The night market arrives in SoCal on April 14th (626 Night Market).

“6-2-6,” the area code for the region northeast of Los Angeles, is known to many of us as “the place with good boba,” consisting of cities such as San Gabriel, Pasadena, Arcadia, and West Covina.

The area's high Asian immigrant population has spawned some of the most delicious, authentic eateries in the county, ranging from dim sum to pho to family-style Chinese food. It's no surprise the Fung Brothers recently released a YouTube video paying tribute to the region and natives of the region fondly call it “Asian paradise.”

On Saturday April 14th, Pasadena takes this paradise one step further with the 626 Night Market, the first-ever Asian night market (or “ye shi” in Chinese) in Southern California, held on Oakland Ave from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Following traditional night market practices, admission is free to the public, but pockets be warned– mouthwatering finger foods and one-of-a-kind clothing and handicrafts await! From snacks like Japanese red bean pancakes and Chinese donut sticks to entrees like sausage rice and beef noodle soup, the fare itself is enough to make the night, especially with exciting rarities such as stinky tofu and cold pig's ears.

This night market aims to support local businesses and entrepreneurs waiting to make a splash on a greater public scale, and encourages the community to come together and celebrate not just the ubiquitous ye shi of Asia but the cultural pastime of staying out late, eating, shopping and having a grand ol’ time.

Stay updated as the event nears by visiting www.626nightmarket.com.

Like them on Facebook, donate to the event, and check out vendors at 626 Night Market Facebook.

Reach reporter Yo-Yo Lin here.