Categories > Guides and Tips
9 Best Asian Night Markets in Toronto
Exploring Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene takes a delightful turn when the sun sets and the night markets come alive.
From sizzling street food to aromatic spices wafting through the air, let’s take a stroll through the best Asian night markets in Toronto that are sure to ignite your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Get ready for a feast under the stars!
The Lucky Lion
Media from luckylion_nm
Address: 200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton, ON
Contact details: [email protected]
When: TBA
Imagine diving into this three-day extravaganza – it’s not just any event; it’s a culinary adventure that’ll have your taste buds dancing. The Lucky Lion Night Market in Toronto is renowned for its lively atmosphere, seamlessly blending traditional night market charm with modern elements.
As you stroll through the festival, enveloped in the enticing aromas of grilled oysters, lamb and squid skewers, and the unique twist of Korean corn dogs. This event is not just about the food; it’s an experience that marries the best of tradition with a splash of contemporary flair.
And here’s the cherry on top: there’s a 19+ Bar & DJ, where pulsating beats and electrifying atmosphere collide. The night comes alive with music, dancing, and the promise of unforgettable memories—trust us; this is one culinary journey you won’t want to miss!
Pro tips:
- You don’t want to miss their gorgeous lion dance – it’s like a sprinkle of luck and joy right in the middle of all the festivities.
- While a few vendors might be on board with credit cards or mobile payments, it’s a good idea to have some cash and small changes in your pocket.
Waterfront Night Market
Media from wnmfest
Address: 115 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
Contact details: [email protected]
When: August 9 to 11, 2024
Get ready for another round of the city’s favourite food fiesta hitting us this weekend! Making its fourteenth appearance, the Toronto Waterfront Night Market is set to take over Hotel X at the Stanley Barracks, offering a smorgasbord of pan-Asian delicacies and craft beer to dive into.
With a decade of deliciousness under its belt, the Toronto Waterfront Night Market has been a crowd-pleaser, featuring live entertainment and more. Although the lineup for this year’s fest is still under wraps, mark your calendars for August 9th – 11th.
Picture this – sipping on craft beer as you indulge in mouth watering street food from across the continent. And that’s not all; brace yourself for the Illuminasian Floating Lantern Music Festival, adding an extra layer of magic to the festivities!
Pro tip:
- Tickets kick off at $25, and that gets you not just in the door but also comes with a cool floating lantern and access to all the good stuff.
- Plus, your ticket gets you all-inclusive access – dive into the Signature Pan-Asian Food Festival, sip on goodness at BeerCraft, Wine & Wok, check out Kre8ions, and groove at the Illuminasian Floating Lantern Music Festival.
Taste of Asia
Media from tasteofasiafest
Address: Kennedy Rd., Markham
Contact details: +1 905-946-1137; [email protected]
When: TBA
Get ready to satisfy your Asian street food cravings at what’s gearing up to be the largest outdoor festival in North America, right in Markham – just a breezy 30 minutes north of Toronto. It’s three jam-packed days of food, family-friendly cultural events, and live entertainment.
This event has been rocking the harmony, cuisine, and culture scene for the past two decades, and as it gears up for its 21st year. Now, when it comes to food, we’re talking about over 150 food vendors dishing out a mouthwatering variety.
Grab a bubble tea and follow your nose to uncover classic night-market treasures like savoury barbecued meat skewers and those irresistible tornado potatoes – you know, the deep-fried, spiral-cut wonders on skewers. It’s a flavorful adventure you won’t want to miss!
Pro tip:
- Get there early, beat the crowds, and snag yourself a prime spot for all your favourite performances.
- Thinking about hopping on public transport might be a smart move since parking could be a bit tight. Just a friendly heads-up for a hassle-free arrival.
Taste of India
Media from tasteofindiafestival
Address: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Contact details: [email protected]
When: TBA
Gear up for the annual downtown bash celebrating Indian culture – a two-day fest packed with food, shopping, and constant entertainment. We’re talking live tunes, dance-offs, DJs, and a Bhangra-filled party showcasing a mind-blowing 100 types of authentic cuisine.
Imagine this: over 150 vendors bringing their A-game to this family-friendly shindig, pulling in a cool 150,000 folks from all walks of life. It’s the perfect spot for producers, manufacturers, food wizards, and restaurants to shine and have some one-on-one time with the crowd.
When all’s said and done, the Taste of India Food Festival isn’t just about the eats; it’s a full-on celebration that brings diverse communities together, all bonded by the love of good food. It’s like a proud showcase of Canada’s multicultural flavour wrapped up in one big, tasty party!
Pro tip:
- Every year, the entry to the event is free for everyone! No tickets are needed—just come on in and join the fun.
- Just a heads-up: you need to pay for parking, but no worries – public transport is in the is just as effective and accessible.
City Pop Night @ STACKT
Media from stacktmarket
Address: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst Street
Contact details: [email protected]
When: May 4, 2024
Guess what’s going down in the heart of downtown at STACKT market? It’s City Pop Night – a cool night market featuring 25+ local vendors and live music vibes. Grab your pals, or turn it into a sweet date night!
