Discover the Best Monthly Thai Street Markets: Your Guide to Food, Fun, and Culture!

By Shane Gomez

On Sunday, the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale buzzed with excitement as it celebrated the grand opening of its Thai markets. This event kicked off a monthly series bringing a taste of Thailand to Northern Virginia.

Over 30 vendors set up shop, offering a mouthwatering array of food—think crispy squid, coconut sticky rice, and chicken skewers. Attendees could also browse unique crafts like handmade candles and jewelry.

The festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches from dignitaries, dance performances, and even a Muay Thai boxing demo. Doi Phuenphiphop, from the NVA Thai Center, emphasized, “These markets connect people and showcase the richness of our culture.”

The NVA Thai Center started these events two years ago at a local Buddhist temple. After experiencing rapid growth, they made the move to the City of Manassas Museum, and now, Annandale has become the latest hotspot.

As interest grows, they’re also planning the Sawasdee DC Thai Festival on September 14. The vision includes creating a “Thai Town” in the D.C. area, similar to the beloved Eden Center, known for its vibrant Vietnamese culture.

Interestingly, a recent U.S. Census report showed about 340,000 people in the country identified as Thai in 2023, with a large concentration in the D.C. area, particularly Northern Virginia.

At the market, Sopisa Gorospe showcased her business, Aromagic Candle. Originally a hobby, candle-making turned professional after she lost her software engineering job. Each candle is handmade with organic ingredients, inspired by traditional Thai foods.

“I decided to make this happen,” Sopisa shared. “This is my chance to create something special.”

The Thai markets run monthly at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike. Don’t miss the next gathering on July 20—it’s the perfect way to experience Thai culture without leaving the community!

Shane Gomez is Annandale Today’s summer intern. A graduate of Annandale High School, Shane is home from college for the summer.

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