Why is Markham known as a food destination?Markham has a remarkable concentration of Asian restaurants, built around plazas such as First Markham Place, Pacific Mall and Langham Square, and the growing Downtown Markham district. Food culture shows up in its festivals too: Taste of Asia ran June 26 to 28 in 2026, the DTM Food Fest July 10 to 12, and Night It Up!, described as the GTA’s longest-running night market, has drawn more than 130,000 visitors in a single year. The Michelin Guide’s Toronto and Region selection also lists a Markham restaurant, Zen, for Japanese cuisine. For residents, it means great food is rarely more than a short drive away.
Ask Markham residents what they love about living here, and food comes up fast. Weekend dim sum, late-night noodles, bubble tea, hot pot and bakery runs are part of everyday life, not special occasions.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, often ends home tours for newcomers with a meal at a nearby plaza, because the food scene is one of the fastest ways to feel at home in a new city.
Markham’s food hubs
| Hub | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pacific Mall | A large indoor Asian mall with a busy food court and shops, near Kennedy Road and Steeles Avenue |
| Langham Square | Another busy plaza with restaurants and a food court |
| First Markham Place | A long-established plaza with restaurants and bakeries near Highway 7 |
| Downtown Markham | Newer restaurants, patios and a growing dining district near Enterprise Boulevard |
| Main Street Unionville and Main Street Markham | Heritage settings with cafes, pubs and patios |
General descriptions. Restaurants change often, so check current reviews and hours.
What to eat
- Dim sum: a weekend tradition for many Markham families. Arrive early at popular spots, especially on Sundays.
- Noodles and hot pot: from hand-pulled noodles to bubbling hot pot, with options from many regions.
- Bakeries and dessert: Hong Kong-style bakeries, egg tarts, bubble tea and dessert cafes.
- Food courts: mall food courts offer a fast, affordable way to try many dishes in one visit.
- Beyond Asian cuisine: South Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and European restaurants add even more variety.
Festivals and night markets
| Event | 2026 dates and location |
|---|---|
| Pacific Mall Summer Carnival | June 5 to 7, Pacific Mall |
| Taste of Asia | June 26 to 28, Kennedy Road from Steeles Avenue East |
| DTM Food Fest | July 10 to 12, Downtown Markham |
| Night It Up! | Usually held in summer; check the organizer for current dates |
Dates from Visit Markham’s 2026 summer festival guide. Night It Up! details from Markham Review (July 7, 2022).
Night It Up! has been described as the longest-running night market in the GTA. When Markham Review covered its 20th year in 2022, it was held at 179 Enterprise Boulevard in Downtown Markham and drew more than 130,000 patrons and over 100 vendors. Expect street food, games and crowds well into the night.
Looking for a home close to Markham’s best food?
Michael John Lau can show you neighbourhoods near the plazas, main streets and dining districts you love.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
The Michelin Guide and Markham
The Michelin Guide added Toronto and the surrounding region in 2022. As of October 2026, its Markham page lists Zen, a Japanese restaurant, among its selected restaurants. Many other celebrated spots in the wider area sit just across the border in Toronto, Scarborough and Richmond Hill, all within an easy drive. For most residents, the real strength of Markham’s food scene is depth and variety rather than awards.
Grocery shopping, Markham style
Food culture here extends well beyond restaurants. Large Asian supermarkets carry fresh seafood, produce, noodles, sauces and snacks from across Asia, alongside mainstream grocery chains and independent butchers and bakeries. Many families mix and match, buying staples at one store and specialty items at another. From May to October, the Saturday Markham Farmers’ Market on Main Street Markham adds local produce, baked goods and prepared foods. For budgeting, see the real cost of living in Markham.
A first food tour for newcomers
- Saturday morning: dim sum with family or friends, arriving early to beat the line.
- Midday: a walk through a mall food court to sample several dishes.
- Afternoon: bubble tea or a bakery stop, then a stroll on Main Street Unionville.
- Evening: hot pot or noodles, or, in summer, a night market or food festival.
Locals are usually happy to share their favourite spots, and asking for a recommendation is one of the easiest ways to start a conversation with new neighbours.
How food culture shapes neighbourhoods
Food plazas are part of daily life, and living near one is a real convenience. Homes near Highway 7, Kennedy Road and Woodbine Avenue put many of the best-known plazas within minutes. Quieter residential streets are usually only a short drive away. For a wider look at community life, see the pros and cons of living in Markham and Main Street Unionville vs. Main Street Markham.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
In Markham, a great meal is part of everyday life, and it is one of the best reasons to call the city home. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Markham known for food?
Markham has a remarkable concentration of Asian restaurants, centred on plazas such as Pacific Mall, Langham Square and First Markham Place, plus a growing dining scene in Downtown Markham.
Does Markham have Michelin restaurants?
As of October 2026, the Michelin Guide’s Markham page lists Zen, a Japanese restaurant, among its selected restaurants. Other Michelin-listed restaurants are nearby in Toronto and the surrounding region.
What is Night It Up!?
Night It Up! is a summer night market in Markham, described as the GTA’s longest-running. In 2022, it was held in Downtown Markham and drew more than 130,000 patrons and over 100 vendors.
When is Taste of Asia in Markham?
In 2026, Taste of Asia was held June 26 to 28 along Kennedy Road from Steeles Avenue East.
Where is the best dim sum in Markham?
Markham has many popular dim sum restaurants, especially around Highway 7, Kennedy Road and Woodbine Avenue. Arrive early on weekends, when the most popular spots fill up quickly.
What food festivals happen in Downtown Markham?
The DTM Food Fest was held July 10 to 12, 2026, in Downtown Markham. The area also hosts Canada Day celebrations and other seasonal events.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Sources include the Michelin Guide’s Markham listings (October 2026), Visit Markham’s 2026 summer festival guide and Markham Review’s coverage of Night It Up! (July 7, 2022). Restaurants and event dates change, so check before you go. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
