Bustling with food stalls, flashing neon lights and groups of excited visitors, the 626 Night Market is a spectacle often touted as a must-see in Southern California. As Californian residents and food enthusiasts, we visited the market, compelled by its reputation as a vibrant hub of Asian American culture. Yet, as we exited the market, a nagging question lingered in our minds: Is the famed night market overrated?
The 626 Night Market is a lively celebration of Asian American culture and cuisine. Established in 2012 by Jonny Hwang, it was inspired by the vibrant night markets in Asia, particularly those in Taiwan where Hwang spent part of his childhood. Named after the San Gabriel Valley’s area code, the 626 Night Market started as a grassroots effort to replicate the bustling night markets of Hwang’s youth.
The 626 Night Market is a regular spectacle known for its ostentatious display of food stalls, vibrant color and ever-present throngs of visitors. A bustling maze of vendors offers a plethora of dishes, representing cuisines from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Notable for its Instagram-worthy food presentations, the market invites patrons to indulge in a sensory feast. Items on sale range from uniquely prepared seafood to creative dessert concoctions, bubble tea and more.
On attending, we found the experience to be more about the spectacle than the food itself. The food stalls, as many as they are, seem to be primarily focused on delivering ‘Instagrammable’ treats rather than authentic flavors. As visually appealing as the food is, the taste doesn’t always match the hype. It’s easy to get lured by the photogenic appeal of rainbow-colored drinks or heaping plates of fusion food, but the culinary substance is often lacking.
Moreover, the price of this spectacle can be disconcerting. A typical food or drink item can cost between $15 and $20, and with the added burden of entrance fees, a visit to the 626 Night Market can burn a considerable hole in your pocket. At times, it’s hard to shake off the feeling that you’re paying more for the visual appeal and experience than the actual quality of the food.
Food Scene
The enjoyment factor at 626 Night Market, we noticed, also hinges heavily on the size of your party. The market is a frenzy of activity that’s best tackled in a large group where the cost and variety of food can be shared. An individual or small group might find it overwhelming to navigate the crowded aisles and overpriced food stalls.
That said, it’s undeniable that the 626 Night Market has its appeal. The atmosphere is electric, brimming with energy and color, while the opportunity to experience and taste different cultural foods is a plus.
Beyond food, the 626 Night Market also features retail vendors selling unique merchandise, live music and art exhibitions, making it a comprehensive cultural experience. However, these merits don’t entirely erase the market’s issues.
Art Walk & Performances
"Nicole and Scotty" performs their orignal songs with Nicole on the vocals and Scotty supports with the guitar. They have also prepared a live video background to better emphasize their voices. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Many artists set up their booths at 626 in hopes of selling and marketing. A caricatures artist markets himself with previous drawings he has had of celebrities. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Alex is the artist of behind Acaballz, in which most of her work consists of portraits set in contrasting backgrounds with a floral touch. She continues to hope to inspire people with her art all around Los Angeles. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Sibling duo band "Nicole and Scotty" are seen here performing their own original written songs based off their life experiences. 626 offers the spotlight to all sorts of artist, musicians especially. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Many characters from video games, shows, and movies are a key inspiration for many art vendors to base their art off of. From metal sheets to drapes, art designs are avaliable in many mediums. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Overall, the 626 Night Market is a place of loud music, lively decor and expensive, though visually appealing, food. It’s an experience tailored for the social media age — a spectacle where appearance trumps taste. It’s a place that promises more than it delivers, a fact potential visitors should bear in mind when planning their visit.
Planning your visit
Ambiance
This 626 took place in Arcadia, at Santa Anita Park. And although a place to sit is rare, there are small patches of grass scrambeled throughout the parking lot. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
The 626 is a famous attraction for many couples, food lovers, flea market enthusiasts, and more. Art from watercolor scrolls to candles are all seen to be sold here from many art vendors promoting their buisness. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
As the sun sets, 626 Night Market is bustling with even more people as the summer heat starts to die down. Many can be seen holding drinks and wearing t-shirts in attempt to cool off until then. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
The 626 Night Market backdrop is put up next to the entereance of the food and vendors gate. Although at this time many can be seen already exiting the park when it nears closing time.. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
A couple debate wheter or not they want to try out a game to win a plushie prize. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Many game stands and prizes are to be won at 626, however most of the attention and attractions are to be directed towards the food. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
Companies like Toyota market their new upcoming cars to those of 626, with lines and crowds gathering in the sunset to win free prizes from a wheel spin. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
The bronze horse statue is seen here standing in the middle of the park. 626 usually sets up in large, empty parking areas to maximize the capacity for different vendors. Photo by Patrick Shao/BruinLife
For those still keen on experiencing the 626 Night Market, we have a few suggestions. First, to avoid the notorious California traffic and the crowds that surge later in the evening, arrive early, and remember to pack your sunscreen. We made the mistake of forgetting ours, and the summer sun can be relentless.
Alternatively, consider going much later at night. Not only do you avoid the daytime heat, but you also get to see the market in all its neon-lit glory. The ambiance is undeniably energetic and dynamic, transforming the area into a vibrant night carnival. This is where the market shines, coming alive with music, laughter and the chatter of excited crowds.
For Bruins located in California during the summer, the 626 Night Market experience can be made possible by attending one of the following locations:
626 Arcadia: Sept. 1-3, Sept. 8-10
626 Orange County: Aug. 25-27
626 Bay Area: July 28-30
626 Mini Milpitas: Aug. 5-6, Aug. 19-20, Sept. 9-10
626 Mini San Diego: Aug. 12-13
626 Mini Santa Monica: July 15-16, July 29-30, Aug. 12-13, Aug. 26-27
Tickets can be purchased in person with cash only, but we recommend buying them online ahead of time. Online tickets can be purchased here.
