“Night markets are well known throughout Asia,” says Mills Market owner Johnny Tung. “Every country has its own version … small vendors, making the food right in front of you, and you walk around and experience everything.”
From 5:30-9:30 p.m. on May 21, Mills Market will host its fifth homage to Asia’s night markets, this time celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Tickets ($60 per person) offer entry to an all-you-can-eat tasting event that, in Epcot-like spirit, comes with a passport for guests to get stamped as they sample. Complete sets will be entered into one of several raffles the team has planned.
Prepare for delights from the esteemed resident chefs of Mills Market, like “Top Chef” champ Hung Huynh, as well as other amazing culinarians from around Orlando. (Courtesy Mills Market)
Tung says they’re targeting at least 30 unique bites amid confirmed vendors, including Mills Market resident venues such as Kai Kai, Cowboy Curry, Unigirl and the like, along with “Top Chef” and culinary director Hung Huynh’s Baddie Bird pop-up. Guests will include Zaru, Talay, Anh Hong, Tenshin Matcha, Light on the Sugar and more. A cash bar featuring beer and sake cocktails will also be available.
“The fun part is that the participating chefs, including those who are always at the market, do special dishes that aren’t on the menu here,” notes co-owner Cecilia Nguyen. “It’s more like a community event where we invite local chefs, up-and-coming people, even friends of ours who have ideas for different concepts. Plus, it’s all-inclusive. You can just buy your ticket, show up and everything else is taken care of.”
Kaya executive chef Lordfer Lalicon with staffer Tommy Buchanan at a previous Night Market event. (Courtesy Mills Market)
The menu and collaborator lists were still in development at press time, but Tung says, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, it will be a culinary tour of Asia.
“This will be the second time we’re using the larger Little Saigon space,” he notes, referencing the now-vacant space where the longtime Mills 50 restaurant used to operate. “Last time we had 700 people, and they just loved the format.”
Two live DJs will keep the music going throughout.
Tickets on sale now at eventeny.com/events/mills-night-market-aapi-edition-30237/.
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