The Mini Night Bazaar of 626

A flagship food festival makes its way to downtown Santa Monica. The 626 Night Market mini food festival was started in 2012 as it was inspired by the various and popular night markets across Asia.

An attendant takes her time in front of a very colorful display of Korean squid barbecue dishes. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

A unique nonprofit vendor from Be The Match change the pace at the event. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

People gather and join at the open market event. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

A unique nonprofit vendor from Be The Match change the pace at the event. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

Freddy, one of the many goers at the event, holds a just made Crab Fries from one of the vendors. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

Very skillful pouring techniques at a fresh juice bar. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

The crew of the Vietnamese vendor Cafe 949 prepares a grilled lobster dish. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

Diana Espinoza behind the counter enjoys the looks of the baby in front tasting a fresh watermelon juice sample. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

A detail of a Totoro inspired macaroon. Inspired by famous nighttime bazaars of Asia, 626 Night Market Mini was established in 2012, this large-scale market is named after the 626 area code region of San Gabriel Valley, northeast of Los Angeles. People can find food, merch and craft vendors in Santa Monica, Calif. October 8, 2022 (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

Music plays throughout the venue as you walk by the various vendors providing Asian-based food with a Western twist. On Oct. 1, 2022, The 626 Night Market Mini was held at 1324 5th St, Santa Monica in a lot accompanied by about two dozen vendors from 1 p.m to 10 p.m.

The Night Market is inspired by the bazaars of Asia, with most of the food being inspired from both Asian and American cultures.This has provided for some the creation of crazy fusion foods. With many of the vendors recurring, each night market helps create a strong community of vendors, as well as introduces a variety of new food to the community of Santa Monica. The 626 Night Market first started ten years ago in Arcadia, naming itself after the area code of the San Gabriel Valley.

A booth for Be The Match; a non-profit organization founded in order to help those suffering from blood-related diseases to find their life-saving match, was also present during the event. Led by Shri-Lina Bundalian, they aim to raise awareness for those that are unlikely to receive the proper blood donation and bone marrow transplants. They do this in order to close the gap between a low and high chance of getting such donations. Bundalian also mentioned how Be The Match can be found in almost every 626 Night Market to help bring awareness for the people that are at higher risk of never receiving a blood donor.

One of the most popular and recognizable vendors at the night market was Sunday Cafe, which has been a part of the 626 Night Market for about ten years, said Josh, one of the vendors working for Sunday Cafe. “The Night Market is also a good way to get your products out there and try new foods.” he said. The Sunday Cafe provides several different sweet and refreshing drinks served in oversized baby bottles that are eligible for free refills.

"The 626 Night Market can also be a nice place to connect, meet, and engage the community as well as support small businesses", said David Monterroso, a vendor from Hawaiian Honey Cones. This vendor sells J-shaped ice creams that are also one hundred percent organic, gluten-free, and imported from Hawaii.

The 626 Night Market Mini made another appearance on Oct. 8 and 9 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1324 5th St, downtown Santa Monica. According to James Seto, event manager for the 626 Night Market Mini, they have over two hundred different vendors to choose from, making each of the events a bit more unique than the last.