This article discusses 626 Night Market, the best night market option in Los Angeles.
It has been said that the San Gabriel Valley, located east of Los Angeles, has the best Chinese food in the United States. The reason is understandable. You can find dishes from every province of China in the area.
Maybe that is why The Valley was selected to host the country’s largest night market (at least, that is what the organizers claim).
The 626 Night Market takes place monthly, during the summer, each year. The original event was conceived by a businessman born in Taiwan and raised in Southern California. He was interested in bringing the Shilin Night Market (Taipei) experience to Los Angeles.
The inaugural event took place in Old Town Pasadena. Since huge crowds clogged the event, the market was moved to the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
The event has expanded to Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County because of its success.
I have followed this event for quite some time but didn’t have the opportunity to attend until last weekend (on its fourth season).
I attended night markets in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Shanghai. As expected, there are big differences between this market and the ones in Asia. However, I enjoyed the event and found it fascinating.
Let’s take a look at some of the highlights so you can have a better idea of what was on offer.
Table of Contents
The Venue
The night market took place at the historic Santa Anita Park. Now, this “park” is a racetrack that offers prominent racing events during winter and spring.
I didn’t realize I was going to a racetrack until I arrived. In my mind, horses and night markets are a strange combination. However, the massive facilities are ideal to host loads of people.
You can walk and sit around the facilities while the market is taking place. I think it is very cool to have your food with the San Gabriel Mountains as your backdrop. Also, elegant horse motives are everywhere.
626 Night Market: The Food
The venue is beautiful but, let’s be honest, you do not attend a night market to stare at the mountains.
With over 160 food stalls, you can go crazy eating around.
The kings of the market were the skewers.
There were meat, chicken, and pork skewers.
Also, there were more imaginative (or tasty) options. For example, hearts, intestines, and kidneys were abundant.
Chicken butt was there waiting for you too.
We cannot forget about the pig’s feet.
The squid skewers were very popular. Take a look at these ones prepared over the grill. They were left over the fire with a press over them.
Once they were almost ready, the sharp part of the press was used to cut the body sides into fine strips.
Finally, the tender squid was slathered with sauce and served over a plate.
There was a different version of the squid skewer: a fried, giant bomb.
I spotted it for the first time when this guy was taking one piece out of the fryer.
We continued finding stalls selling the giant squids. We ended up buying ours. This one is so big that is held by two thick sticks.
Once you received it, you make a line to use scissors to cut the thing into pieces. You can have it with Thousand Island dressing (which I found odd).
Spiral fries were also served on sticks.
The variety of desserts was varied. A lot of stalls were selling ice cream, yogurt (in a u-shaped cone), popsicles, and gelato.
I liked this stall selling Thai popsicles.
These thin pancakes were filled with ice cream.
And, I couldn’t get enough of the cute ice cream served in a flower pot. Chocolate ice cream was placed in a cup and covered with crumbled chocolate cookies (to simulate the soil). The cup was placed inside a pot and garnished with mint leaves and a colorful gummy worm.
They had churros dipped in all sorts of candy.
And funnel cakes, waffles, macarons, donuts, ice cream sandwiches, and more.
Other stalls were offering poutine, pork buns, spring rolls, squid roe, sushi, fish curry, and hot dogs.
Many stalls were serving lemonade, juice, and tea in mason jars. At night, a cube with a flashing light was added to the drinks.
Delicious takoyaki balls were sold everywhere. I enjoyed watching how they were prepared.
I do not know why but the line to get a ramen burger was insane. Have you heard about these? The hamburger buns are replaced by ramen noodles resembling a disk. I couldn’t take a proper picture. The couple in the next picture is eating them.
A lot of people went after the gyros and shawarma.
Ok, there were more unusual eats around. For example, this stall was selling shark tacos and spicy frog fries.
My husband had a soft shell crab burger.
Others preferred the tea eggs.
What I have presented here is a tiny selection of the food offered. Looking at the pictures others posted on social networks, I was like: “Hey, I didn’t see that” or “How I missed that stall?”
626 Night Market – Other Vendors
I admitted I attended the market because of the food. However, everything wasn’t about the food. There were stalls selling clothes, jewelry, accessories, crafts, and toys.
Kids (and adults) enjoyed games similar to the ones present in fairs.
The Negative
This will not be an honest review if I do not include the negative aspects of the event.
I couldn’t find the number of people who attended the event last Friday. I read that on average, 60,000 people attend the event every month (during the three days). Last weekend, attendance records were broken. Therefore, I can say I shared the market with 20,000 people.
Think about that for a moment. That number is a little bit ridiculous. See all the photos I took? I was able to do it because I arrived around 5:30 (I was pushed and pulled like you have no idea). Once the sun disappeared, it was not possible to walk around the food stall area. I do not want to imagine the disorder, confusion, and wait times to get something to eat.
The parking lot was another mess. Nobody was really directing the traffic or imposing order. I spent about half an hour driving around and not moving at all.
Recommendations
- If you want to eat and try different stalls, you will have to arrive close to the time the event opens. Go late and be prepared for the mess.
