After a two-year hiatus Sandwich Hag is officially ready to revive its highly anticipated Night Market on March 26. The Saturday event celebrates both the Lunar New Year as well as World Down Syndrome Day.
“Every time we turn on the news or when we look at our phones for a current event news update, there’s so much bad. So, being able to bring back such a special event for Dallas is something positive to look forward to,” says executive chef and founder Reyna Duong.
Duong is an acclaimed figure in Dallas known not only for her authentic Asian cuisine but also for her outspoken advocacy regarding people with Down syndrome. Her advocacy stems from her brother, Sang, who lives with the syndrome and works alongside Duong. (The Notre Dame School of Dallas, which is an educational program for those with disabilities, will also be present. Donations are more than welcome for the nonprofit group.)
“When I stepped foot onto the dirt gravel of the Hag as it was empty, I immediately envisioned a night market with music, food, and inclusivity—especially for Sang and his population,” says Duong.
And the Night Market was born.
Apart from the regular Sandwich Hag menu, other food pop-ups will gather to share fun and food. Keep an eye out for Dallas favorites, such as Anna Swann with Ulam Modern Filipino Kitchen, Haute Sweets Patisserie, Modest Rodgers, and Momo Shack Himalayan Dumplings, whose team has been a part of the Sandwich Hag Night Market since 2018.
Chef Donny Sirisavath from the newly opened Darkoo’s Chicken Shack will be serving up fan favorites dishes from Khao Noodle Shop.
Additional food vendors include the Sandwich Hag neighbor Ka-Tip Thai Street Food, the reinvented Bà Chằng (formerly known as Noodboyz & Thicc Sticcz), Detour Donuts, and George Kaiho from Jettison who will be providing cocktails.
Newcomers to the event include as Kessler Baking Studio and chef Sara Hangtagool with Thid Jai. As for wares, look to Shop Kahlo,mother-daughter artist duo Xtra Love, Ry’s Ties, and ceramic artist Marcello Andres.
It’s truly about community over competition.
Reyna Duong
This little food festival tucked in The Cedars isn’t just about enjoying great food and great entrepreneurship—though, it certainly is that. The Night Market is about “supporting one another’s business,” says Duong. “It’s truly about community over competition.”
Duong also wants to uplift the community and promote an unashamed Asian presence in Dallas in the face of recently rising Asian hate crimes. “With the Night Market,”says Duong, “it’s my way of being very Asian and being very unapologetic about who we are as a people.”
