If you’ve been craving the sights, sounds, and flavors of Thailand, you’re in luck—Toronto is getting a taste of Chiang Mai this weekend with a vibrant indoor market that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Thai culture.
Once again, the team behind beloved Toronto Thai restaurant Pai is bringing back their annual Songkran Market, this time coming to a brand new location in the city.
Taking place on Sunday, April 13 from 12-4 p.m., the event will take place within their soon-to-open bar, Ta Phae Tavern at 221 Richmond Street West.
The market is a celebration of Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, which takes place around April 13 and is known for lively street parades, water fights, and joyful community gatherings.
While Toronto’s version might not include a citywide water fight, it will feature an immersive experience inspired by Chiang Mai’s famous Sunday Market.
Chef Nuit Regular will be serving up some of his favourite street foods, including Tha Phae fried chicken, mango sticky rice, and papaya Salad.
Visitors can also expect a curated lineup of local artisans and vendors selling vintage and second-hand clothing, music records, homemade soaps, tote bags, caricature drawings, pins and patches, dog treats, and much more!
The festivities don’t stop there; soothe your sore muscles with a traditional Thai massage, take part in the Buddha water blessing ritual, try your hand at a claw machine, and snap photos with a vintage rod daeng truck setup.
As always, the market also supports a greater cause. This year, 100% of net proceeds from food sales and donations from the Lucky Tree game will go toward earthquake relief efforts in the Myanmar–Thailand region and help sponsor students in Northern Thailand.
We can’t think of a better way to spend your Sunday than with delicious Thai bites, shopping local, and supporting a good cause!