The 626 Night Market attempts to re-create the street food experience of the Far East right here in the San Gabriel Valley, attracting huge crowds (and long lines) to patronize around 150 food booths, food trucks and other vendors. Newly located at Santa Anita Park, the 626 Night Market is free (although parking at Santa Anita is $7 after 10 p.m.). We found street parking nearby.
Inside, lines were long at some of the more popular food vendors, but we managed to get some tasty musubi (although strangely, no spam) at the Mama's Musubi booth after waiting for about 15 minutes. We also hit another booth for Japanese-style chicken skewers, and two different spots for boba. The food was all very reasonably priced too.
Santa Anita is a fine place for the event -- plenty of room, plus a playground for the kids. But... every once in a while, you'd catch a whiff of horse manure. Not pleasant at any time, but especially not pleasant while looking for food. (Don't worry, it wasn't overpowering or frequent.)
What is "Gangnam Style" food? Not clear. But points to this booth for blatantly trying to cash in on the Gangnam craze. I imagine last year it was the "Lady Gaga Food" booth.
Yes, "Gangnam Style" is everywhere.
Blogger Toddler 2.0 enjoys a Boba Milk Tea. More crowd and food booth shots:
Some background on the market:
The 626, aka the San Gabriel Valley, is home to a slew of wonderful Asian restaurants, businesses, and communities. Many 626 inhabitants grew up frequenting night markets in Asia and often reminisce about the sights, sounds, and tastes found at night markets. The only thing missing from the 626 is an Asian night market.
The goal of the 626 Night Market is to recreate the Asian night market experience in Los Angeles while providing a platform for local, small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive through exposure and participation in an event created for the surrounding communities.
Keep an eye peeled for the next 626 Night Market!
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