eatwith.ROBINLEUNG.com

Location: 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC V6V 1J7

Phone: (604) 278-8000

Hours: Fri – Sat: 7PM – 12AM | Sun: 6PM – 11PM

Website: http://www.summernightmarket.com/

Cost: FREE. Parking is $5.

Hints:

• Cheaper food than Richmond night market
• Last night open: Sept 16, 2012
• Less crowded than Richmond night market
• FREE entrance, paid parking
• Free shuttle to/from Richmond night market

A little late for this post, but better late than never. But as I’m writing, I realize that summer is already past because this weekend marks the end of the night market food runs. Now I haven’t been to the night market as much this year, mainly because there really isn’t much to see anymore rather people just go for the overpriced food carts.

After being to the new Richmond night market, I’ve came to revisit the old summer night market. It was still quite vibrant, still lots of boutiques (more than the new one) and still the same size of food carts (but at cheaper prices).

First off, I’d like to start with this gigantic rotato, which is only $3! It was almost the length of my arm! The regular size is $2, but I was people having this and couldn’t resist. Unlike Richmond night market, there is 3 to 4 stands of these potatoes on a stick. Hence, driving down prices. Oh, I love competition.

Now, I have no idea what this place is called. But they actually have people swaying you into the line to order, talk about hardcore selling. But I’m pretty sure if they didn’t do that, they would have still got tons of business with their huge $2 sign.

Another favourite of mine is the pan fried/grilled squid! All cooked up in that humongous wok in the background.

There’s an option to get this spicy or not spicy. Because my girlfriend can’t eat spicy food, we opted for the no spice. It was still very flavourful and hot off the grill!

Look for this sign if you want to get your squid on! It’s $6 per order.

This year is the year of BBQ skewers. There are many more options when it comes to BBQ skewers, and Chef James is remains a popular choice.

Chef James can be found at both Richmond and Summer night markets and prices are the same.

I found this a little fascinating, not like I’ve never had a turkey leg before. But this is certainly my first to have a grilled turkey leg! There are two sizes, L and XL. So depending on how big your appetite is, pick at your discretion. I forgot which stand this is, but it can’t be missed. There’s only one stand that has this kind of specialty.

My girlfriend really wanted to try these wheel cakes. For $1 a piece, it’s a sweet little dessert to have. But careful putting it into your mouth, the filling is pretty hot.

There weren’t as much filling as I had expected in the peanut butter wheel cake, so that was a little of a disappointment.

And last but not least, I really felt like having some Dim Sum that evening. $3.50 for 4 gigantic pork dumplings is a steal! Not sure if it was my craving for “siu mai” but they tasted the best thing ever. Even better than dim sum places. The pork was not fat at all, and after being dunked in sweet soy sauce, it tasted even better.

Top Wok has been around since the beginning of night markets, and known for their dim sums. So if you’re in the mood for some, this place won’t disappoint.

Overall, the Summer Night Market had less food offerings than the New RIchmond night market. However, the prices at Summer is significantly cheaper. The offset is the parking or if you really don’t want to pay for parking. There are side street parking that fills up pretty fast. I guess your other option would be parking at Richmond Night market and shuttle over to Summer night market without paying a cent. (No wonder the traffic is always so congested over at RNM.) But both night markets seem to be very vibrant and has their offerings.