- Bring enough cash. There are many ATM machines around but you do not want to pay high banking fees.
- Bring water. The lines to get lemonade and tea were very long. Food trucks were not selling sodas or other beverages. In summary, I felt thirsty and it was a pain to find something to drink (without waiting in line for an hour).
- Arm yourself with patience. You are going to be pushed and elbowed. Some people may try to cut the lines.
- I said skewers were the kings of the market. Well, be careful since people walk around carelessly with the sticks pointing in all directions.
- If you take children, watch out after them.
- Be very careful while driving around the parking lot (especially at night). People do not necessarily cross the street on marked crossways.
- Finally, relax and enjoy the moment.
Would you attend the 626 Night Market? Have you attended a night market in Asia?
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Amila says
These mountain pictures are amazing.Seems like it is a fun event.But,as you said,I can imagine how crowded the place is…
Ruth says
It is a great event. Sadly, the crowds do not let you enjoy at maximum.
Anna says
I’ve never visited a night market…it looks like fun and lots of food. I’m not a fan of big crowds so I agree with you on going early!
Ruth says
They are tons of fun. The ones in Asia have cheap food, interesting crafts and even massages.
image-in-ing says
A great series of mouthwatering shots!
Thanks for being a regular visitor at Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday) and for linking up this week at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-community-with-holiday-spirit.html
Ruth says
Thanks. The food was great! Wished I had time to try other things.
Natasha says
I love those sunset photos and the horse motives at the racetrack are so cool too (I love horses!) I’ve never visited anywhere like this but I love the idea of it and the food looks amazing! – Tasha
Ruth says
The place is beautiful. Who knew racetracks were so glamorous?
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I could almost smell the food seeing it sizzling there and I mouth was watering checking out those churros. looks like a great event.
Ruth says
Oh Yeah! The churros looked great. There were so many sweet options that I couldn’t try them. More excues to go to again to one of these markets.
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad says
Oh wow. Basically all that food looks incredible (except the frog fries – errr no thanks). And what lovely views of sunset to enjoy while you’re eating! I can’t believe how many people were there – and I’d be worried about skewer related injuries too…!
Cerys says
I love looking at markets and exploring when they are almost empty but crowds are not my favourite thing – it would put me off. The pictures are gorgeous and the food looks amazing I hope it tasted as nice.
Ruth says
Thanks Ceryr. The food was delicious. I get your feeling about crowds. That is why I thought it was important to mention that as part of the story.
Keri says
What an amazing touch of Asia in California! I adore night markets in Asia (we sometimes take trips just for the food and cheap clothes!) but agree the crowds can spoil a big event – unfortunate side effect of something so popular. #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
I would love to live in Asia just for the night markets. The energy there is so great. I remember trying all this cheap dishes in Chiang Mai. We had an awesome night.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
This looks incredible, I would love to take my time and try a few different dishes, though those crowds are crazy!
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust
Ruth says
I tried a few vendors and I felt like I didn’t try a lot. Next time, I need to have a plan on how to tackle the food ;0)
Karen says
I am from the SGV, but I moved to Singapore before they started running the 626 Night Market. I had heard about it from family and friends though. It looks pretty fun and similar to the food on offer at Shilin Night Market, but yeah that crowd is a bit much.
Thank you for including photos of the mountains and race track. I’ve been to that track many times with my mother and the mountains are the scenic view I miss the most from Cali.
Ruth says
Great to know this market is similar to the one in Taiwan. That makes me feel like I really got a taste of a real nigh market. This was my first time visiting the race track. I was in awe when I entered.
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
O hmy I do love a night market – being chinese I’ve been taken to quite a few in my time especially when we’ve gone back to Hong Kong. But this just looks immense. There are so many stalls and so much choice. I am seriously hungry now! Thanks for sharing on #MondayEscapes
jen says
Holy crow! The last time I was in close proximity to 20,000 people it was for an SEC football game. I have a hard time with all of those people. I’d have to make my way there early in order to be able to enjoy that. However – you’ve got some incredible photos! And that food! The food looks amazing!
Thank you for joining us for Photo Friday again this week!
Ruth says
Thanks Jen. I know the 20,000 number sounds crazy. I was like: “Hey people, why you didn’t decide to stay home.”
Natalie says
Wow those mountains look spectacular! Food and nature- two of my favourite things (but I’ll pass on the chicken butt thanks!) 🙂
Ruth says
The mountain looked so beautiful that day. Plus, I captured them when the sun was setting. I’ll pass on the chicken butt too.
eileen g says
The Santa Anita race track features prominently in the book Sea Biscuit. I’m glad to know it’s still there and looks like many of it’s period details are maintained. We’ll have to visit one day. The market seems like a great mash-up of East and West, but I’m not sure I could deal with the crowds.
Ruth says
I didn’t know the Santa Anita racetrack was featured in the book. I saw the movie long time ago and haven’t read the book. It would be nice to actually read the book (since I loved the movie).
