New York City, a bustling cosmopolitan space, is known for its stunning skyline, mesmerizing Broadway shows, and of course, the famous culinary landscape that serves palates from all over the world.
One of the best ways to experience the city's diverse food scene is by visiting the Queens Night Market (QNM), a unique culinary hotspot in Queens, New York.
The Queens Night Market returns with local art, food, music, and vibes each Saturday. It’s free to attend, and with over 70 food stalls and the most diverse range of cuisines tasting through the flavors of all 5 boroughs-there really is something for everyone.
At Queen’s Night Market, the array of vendors changes frequently, making each visit a unique culinary adventure.
The market offers a rich tapestry of global cuisine, including Filipino chicken adobo, Brazilian churrasco, and Mexican huaraches, all ready to be savored under the New York sky.
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Among the many vendors, Emeye Ethiopian Cuisine stands out, offering a taste of authentic Ethiopian flavors.
Let’s delve into what makes Emeye Ethiopian Cuisine a must-try at the Queens Night Market.
Discovering Emeye Ethiopian Cuisine
During the new vendor preview, I had the pleasure of sampling Ethiopian stews served on perfectly spongey injera from Emeye Ethiopian, a dressed-up West Coast Smashburger, Colombian-style hot dogs loaded with toppings like bacon, coleslaw, melted cheese, and a variety of sauces, and lots lots more.
Highlights include fragrant Ethiopian stews with fresh 100% teff-flour injera from Emeye Ethiopian cuisine, Hawaii-style street comforts like octopus poke tacos and garlic soy chicken sandos by Mama Guava at Kalihi, Jamaican favorites from Tosh’s Patties complete with top ingredients, Lisbonata’s Portuguese custard tarts, pastéis de nata, and so much more.
The Nihari tasted amazing and I (Zaeem) can vouch for it’s authentic flavour, the meat was succulent and tender and the sauce tasted exactly like the restaurants in Karachi.
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Indulge in everything from Emeye Ethiopian Cuisine’s earthy spices to De Rangoon’s refreshing Burmese tea leaf salad.
A feast for the eyes and soul at the Queens Night Market
Queens Night Market: A Hub of Culinary Diversity
What is the Queens Night Market? The Queens Night Market (QNM) is a quintessential NYC experience in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, beside the New York Hall of Science.
You'll find an array of roughly 50 food vendors serving delectable delicacies from countries as diverse as Ukraine, Haiti, Peru, Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, and more.
Last year, the market averaged 15,000 visitors each Saturday!
Entry to the Queens Night Market is free, and thanks to the sponsorship of Citizens in 2023, the Queens Night Market has been able to maintain its price cap of $6 per plate of food for its visitors.
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The market is open every Saturday from 5 pm to midnight. In 2023 the market will be running from April 15th - August 19th and September 16th to October 28th.
Beyond Food, the QNM isn't just about food (although that’s mainly why we went). While you fill your belly, there's plenty to quench your thirst at the bar and keep you entertained.
The night market offers a line-up of music, games, and other fun activities, making it an ideal outing for families. It gets especially exciting on closing night in October when vendors often dress up and serve their food in costumes, promising a night full of delightful surprises.
Towards the end of the night, the DJ starts playing floor fillers and the outdoor dancefloor was pretty busy by the time we left.
The market also hosts stalls selling vintage apparel, hand-poured candles, stationery, gourmet dog treats, handmade jewellery, ceramics, local art, and more.
The Night Market boasts diverse artists and makers, each bringing their unique flair to the venue.
The artist vendors also had some beautiful stalls; from beauty products to clothing, homewares, and more, you could bring home a piece of NY.
The best part is that the prices are nothing like what you would pay in the city, and you get authentic, great-quality local pieces!
Visitors can explore the intricate designs of D Vrousa and the whimsical creations at Kat’s Handmade Jewels.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the vibrant works from Johnnerdraws and the elegant compositions by Art by Larceria.
For those looking for a touch of beauty and self-care, Sabrina’s Henna offers exquisite body art, while Joyeria Angelica Maria showcases stunning jewelry.
The market also features unique home decor and gifts from Theobucket Vintage, Ombrato’s delicate sleepwear, and the scented wonders of Nose Best Candles.
Remember to bring cash, as most vendors only accept that form of payment.
These vendors provide just a sliver of the exciting dishes to try at Smorgasburg this summer, and if you’re in NYC you should make time to check it out.
Smorgasburg is located at the Oculus at World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, the original Williamsburg waterfront location, and at Breeze Hill in Prospect Park.
Everyone’s favorite outdoor food market is back in Prospect Park! Kicking off its 14th season on Sunday April 7, Smorgasburg Prospect Park is back on Breeze Hill every Sunday through October.
This beloved market features over 80 food vendors and crowds of hungry customers, ready to sample flavors from across the globe. While many of last year’s favorite foods purveyors are returning, this year’s crop of new vendors is not only the market’s largest yet, it’s also the most diverse.
The 2018 season marks the 10th anniversary of Brooklyn Flea, which began April 6, 2008, at Brooklyn Flea’s original Fort Greene location.
Smorgasburg is also one of the largest zero-waste events in America. Last season alone, 867,000 pounds of solid waste were diverted from landfills to compost through its markets, due in part by a ban on any canned or bottled beverages.
Everyone’s favorite outdoor food market is back in Prospect Park! Kicking off its milestone 15th season on Sunday April 6, Smorgasburg is back in Prospect Park on Breeze Hill every Sunday through October.
Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, this year’s Smorgasburg lineup features over 70 new and returning local vendors spanning culinary traditions, family recipes, viral street snacks and comfort foods reimagined.
From pastrami-packed sandwiches to tea blends steeped in tradition, the 2025 class of vendors showcases global flavors, each uniquely crafted for New York’s most beloved open-air food market.
Planning Your Visit to Queens Night Market
Navigating to the Queens Night Market is straightforward, with several transportation options available:
- Subway: Take the 7 train to 111th Street Station. Walk south 4 blocks until you pass under an overpass. You will see the Night Market behind the New York Hall of Science on the Left. (Manhattan-bound 7 trains will skip 111th Street Station through October, so take the Flushing-bound train and transfer or walk to Mets-Willets Point Station)
- Bus: Take the Q23 or Q58 to Corona Avenue x 108 Street or the Q48 to 111 Street x Roosevelt Avenue.
- Parking: The parking around Queens Night Market is limited and reserved mainly for vendors' vehicles so driving to the market can be difficult but if you do need to go parking is $15 per car. If you want to make sure you secure your parking spot, you can arrive early and spend some time at the New York Hall of Sciences before heading to the market when it opens at 5 pm.
Entrance to the Queens Night Market
The Allure of Smorgasburg
A proud New York City tradition, Smorgasburg is more than just a food festival. It is a culinary spectacular and America's largest open-air food market. Operating three times a week in NYC during the spring and summer, this gastronomic destination has been a staple since 2011.
It's a hub of diverse food vendors from around the world, drawing massive crowds and providing a platform for small business owners to showcase their unique offerings. The market has grown over the years, now spanning three locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The opening weekend is coming this week, April 5, 6, and 7, at the Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and World Trade Center locations.
