Huge Asian Night Market returns to Mississauga and expands to other parts of Ontario

A three-day Asian-style night market that took place in Mississauga last summer for the first time ever is back–and also hitting other parts of southern Ontario. 

“Last year’s event was very successful. For three days, it was packed. It’s the first Asian night market in Mississauga, so we have a lot of potential [to grow],” Ruifeng (Ricky) Zhen, the event organizer, tells INsauga.com.

Last July, the Mississauga Asian Night Market, a three-day celebration of food and culture, took over Square One’s P6 parking lot and offered locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy, among other things, exciting and inventive foods–some of which were made exclusively for the event.

Now, the festival is returning to the same location on July 18, 19 and 20 and will feature everything from Japanese tacos, Korean fried chicken and mochi to sushi sandwiches, Silvanas (a Filipino dessert) and grilled onigiri. 

“There are a lot of people from China and the Philippines in Mississauga, so this market isn’t only for certain countries; we can bring all Asian background countries together to showcase our food and our culture and performances,” Zhen says. 

This year’s event, slated to kick off at 5 p.m. on July 18 and wrap up at 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, is expected to bigger than before, boasting over 50 vendors, live performances, cultural displays, a family and kids’ zone with a bouncy castle and face painting, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle show, a lion dance and kungfu show, over 20 claw machines and more. 

“This year, we’re bringing more cultural experiences and activities, so it’s not just for food,” Zhen says. 

That said, food will be front and centre at the multi-day event, with vendors offering a range of exclusive goods. 

Some items on offer include namwan (Thai-inspired street drinks in lychee, mango and pandan flavours), Ehomaki (a thick sushi roll that’s traditionally eaten for luck), takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (a fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet red bean, custard, or chocolate), kueh onde onde (glutinous rice balls filled with melted palm sugar and coated in fragrant shredded coconut), kueh dadar (a soft pandan crêpe roll filled with sweet coconut and gula melaka), popiah sayur (fresh vegetable spring rolls wrapped in soft crepe skin and more. 

Some notable vendors include Japan Taco, The Crane Express, Marry Me Mochi and The Night Baker. 

“Asian food is healthy, it’s unique, it’s different from a hamburger or hot dog,” Zhen says, adding that the festival also sets itself apart by featuring local artisans selling one-of-a-kind goods. 

“Some will offer jewelry, others homemade products you can’t find anywhere else.”

Zhen also says community services and first responders will have booths, allowing people to learn more about the services available in the community. 

“It’s a community hub. It’s not just for food and shopping.” 

Although the festival only hosted its inaugural event last year, Zhen says the feedback was so positive that he decided to branch out and bring it to other municipalities. 

On Aug. 8, the market will hit Niagara Falls, offering foodies a chance to sample unique cuisine and cultural experiences in the tourist hotspot’s Oakes Garden Theatre. Much like the Mississauga event, the Niagara Falls festival will feature food, a family and kids’ zone, traditional dances and entertainment. 

On Aug. 22, the market will make its way to Windsor and kick off at the Festival Plaza for three days. 

In the fall, Mississauga residents can get a second taste of the festivities and check out the new Mississauga Mid-Autumn and Lantern Festival, slated to run from Sept. 21-23. 

As for why he chose Niagara Falls, Zhen says expanding to one of the most touristy parts of the country just made sense.

“Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination in Canada, not just Ontario. I’m so excited to showcase our multiculturalism in Canada. That was my first thought, and why I chose Niagara Falls–a bigger stage, a wider variety of backgrounds there. It’s not just a festival, it’s about promoting Asian culture on a bigger stage,” he says. 

As for what’s next, Zhen says he and his team are eyeing other cities for future festivals, including Ottawa. 

“My ultimate point is the promotion of Asian culture. I am so proud to be of Asian background. There can be conflict between people of different backgrounds, so if you let other people know your culture and see others’ cultures, there’s more harmony in society.” 

The events are also free to enter. 

“Asian night markets originated from China, going back 2,000 years. It’s a cultural phenomenon that’s gaining popularity in North America due to the increasing number of immigrants here,” Zhen says. 

“In Canada, we are multicultural and we have the chance to understand each other and each other’s backgrounds. These festivals help us know each other better. It’s a mosaic here.”

To learn more, click here.

All photos of the 2024 Mississauga Asian Night Market, courtesy of Zhen

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