The Night Market
11401 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Every Thursday 4–9 p.m.
$-$$
NSU is a unique and lively campus, but that doesn’t mean Sharks can’t band together and take an afternoon to explore the South Florida area — even if that just means finding a quaint place to study.
Located about 20 minutes from campus is my absolute favorite spot to eat on Thursday nights. The Night Market is a group of over 20 food trucks and stands gathered together at the Pembroke Lakes Mall to celebrate small businesses and restaurants while remaining socially distanced. Yes, the entire experience can be enjoyed from your car.
Upon arriving at the mall, you will immediately see the swarm of food trucks and stands near the AMC theatre and Dillard’s. An attendant will pass you a list of the food trucks and stands available and what type of food available. You will be able to drive near the food truck or stand of your choosing and get delicious homemade food from practically any type of cuisine. From American to Hispanic, the variety of food is amazing.
For those who want to make a quick trip, there is an option to order food in advance through text for most of the trucks and stands. You can order up to a day in advance and have your food hot and ready upon your arrival. Many trucks, stands and the event itself have social media pages with their menus and contact information available to you.
My favorite truck is Ay Bendito Con Sabor A Puerto Rico. If you’re in the mood for comfort, family-made Puerto Rican food, then this is the truck for you. I come from a long line of Puerto Ricans and the food available at the food truck is as amazing as my grandmother’s. My whole family loves to order mofongo. This is a classic Puerto Rican dish with fried and mashed plantains, garlic and crunchy pieces of chicharron – which is fried pork skin. They also serve other traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as arroz con gandules, which is yellow rice and pigeon peas, churrasco, which is thin steak cooked very hot, and alcapurrias, which are smashed plantains wrapped around ground meat or pork. If you are feeling a little less adventurous, they do sell chicken tenders.
Some of the other trucks and stands include a raw honey booth, a booth with homemade baked goods made by local chefs, a stand selling freshly grown orchids, a gourmet popcorn stand and even a truck called Two Platanos and a Dream, which sells homemade Spanish food that is completely vegan.
Next time you’re in the mood to eat, but are not sure what exactly you want, I would definitely head to The Night Market.
