RUBY PASCOE
Gold Coast’s very own Chinatown was on display Saturday night with locals flocking to Southport for the once a month Street Markets.
The Chinatown Street markets are held on the first Saturday of every month up until November and they present an authentic Asian food experience for locals.
Along with Asian food, the street markets also showcase Asian culture, such as traditional Chinese dancing and music.
Locals and visitors were immersed in the sounds and tastes of Asian culture while enjoying a night out with their families, with children’s activities also on offer, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Showcasing the Gold Coasts diverse culture in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games next year, local food truck worker Lauren Gibney said the street markets offer a great opportunity to do this.
‘‘It’s great, there’s been quite a lot of people coming through and trying the food. I think it’s a great way to show off the Coasts different cultures,’’ Mrs Gibney said.
Mrs Gibney said working at events like the street markets is what she enjoys most about her job.
‘‘There’s just always really good people that come here for the markets, everyone’s happy and it’s just a really good vibe.’’
The Chinatown Street Markets is also an opportunity to attract interest to the area from other Asian shop and restaurant owners that want to set up shop on the Gold Coast.
‘‘It’s really good for people who want to come here and set up shop permanently, I’ve noticed there’s been a few shops open up in this area in the last few months,’’ Mrs Gibney said.
The last Chinatown Street Market for this year will be held on November 4 in Southport.