin, pour out the soup that's inside into the spoon then take that one single bite, after that you have some nice warm soup to sip from your spoon. No more burnt tongues after learning that trick. Thanks mom!
Suk: I don’t think I’ve ever been “corrected” on the way I eat something but I did get teased for not liking kimchi as a kid. Like “how can you be Korean and not like kimchi?!” But when I got older, I think around my college years, my taste buds change and I love all kinds of kimchi now.
Did you discover any favorite eats other than foods that are seen as mainstream Asian food like sushi, dim sum or boba?
Fan: The night market definitely opened up my eyes to more of the amazing street food in Taiwan. Even things like fried tempura is so different at the night markets. I love the variety.
Ma: Ever since I was a kid I HATED stinky tofu but it wasn't until one of my first experiences at the 626 night market where I ate it after a dare and found that it was OMG delicious. I take pride in stinky tofu being popularized in Taiwan now and will gladly eat it any day.
Suk: I think all the desserts we tried which I know might be slightly general of an answer. But Asians make the most fascinating dessert concoctions.
Why do you think Asians, more than most people, place so much importance on food?
Fan: For Asians, food is so much more than just a meal. It really is the way that we show that we care about our friends and family. One of the first things a parent / someone older or even a friend asks when you go to their house is, “Have you eaten?” Food is about nourishing the body, taking care of those around us, but it’s also a way that we bond. It’s about the time we spend together to enjoy food, family style. Not just a dish per person but a shared experience that we want to enjoy with the people we love.
Ma: Asians highly respect and honor their family, we even feed our dead ancestors fresh food on certain holidays. Food is a way to show love in our culture, instead of saying the actual words "I love you", we ask "Have you eaten yet?" This belief has been passed down from generation to generation and that love is instilled in every dish that we make. Also in America, I believe out of all the industries (entertainment, sports, politics) we are the celebrities of the food industry and we take pride in that and there's no slowing us down. I mean who hasn't eaten Chinese food, sushi or even Korean bbq?
Suk: I think at least for me, my family raised me to not leave a single kernel of rice left in my bowl. I think for many of us, food was an expression of love provided by our parents and not leaving anything left behind on our plates was our way of showing we love them back.
Family Style premiered on May 13 and the episode “Night Markets” is available starting today. Watch it below!
Update 6/25/19: Their 11th episode, “Social Networking,” features the giant bombing squid at our event and is available now:
YOMYOMF is directed by Justin Lin, who is also the director of The Fast and Furious franchise and Better Luck Tomorrow. Family Style is produced by YOMYOMF and Stage 13, the award-winning content studio that is part of Warner Bros. Digital Networks.
626 Night Market x The 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
626 Night Market is a proud community partner of the 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
626 Night Market is a proud community partner of the 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. LAAPFF is a key highlight of the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month activities and one of the ways we aim to unite and empower the community by showcasing the arts.
Presented by Visual Communications, the 34th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will be on MAY 3 - MAY 12, 2018 at select cinemas in the Los Angeles area. LAAPFF is the premiere showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema. The largest festival of its kind in Southern California, LAAPFF is also a proud Academy Award®-qualifying film festival for the Short Film Awards.
Every year we choose a film to co-present. It's usually food-related because we're a food festival and we love food! This year, we chose Jimami Tofu, a film that explores the love between a Singaporean chef and Japanese food critic. Directed by Jason Chan and Christian Lee, it will premiere at LAAPFF on May 9th.
JIMAMI TOFU
Regal L.A. Live - Theatre 13
1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Wednesday, May 9th at 6:30 pm
General admission is $14, seniors and students $13 and VC members $12. Get $2 off festival tickets with promo code 626NM18.
LAAPFF has free programs, but you must click through on the link to their website to reserve a ticket:
Saturday, May 5th at the Japanese American National Museum
- Itsy Bitsy Shorts
- From Vision to Reel: GenerASIANS
Sunday, May 6th
- The Chinese Exclusion Act
Thursday, May 10th at CGV Cinemas in Koreatown
- Singing With Angry Bird
- Science Fair
- China's Forgotten Daughters
- Beyond Our Memories
Friday, May 11th at Griffith Park
- Mulan Sing-a-long Outdoor screening
