Chợ Đêm MTL returns to Griffintown’s Bassin Peel from July 16 to 19, with organizers expecting more than 25,000 visitors for what is expected to be the festival’s largest edition yet.
“This edition is rather incredible,” said Charles Nguyen, vice-president of the Association des Vietnamiens Québécois (AVQ) and co-founder of the festival. “Not only is there a street food side of things with more than 22 kiosks and 80 dishes, but there’s also a huge tent with merchants, artists and artisans where people can experience Vietnamese culture.”
Organized by the AVQ, the four-day event will feature 22 Vietnamese food, dessert and coffee vendors, more than 30 local artisans and merchants, and over 50 live performances, along with workshops and community discussions celebrating Vietnamese culture and Montreal’s diversity.
Organizers say affordability remains a priority, with $5 admission covering all performances and workshops, while most food items will cost $10 or less. Admission is free for children under 12, seniors 65 and older, wheelchair users and visitors wearing traditional Áo Dài.
“Vietnamese cuisine is accessible throughout the world because it’s working-class food. That’s where we’re from. That’s who we are,” said Galaxy Duong, chef at Tô Dinette Viet. “It’s important that food should be accessible to everybody.
Acclaimed author Kim Thúy, this year’s honorary guest, says food remains a powerful way of bringing people together.
“Sharing food is basic, easy and irresistible,” she said. “Nobody can resist the beauty of food.”
Beyond the food, Nguyen says the event is about passing on culture across generations.
“This event, the purpose of it is really to bring all three generations together,” he said. “The first generation — the refugees who sacrificed a lot and paved the way for the younger generations. The second generation, who want to be autonomous while still honouring their parents. And the younger generation, who have never known the war and want to come together, enjoy good food and celebrate Vietnamese culture.”
The festival will also feature accessibility measures and a zero-waste initiative through reusable food containers in partnership with RECYC-QUÉBEC and Bopaq.
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