The Vietnamese Night Market – July 18 to 21, 2024

Discover the Magic of the Vietnamese Night Market at the Peel Bassin

The Chợ Đêm MTL festival returns after a resounding success in 2023 that drew more than 15,000 participants to its inaugural edition! Immerse yourself in the culinary, musical and cultural richness of Vietnam from July 18 to 21 at the Peel Bassin, along the Lachine Canal in Griffintown.

All Photos: Gabri-Ailes

For this second edition, Chợ Đêm (which means “night market” in Vietnamese) aims to showcase the many facets of a vibrant, mixed culture. This festive event celebrates Vietnamese cultural heritage in all its diversity, and becomes a unique meeting place for Vietnamese from Montreal and beyond, as well as for the Quebec public, who can come together to appreciate and share this borderless culture.

At Chợ Đêm 2024, the city’s renowned Vietnamese chefs will come together to offer an exceptional range of dishes, mixing traditional recipes such as bánh mì (sandwich), chả giò (imperial rolls) and gỏi cuốn (spring rolls). In addition to these classics, lesser-known modern creations with new flavours such as bánh bột chiên (fried rice flour cakes), chạo tôm (shrimp paste wrapped in sugar cane and barbecued), bò lá lốt (grilled beef or lamb wrapped in lolot leaves) and several vegetarian options will also be on the menu, accompanied by refreshing Vietnamese themed drinks and desserts to delight every palate.

This year, the festival broadens its cultural horizons with an exceptional artistic program. Performances, encounters, discussions and demonstrations will spotlight Vietnamese artists, singers, dancers, illusionists, musicians and martial arts practitioners of all generations. Particular emphasis will be placed on the contributions of today’s Vietnamese, both locally and internationally.

“We’re thrilled to present the second edition of Chợ Đêm MTL and to celebrate 51 years of Vietnamese-Canadian relations,” says Trang Tran, co-director of the festival. “Our mission is to highlight the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture, while offering Montrealers the opportunity to discover the delights of our cuisine.”

“Despite a tumultuous history of colonization, war and migration, the Vietnamese people have managed to preserve and enrich their culinary traditions, creating a unique, modern and emblematic cuisine,” points out Michel Nguyen, co-director of the event.

“Street markets are vibrant places where the Vietnamese diaspora and Montreal’s diverse communities come together to share their passion for food,” explains William Trung Le, head of the production teams. “They create cultural bridges, fostering mutual understanding and celebrating the richness of our diversity.”

“We hope this festival will play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating Vietnamese culture for future generations,” concludes Charles Nguyen, president of the Association des Vietnamiens Québécois. “Our goal is to create a deep sense of belonging, build self-confidence, and foster cooperation between Vietnamese generations as well as with local communities. By bringing people together around our rich cultural heritage, we hope to forge lasting bonds and promote greater mutual understanding.”

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable sensory experience at Chợ Đêm MTL. Stroll the aisles of this unique market and be enchanted by the tantalizing aromas emanating from the booths of over 40 restaurants and vendors selling Vietnamese specialties. Discover a variety of products and services offered by local merchants and artists, while sampling authentic dishes.

In addition to the food, enjoy a series of cultural performances featuring local Vietnamese artists. Expect an eclectic program including traditional dance, Vpop and Kpop modern dance, music, rap & hip-hop performances, DJ sets, magic and martial arts performances. Enjoy a cà phê (Vietnamese coffee) or an iced cocktail as you immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

Come celebrate Vietnam’s cultural and culinary diversity in the heart of Montreal!

Schedule:
Thursday, July 18: 5 pm – 10 pm (Opening ceremony at 6 pm)
Friday, July 19: 5 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, July 20: 12 pm – 10 pm
Sunday, July 21: 12 pm – 10 pm

Peel Bassin, located at 1055, rue de la Commune Ouest, Griffintown (Montreal)
This event is open to food and culture enthusiasts of all ages. Admission is $5 per person, or $3 in
advance. Children 12 and under, and seniors 65 and over, receive free admission.

For more information visit: www.chodem-mtl.com