Jennifer says
It certainly looks and sounds interesting but crazy busy! I’m not sure I’d enjoy the crowds very much and some of the food options seem a bit crazy. However, some of the food looks delicious. What did you try? I wondered as I read what line-ups were like and I’m glad you included what to expect. Thanks for sharing Ruth. #PhotoFridays
Ruth says
I had the giant squid, the takoyaki balls, a Thai Popsicle and several meat skewers. My husband also had a soft shell crab burger (crazy). We also tried several samples. To be honest, I could have eaten more but then the lines started to get insanely long. Next time, I’ll go very early and buy all my food first thing.
Karilyn says
We love the 626 Night Market!! It’s so amazing. But man the lines are often so LONG. Can’t wait to go again this summer.
Ruth says
I just went last week and want to go again. Also, I would like to check the one in Downtown LA.
Vlad says
The squid skewers look delicious! And I’d love to try the ice cream in a flower pot, what an awesome idea! Sounds like you had a great time. 🙂
Ruth says
I really liked the creative aspect of the dishes. Next time, I would like to try the ice cream that looks like a flower pot and one of the drinks that come in a mason jar.
Carmen | Carmen's Luxury Travel says
What a fun event! It’s sounds by the number of people that attend that it’s quite popular with the locals, and the food looks delicious.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
I used to live in the San Gabriel valley so I know how delicious the Asian food is in this area. I’ve heard great things about this night market but haven’t managed to go. Thanks for all the tips and hopefully we get to attend one of these days soon.
We Travel Together says
Your post made me sooo hungry! Looks like a great way to taste some local food, and I will remember this market in case we’re in the area sometime.
Ruth says
As I mentioned, the San Gabriel Valley is known for its Chinese and Asian food. We do not go that often to the area because of the traffic. Therefore, this was a good opportunity to eat and discover new establishments.
Paula McInerney says
The 626 Night Market is my type of market. It all looks so delicious
Ruth says
It is my kind of market too. That is why I will visit it again even though I know it get crowded. I really felt like a kid in a candy store when I was there.
Elaine J. Masters says
So hope to make it up to Pasadena for one of these night markets. They’ve just started doing one in San Diego’s Convoy district but it’s infrequent. The food looks amazing.
Ruth says
Hmmm, I will have to do research on the San Diego’s night market. That can be interesting. Looks like this is going to be a good summer in terms of food.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Those first stalls that you show look so authentic that it’s like they were lifted straight out of an night market in Asia. Why is it that Chicken Butt sounds good to me but Pig’s Feet do not? Anyways, I am so glad that you shared how crowded it was because that would definitely affect me experience, especially if I had brought my kids along.
Ruth says
Michele, I am happy to know this is comparable to an Asian night market. There were a lot of kids in the market. I kept telling my husband: “I do not know what will happen if somebody misses a kid here.”
Denise Covey says
Wow, these markets look amazing and the photos even better! Thanks for sharing this experience with us. I’m popping over from the Weekend Travel Inspiration link. I’m glad i did. 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks for your kind words Denise. I love to show a little bit of what Los Angeles and its surrounding cities offer.
KathyMarris says
Night food markets, eat streets and truck food is becoming very popular and trendy here in Australia. In Brisbane in particular, they are holding Asian Night Noodle Markets currently, where the tourist and locals flock to after work and on the weekends. These markets are not only a cheap alternative to restaurant food, but also a great meeting place.
Ruth says
I would love to visit Australia and try the cuisine there. I watch MasterChef Australia (You Tube) and have seen how this trends are gaining popularity.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says
It all looks delicious. Well, except for the chicken butt 🙂
Anda says
Thanks for letting me know about 626 Night Market, Ruth. Santa Anita is only 20 minutes away from where I live and I just love Chinese food. I should go there sometimes and try some of that delicious chicken on a skewer.
Ruth says
Hello Anda, I thought you lived in Europe. Good to know you are a fellow Southern Californian. Yes, you have to visit the night market one day. They are going to have it for two more weekends during this summer.
Isabella | Love Traveling says
Very nice! At what time does it start? (’cause it looks still bright outside) 🙂
I’ve only took part in a real night market once in my life – on Zanzibar. In Stone Town in Forodhani Gardens there’s a seafood market every night.
I wrote about it, but it’s in Polish… 🙁
(but if you want to look at the pictures, it’s here 😉
http://travelingilove.com/ogrody-forodhani/ )
Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren says
It looks like a lot of fun though I’m not sure I could manage with those crowds! It certainly seems popular – perhaps they should somehow expand it! 🙂 Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust 🙂
Margherita says
I KNEW THAT! I shouldn’t have read this post just before lunch. I’d pass on the ‘chicken butt’ but the squid bomb….. delicious! And I would be so curious to try ramen burger and icecream in a flower pot! YUM!
Nancie says
Having lived and traveled in Asia for so many years I know what crowded is, but I don’t enjoy it. I would definitely go early. I love grilled squid. I used to eat it all the time in Taiwan. I love the Japanese Takoyaki balls. I have a favorite place to buy them here in Korea, but not often. I think they’re really fattening…:)
Thanks for linking up. #TPThursday