The concept of night markets originated in Asia and has expanded through the Chinese diaspora. California has emphasized the success of night markets like the popular 626 Night Market and Foodieland. These food fests are much different from Friday Night Munchies because they are run by promoters and have become commercialized.
“Compared to Foodieland, the prices are a lot better,” said Jesus Hernandez, a San Diego resident. “I am more about supporting small and culturally oriented businesses, plus this market feels more homey.”
Customers no longer have to break their banks for parking, entrance fees and overpriced food to venture out and find cuisines such as Filipino food, birria and soul food.
“Friday Night Munchies is my home,” said Gonzalez, owner of Charlie’s Birria. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonFranz Giron, founder of Lutong Pinoy OC is “hooked” on Charlie’s birria. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonThe Abundice family goes back for a second crepe after trying the first. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonElenita De Jesus buys a pair of handmade earrings. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonDerrick Bobbitt, founder of The Situation Catering is nicknamed “Beanz the Butcher.” Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonThe market started with 3-5 vendors but now have about 60. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonFounder of Lutong Pinoy OC, Franz Giron (left) first started as a merchandise vendor selling bath bombs and soaps. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonAngel Garcia munches on loaded fries as he waits for his family to meet him with different foods. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonThe @friday_night_munchies account sits at 25K followers. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonChelsea Caldera enjoys a sweet treat on Friday night. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonThe founder of Friday Night Munchies, Daniel Figueroa started off as a vendor himself selling concha ice cream sandwiches. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el DonBoys night is spent at Friday Night Munchies. Photo by Ryla Manalang / el Don
As of June 6, 2020, updates on this page have been discontinued. Here’s what we know: As the county begins to reopen, what does that mean for you? Orange County bars, gyms,
A sea of Mexican and United States flags waved back and forth, with picket signs and middle fingers held high as people chanted “ICE out of OC” and “ICE out of Santa
After facing many editorial challenges, el Don editorial staff published their Spring 2025 student newspaper magazine this semester. The photographs presented document el Don editorial staff producing their newspaper issue. After almost
Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, the eighth film of the franchise, is finally out. Final Reckoning ties the whole franchise together and concludes the story of Ethan Hunt. As a passionate Mission:
Download the May 2025 Vol. 101 No. 2 issue. Letter from the staff We’re stoked that you’re reading our print edition. This one is special because it’s the last time el Don
Seventy plus years of el Don history is now housed in the new Santa Ana College digital library. This was made possible due to a grant from California Revealed, an organization dedicated
Ryla Manalang
