“Bhangra and Beats” Night Market Celebrates South Asian Culture in San Francisco’s Financial District

SAN FRANCISCO — The vibrant and lively “Bhangra and Beats” Night Market lit up San Francisco’s Financial District on Friday, bringing a taste of South Asian culture to the city. The event, now in its second year, featured traditional “Bhangra” dancing, Indian music, delicious food, and goods from local South Asian small businesses.

One of the key figures behind the night market is Ranjan Dey, chef and owner of New Delhi Restaurant on Ellis Street. Dey, who has been part of the event since its inception, worked closely with CEO and founder Katy Birnbaum to bring the idea to life.

Birnbaum explained that the inspiration behind the event was to celebrate the rich South Asian community in San Francisco and the Bay Area. “San Francisco has a huge South Asian community, but we didn’t have a celebration for that culture and community,” she said. “It felt about time that San Francisco picked it up and created a beautiful celebration.”

The night market attracted a diverse crowd, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the festivities. Even Mayor London Breed made an appearance to join in on the fun.

One of the highlights of the event was the variety of food available, with Birnbaum noting that it was the best place to sample a range of South Asian and Indian dishes. Dey, on the other hand, was excited to debut a new dish called the “Joy Bom,” a rice ball with spices, ghee, and pickles, coated in panko breadcrumbs. The dish was created specifically for the event and is not on the restaurant’s regular menu.

The success of the “Bhangra and Beats” Night Market has led to plans for more events throughout 2024, with the next one scheduled for July 12, followed by events in September and November. Dey hopes that these events will continue to bring people together and showcase the vibrant South Asian community in the Bay Area.