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San Francisco’s beloved Be Chinatown Night Market has earned national recognition, being named one of the best night markets in the U.S. by readers of USA Today. As the event celebrated its third annual edition, local vendors and small businesses brought out their signature dishes — from egg custard tarts to barbecue pork buns — to meet the growing crowd.
Henry Chan, owner of AA Bakery, reflected on Chinatown’s evolution over four decades. While the community has seen positive changes, 2025 has brought unprecedented challenges for local businesses.
“This year’s been very tough,” said Chan, citing economic strain from rising wholesale costs and tariff pressures. “Some prices increased by 20%, 30% — even 50%.”
Ruby Velasco, who runs Bay Area Homemade, shared similar concerns, noting that increased costs are impacting both vendors and customers. “You can’t sell at $5 or $10 anymore,” she said.
For small, home-based entrepreneurs like Velasco, the night market is a lifeline for promotion and customer engagement. The event, now spanning seven city blocks, has grown rapidly under the leadership of Lily Lo, president of Be Chinatown.
“We started with just two blocks two years ago,” Lo said. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it to support our community.”
Mayor Daniel Lurie attended the event and emphasized the city’s support for vibrant cultural spaces. “Night markets like this one help stimulate the local economy. They work — and we need more of them,” he said.
For many, the night market offers hope in hard times. “We try our best,” said Chan. “We just have to keep going and wait for better days.”
