DS Night Market
LA's vibrant Thai night market in Chinatown, serving authentic street food with live music and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & full vendor lineup
DS Night Market
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & full vendor lineup
Highlights
Must-see attractions
LA's vibrant Thai night market in Chinatown, serving authentic street food with live music and a lively atmosphere.
"This is the best Thai night market in LA, hands down. Authentic, vibrant, and just a plain good ole' time!"
🎯 Go Early for Favorites
Popular vendors sell out fast! Arrive early to snag your must-try dishes before they're gone.
💰 Budget for Bites
Expect to spend $10-20 per dish. It's pricier than some street food, but worth the authentic taste.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thai Rodeo BBQ Skewers
Thai Rodeo BBQ stall
Juicy, flavorful Thai-style BBQ skewers that reviewers rave about. A must-try for any visitor!
Crispy Pork Belly
On Crunch 88 stall
Incredibly crispy pork belly bowls that are a fan favorite and highly recommended by visitors.
Kanom Krok (Coconut Pancakes)
Daeng's Desserts or similar stall
Iconic Thai coconut desserts, often served warm with sweet toppings. A delightful sweet treat.
Spicy Papaya Salad
Yummunzpak_la or similar stall
Authentic and perfectly balanced papaya salad with a customizable kick. A flavor explosion!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Favorites
Popular vendors sell out fast! Arrive early to snag your must-try dishes before they're gone. +1
💰 Budget for Bites
Expect to spend $10-20 per dish. It's pricier than some street food, but worth the authentic taste.
🚗 Parking Options
Paid lots are available, or find free street parking a few blocks away.
🎶 Enjoy the Vibe
Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere. Check for themed nights like EDM Fridays!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Favorites
Popular vendors sell out fast! Arrive early to snag your must-try dishes before they're gone. +1
💰 Budget for Bites
Expect to spend $10-20 per dish. It's pricier than some street food, but worth the authentic taste.
🚗 Parking Options
Paid lots are available, or find free street parking a few blocks away.
🎶 Enjoy the Vibe
Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere. Check for themed nights like EDM Fridays!
🥢 Bring Your Own Utensils
Some visitors suggest bringing your own reusable cutlery to reduce waste. :cutlery:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
DS Night Market is a highly praised, authentic Thai street food destination in Los Angeles' Chinatown. Visitors love the vibrant atmosphere, live entertainment, and the quality of the food, especially the BBQ skewers and crispy pork belly. While some find the prices a bit high for street food, the overall experience and authentic flavors are consistently lauded.
"My favorite, go-to food vendor market in LA, hands down. Authentic, vibrant, and just a plain good ole’ time, DS night market really knocks it out of the park in terms of organization and quality of vendors. Shoutout to the amazing organizers!
Located in Chinatown, this night market has been excellent in terms of revitalizing a once-dead (but historic and very dope) part of LA, as well as a way to support local small businesses. There is live music and karaoke. There are multiple paid parking lots within the vicinity or free street parking if you’re willing to walk a few blocks.
Without further ado, my favorite vendors include:
1. Thai rodeo bbq (@thairodeobbq) for their AMAZING Thai-style bbq skewers. If you only have the time or space to try one vendor, this is it - WOW.
2. Daeng’s desserts (@daengsdesserts) for their standout mango sticky rice. Favorite dessert vendor at DS.
3. On Crunch 88 (@oncrunch88) for their insanely crispy pork belly bowl
4. @saoha.khaosoi for their flavorful khao soi
4. @yummunzpak_la for their spicy papaya salad
5. @bangkokbbqbowl
6. @taliw_thai
7. @mama.sookkao
I will forever support DS night market and refer friends and family - what a great addition to LA.
Ig: @dawntc"
dawn cheng
"I saw DS Night Market on instagram. This is accurate updated location and there’s plenty of street parking if you don’t mind a few mins walk around. It’s a small food market with different authentic Thai food stalls, reasonably priced and not very crowded when I went. The wait times are good considering dishes are made when ordered even the popular drink stall. There’s security, someone spraying down the tables, and live music (just the volume, not too loud).
The skewers towards the end of the market is very good and a MUST TRY, it’s called something like Moo Ping i think."
Allison W. Leung
"This place is so dope. Live music with great tasting food. Good place to eat with family and friends. They are out there every Friday-Sunday 5pm -11pm. There is a live DJ and Fridays is EDM night. I love me some EDM. So man great vendors there. They have some awesome drinks also. Go early so you can get your food and sit before it gets crowded. Great organizers."
