Montreal is getting a taste of Asia as the Royalmount outdoor parking lot transforms into a vibrant night market.
More than 40 vendors are serving up authentic Asian dishes, while visitors can also experience a full mahjong atmosphere with traditional game tables set up on site.
“It’s a one-time experience,” said YiFang Hu, president of the Asian Night Market. “Maybe it’s not going to come back again the mahjong experience is going to be just now. So you do not want to miss it.”
Every $5 ticket purchased to the event, comes with a free scratch card – where over 500 prizes are to be won. Including the jackpot: a flight to visit the authentic mahjong carving shop in Hong Kong.
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A mahjong competition is also set to take place on Saturday and Sunday.
This portion of the event is open for everyone who registers for it through the link on their Instagram or Facebook pages. The grand prize: $888.
If not, visitors are also welcome to play at the traditional game tables set up on site.
Or even learn how to play American mahjong.
“An experience found nowhere else in Montreal, and the perfect chance to try something completely new,” organizers said in a press release.
Originated in China, the game is played by four people using illustrated tiles.
“Each player draws and discards tiles trying to form a winning combination, similar to a classic card game,” organizers explained. “Easy to learn, mahjong is just as fun for beginners playing in a group as it is for regulars ready to show off their best moves.”
All this happening while vendors are serving up authentic Asian dishes.
“Come and try all the other food vendors as well,” said Sihour Kong, owner of Street Monkey restaurant. “They’re really good and it’s like a family. You have to come and feel it for yourself.”
“I’m so happy to be here so I can serve you the best, crispiest, juiciest fried chicken in town,” added Samantha Deng, owner of Chicken plus Lachine.
Located at the outdoor parking lot of Royalmount, corner of Chemin Roydent and Avenue Royalmount, the Asian Night Market opens to the public tonight, and runs until Sunday.
General admission is $5, while VIP is avaiable at $25.
“So many interesting, fun stuff,” said Hu. “That we would love people to come and experience.”