Picture this: a state-of-the-art small-batch brewery with exclusive beers found only at Stackt, chill patios for cocktail sipping, and munch on delectable eats from local legends like OG Taiwanese’s award-winning fried chicken and smash burgers at Baobird.
It’s the perfect kick-off for Asian Heritage Month – local vendors, an Asian Night Market, and laid-back vibes with the JC3 band. See you there for a night of good times!
Pro tips:
- Oh, by the way, if you’re thinking of checking it out, the general admission is roughly 25 bucks.
- Hey, don’t forget to give their website a peek every now and then. You might stumble upon some cool events, not just food-related stuff!
- When you’re in the market, just stroll with your bike, or if you’re on wheels, stick to the edges.
Pinay Tayo Night Market
Media from pinaytayotoronto
Address: Toronto, Ontario
Contact details: [email protected]
When: TBA
Up for some late-night munchies? Brace yourself because a Filipino night market is hitting Toronto this year, and it’s shaping up to be a feast you won’t forget.
Best part? It’s probably going to be free to get in! Picture dozens of mouthwatering vendors, cool art installations, hands-on workshops, talented artisans, and live music vibes.
Not to mention, they’re serving up specialty dishes from the diverse islands of the Philippines. So, dive into the experience with live performances, hands-on workshops, artsy stuff, and beats that’ll keep you groovin’.
Pro tips:
- Keep an eye on their website or Instagram for the latest scoop on the night market dates. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun!
- Hey, if you’re a vendor or have a business, you can contact their team via Instagram or website. They’ve got sessions where you can jump in and be part of the next events.
Midnight Market
Media from midnightmkt
Address: 434 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
Contact details: INSTAGRAM: @MIDNIGHTMKT
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Get ready for a flavour-packed adventure at this bar on College Street, right between the vibrant Kensington Market and the trendy Little Italy. They’ve got fusion snacks and craft cocktails spiked with shochu or sake, creating a night market-inspired haven.
From classic curry fish ball skewers to inventive bites like the Sloppy Joe Bo Kho, your snacking game is on point all night! Stepping into this late-night gem, adorned with bright lanterns and vintage signs, feels like teleporting to another corner of the world – right here in Toronto.
Midnight Market is more than just a bar; it’s a cyberpunk dreamscape. Zig-zag alleyways separate its three distinct corners, but the whole place is tied together by an electric atmosphere, with neon pockets glowing everywhere you turn.
Pro tip:
- Check out their Hi-Balls menu – they’ve got a bunch of Asian-inspired mixes with cool syrups and top-notch spirits.
Full Moon Mid-Autumn Festival
Media from fullmoonfestival.ca
Address: Grand Bizarre, 15 Saskatchewan Rd, Toronto
Contact details: Instagram: @fullmoonfestival.ca
When: TBA
Let’s amp up the celebration for the Mid-Autumn Festival (aka the Mooncake Festival) at this 19+ full moon party. It’s all going down at the swanky Grand Bizarre, this weekend-only beach club near Toronto’s waterfront.
Get ready for a feast with local food vendors dishing out pan-Asian delights – think grilled meat skewers and moon cakes. Plus, the entertainment game is strong, with a traditional Chinese lion dance and more floating lanterns adding to the vibe. It’s a party you won’t want to miss!
So, mark your calendar for a night of moonlit festivities at Grand Bizarre. With pan-Asian eats, mesmerizing entertainment, and the magical ambiance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s a weekend celebration that promises memories as luminous as the full moon itself.
Pro tip:
- Just a heads-up: this event is for the 19 and older crowd. No kiddos allowed!
Hey Fun Lunar New Year Market
Media from heyfunmarket
Address: 205 Placer Court Toronto, ON M2H 0A9
Contact details: Instagram: @heyfunmarket
When: January 27, 2024
Hey there! Get ready for the Fun Lunar New Year Market in North York with over 20 vendors bringing Lunar New Year vibes through art booths, candles, jewelry, snacks, and more!
Your ticket treats you to a lion dance performance, a book signing by Catherine Little, author of Twelve in A Race, live Chinese calligraphy blessings, and an exclusive Hey Fun! Market bag. There are also fun workshops available at an extra cost.
As you wander around, don’t forget to indulge in the tasty food and drinks, and make sure to check out the mini-exhibitions showcasing the origins and evolution of this celebration across various Asian countries. It’s a Lunar New Year celebration you won’t want to miss!
Pro tip:
- Feel free to bring the little ones along – kids 12 and under get in for free! Just keep an eye out for the vendors and their delicate goodies.
- Tickets are a mixed bag, ranging from $16 to $29 for the VIP experience. Take your pick and get ready for some market magic!
- Snag VIP Tickets for an early shopping spree from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Your custom Hey Fun swag bag includes Flossie x Hey Fun cotton candy, Queenie’s Cards x Hey Fun key chain, a raffle ticket for a neon sign, and a Love Lettering dragon paper clip.
So, there you have it – the lowdown on Toronto’s best Asian night markets! Get ready to embark on a flavour-packed journey under the city lights.
And hey, if you’re still hungry for more, Toronto’s got a buffet of food festivals, restaurants, and hidden gems waiting to tickle your taste buds. It’s a culinary playground out there – dive in and eat your heart out!
