Escape Spring 2024 | Page 15

The Unique World of Night Markets
The Roulottes Papeete , Tahiti , French Polynesia A decade before food trucks became trendy in the U . S ., Tahitians already had The Roulottes , a nightly gathering of over 20 food trucks and stalls along the waterfront in Papeete ’ s Vai ’ ete Square . The Roulottes experience is an affordable , relaxed and honest glimpse of the real Tahiti , away from overwater bungalows and lavish resort environments . And that ’ s exactly why this night market experience is special ; it ’ s an unpolished reflection of Tahiti ’ s local culture and people . As the sun sets into shades of hibiscus and persimmon over the Papeete Harbor , you ’ ll mesh with the Tahitian families sharing your picnic table and you ’ ll cradle a simple plastic fork that loads bites of poisson cru or crepes Tahitienne into your mouth . In fact , it ’ s not uncommon for travelers disembarking from cruise ships or the Moorea ferry to stumble across The Roulottes on their way to their taxis and choose , instead , to follow their noses , roll their suitcases up to a food stall and settle in with a bag of firi firi — Tahitian donuts flavored with coconut milk .
Papeete , Tahiti
Banh Mi
Richmond Market Richmond , B . C ., Canada Far , far away from the warm and colorful food trucks of Tahiti , is the Richmond Market , just outside of Vancouver . International and local foodies congregate with indigenous artists and musicians to enjoy a massive 18 acres of night market food glory during weekend evenings in the spring and summer . But alongside its spectacular size and range , the Richmond Market is unique because it will likely challenge any stereotypes you have about Canadian cuisine . Sure , you can find traditional maple syrup , poutine and BeaverTails ( sugary pastries , not actual tails ) here , but the bountiful Asian street food is the shining culinary star of this vibrant night market along the picturesque Fraser River .
Enveloped in the sparkling glow of LED-lit food stalls and the universal hum of laughter , you ’ ll feel inspired to sink into the scrumptious array of Japanese , Chinese , Korean , Thai and Vietnamese street foods . You can start slow , biting into the crusty baguette of a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich . Appetite stimulated , you can move on to Korean tteokbokki , a chewy rice and fish cake made with sweet chili paste . But wait , you ’ re still hungry and have detected the aroma of pickled ginger in the air , leading you to sample the takoyaki , a savory Japanese octopus ball . And for the grand finale … only a feast of matcha green tea liquid nitrogen ice cream could honor the Asian influence and dynamic multiculturalism of this experience .
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