As the sun sets over the San Gabriel Superstore complex, a slew of food purveyors and trucks set up shop along its perimeter down Valley and San Gabriel boulevards. The months-old Chinese night market happens daily at around 6 p.m. and has been slowly gathering steam each week attracting more vendors and attendees. I was alerted to this tremendous gastronomical gathering by SGV queen @kristiehang.
The inescapable smoke from charcoal grills perfumes the air, beckoning passersby while stubbornly clinging to my freshly washed fleece. Seared, spiced, and skewered sticks of beef, tripe, lamb, and squid were procured, along with what amounted to three cousins of jian bing (even though they boasted wildly different names like “grilled cold noodles” and “Chinese pizza”). Taiwanese-style mochi — dusted in ground soybean, peanut, and black sesame — provided the perfect finish. The enticing bubble waffles and steamed-on-site rice noodle rolls will have to wait until next time.
Download Google Translate (if illiterate in Chinese), bring cash, come hungry. 1635 S. San Gabriel Boulevard, San Gabriel, CA 91776.
