Since its founding in 2015, the Queens Night Market has offered $5 meals from a diverse group of vendors in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Despite the changes in the world and rising costs, the market remains true to its original mission of providing affordable, diverse, and accessible community space. The founder, John Wang, emphasizes the importance of maintaining this mission and creating a special place for New Yorkers to enjoy affordable food and entertainment.
The main attraction of the Queens Night Market is the wide selection of international cuisines available for $5 or $6 per dish. From Egyptian burgers to Venezuelan corn pancakes and Ethiopian beef stew, the market offers a culinary journey around the world. With vendors representing 95 different countries through their food, visitors can experience an array of flavors and cultures in one location. The market strives to reflect the diversity of the local community through its food offerings.
The success of the market as an affordable alternative is attributed to vendors who are passionate about sharing their stories and food with the community. Many vendors participating in the market are not solely motivated by profit, but rather by a desire to connect with customers and showcase their culinary talents. The market’s model has inspired other events to adopt similar pricing strategies, but according to Wang, none have been able to sustain the commitment to low costs over time.
Over the years, the Queens Night Market has helped launch hundreds of small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to introduce their cuisines to a broader audience. With a diverse range of vendors offering unique dishes like Sierra Leonean jollof rice and Barbadian bread, the market continues to attract thousands of visitors each Saturday evening. The market also features live music performances and opportunities for visitors to enjoy beer or wine for $5 or $6.
In addition to serving as a food destination, the Queens Night Market also supports local charities by donating a portion of proceeds from events. The market’s preview event will have a $5 entry fee, with free entry for the remainder of the season. With a commitment to affordability, diversity, and community engagement, the Queens Night Market remains a popular destination for New Yorkers seeking a fun and budget-friendly night out. Through its focus on serving diverse cuisines and providing entertainment options, the market has become a staple of Flushing Meadows and a model for affordable community events.
