It’s that time again! Both Richmond and Vancouver Chinatown Night Markets are open for business.  Let the shopping begin.

Vancouver Night Market opens this Friday and runs until September.  It’s open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on Keefer Street.  It’s significantly smaller than the Richmond Night Market, but it’s still worth a trip.

There are the usual iPhone/Blackberry/general phone cases for much cheaper than you’ll find at Future Shop.  There are also booths with clothing, pipes, and a few knives/swords.  Fairly standard at this type of market.  The star of the show is, of course, the food.  They offer basic dim sum, bbq items, and bubble tea will keep you satisfied as you wander in the warm night. http://www.vcma.shawbiz.ca/home_e.htm

The Richmond Night Market is the motherload of cheap goods and food.  It’s large, loud, and hectic, so arrive with a lot of time and patience.  You’ll find the same wares as the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market, but in triple.  In addition there are clothes, purses, electronics, DVDs, elaborate weaponry… you name it, you’ll find it. 

Some people go there just for the food.  There are usually about 2-3 rows of booths dedicated to food alone.  You have to try the light, crispy bubble waffles made right in front of you and served warm.  The rice noodle rolls are a little tricky to eat as you walk, but worth the trouble.  And if you’re not afraid of a few tentacles, pick up some of the tasty bbq squid.

The Richmond Night Market is at 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Home Depot) and there’s parking on site.  It’s only open on the weekend in May, but it goes until midnight on Friday and Saturday. http://www.summernightmarket.com/main/default.asp

~ Meghan Roberts