Jward the Foodie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
DS Night Market is located in Chinatown, Los Angeles at 750 N Hill St or 751 N Broadway. It's easily accessible by car, and there are multiple paid parking lots nearby. If you're using public transport, consider bus routes that serve Chinatown. +1
Yes, there are paid parking lots within the vicinity. You can also find free street parking if you're willing to walk a few blocks.
The market is typically open on weekends. Fridays and Saturdays run from 5 PM to 11 PM, while Sundays are from 4 PM to 10 PM. It's always a good idea to check their social media for any last-minute changes.
The market is set up in an alleyway and street area, making it very walkable. You can easily stroll between vendors and enjoy the atmosphere.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for getting to and from DS Night Market, especially if you plan on enjoying some drinks. Just set your drop-off location to the market's address.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to DS Night Market is completely free! You only pay for the delicious food and drinks you purchase from the vendors. +1
Most dishes range from $10 to $20, which is comparable to restaurant prices in LA. Some Reddit users find it a bit pricey for street food, but many agree the quality and authenticity justify the cost.
While many vendors may accept cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or if a vendor's card reader is down.
There's no system for advance reservations. Food is made fresh to order, so be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
While there aren't official discounts, the prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality and authenticity of the Thai street food offered.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
DS Night Market specializes in authentic Thai street food. You'll find everything from BBQ skewers and crispy pork belly to boat noodles, papaya salad, and delicious Thai desserts like mango sticky rice and Kanom Krok. +3
Highly recommended dishes include Thai Rodeo BBQ skewers, On Crunch 88's crispy pork belly, authentic papaya salad, and Kanom Krok. Many visitors also rave about the boat noodles and Khao Soi.
While the focus is on traditional Thai meat dishes, some vendors may offer vegetarian or vegan modifications. It's best to ask the vendors directly about their ingredients and options.
You can find a variety of refreshing Thai drinks, including Thai iced tea, fresh juices, and other specialty beverages.
Wait times can vary depending on the vendor and how busy the market is. Dishes are made to order, so popular stalls might have a queue, especially on weekend evenings. Going earlier can help minimize wait times.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant stalls, sizzling food being prepared, colorful desserts, and the lively atmosphere make for great photos. Don't miss capturing the live music and any fire performances. +1
Be mindful of your surroundings. While the market is bustling, try to be quick and respectful when taking photos, especially of food being prepared or people enjoying their meals.
The market truly comes alive after sunset, with the lights and food stalls creating a magical ambiance. Golden hour just before sunset can also offer beautiful lighting.
The entrance to the market, with its array of colorful stalls, is a great starting point. Also, look for vendors with visually appealing dishes or unique cooking methods.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, especially when photographing food or people, as it can be disruptive and alter the natural ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for vendors offering milder options or familiar dishes like skewers. While there aren't specific kid-focused activities, the novelty of a night market and trying new foods can be an adventure in itself. Bringing snacks or drinks for picky eaters might be a good backup plan.
💸 Budget Travelers
Look for vendors offering skewers or smaller bites, which might be more budget-friendly. Bringing your own water bottle can also save on drink costs. While some Reddit users note the prices, many still find the authentic flavors and experience to be a good value.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Don't be afraid to explore and try new things! The market is a fantastic place to discover hidden gems and unique Thai flavors you might not find elsewhere. Engaging with the vendors and asking about their specialties can enhance your culinary journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Thai Experience
The market's location in Chinatown adds to its unique charm, blending Thai culinary traditions with the rich cultural tapestry of the neighborhood. It's more than just a place to eat; it's an immersive experience that engages all the senses, from the tantalizing aromas of grilled meats and spices to the lively sounds of music and chatter.
Visitors often praise the market for its organization and the quality of its vendors, highlighting how it revitalizes a historic part of LA while supporting local small businesses. The dedication to providing an authentic and enjoyable experience is evident in every aspect, from the food preparation to the overall ambiance.
Culinary Delights: What to Eat
Don't miss out on the spicy papaya salad, which many reviewers hail as some of the best they've ever had, perfectly balancing fresh, tangy, and spicy notes. For those with a sweet tooth, Kanom Krok (coconut pancakes) and mango sticky rice from vendors like Daeng's Desserts are highly recommended.
Other notable mentions include boat noodles, Khao Soi, and various noodle dishes. While prices are comparable to restaurant meals, the authenticity and quality of the ingredients make it a worthwhile culinary adventure.
Atmosphere and Entertainment
The bustling energy of the market, with vendors cooking and people socializing, contributes to its overall appeal. It's a place where you can not only enjoy delicious food but also soak in the vibrant culture and entertainment.
While the primary focus is on food, the addition of entertainment elements like live performances and music elevates the DS Night Market from a simple food stall gathering to a full-fledged weekend destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit