Queens Night Market 2024

Queens Night Market where thousands (20,000) of foodies meet and eat on a Saturday night is a sensory experience in the flavors of many countries. Prices capped at five and six dollars mean it’s possible to move through the market to purchase from different vendors: Mexico, Turkey, Venezuela, Philippine street food or Hong Kong, Venezuela, Ethiopia, and Haiti, Ecuadorian ceviche or Polish perogies. The list goes on. To order Burmese Bites, Tibetan momos, or Malaysian burgers means standing in a long line.

While you wait someone passes with a scrumptious-looking dish. Suddenly, I wonder if I am making the right choice. “Where,” I’ll ask, did you get that?” This question delights a foodie, and they’ll go into detail about where, what, and how good it is!

Conversations continue at crowded picnic tables. The Brooklyn girl with freckles and pigtails understands our love for the city. A couple about our age surprises us by saying that they are Antabaptists. Like us, they once lived in Upper Manhattan.

Last evening, Laurence and I visited with a group of Mennonite youth. Most of them were from Brooklyn. As we exited the market, we noticed a group of men wearing Gideon Bible t-shirts. What a blessing to see active Bible-placing Gideons. The blessing continued after we boarded the 7 train and the woman beside me commented on my dress. Turns out, she lived in Wichita and Salina Kansas for a couple years, but now resides in Long Island City with her husband and three wiggly daughters. (I’d tell you about Long Island City, but you have to live here to understand.)

Before leaving Night Market, we ordered a blueberry creme brulee. The smooth flavors of the custard entice me to return another Saturday.

Berniece

P.s. Written while riding the train to church.