By Amanda Frost, Marketing Coordinator, Folkways

Simone Wai

Co-Founder & Creative Director

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

Summer Noodle Salad from Saigon Kuisine. The cold noodle salad is so fresh and delicious on a hot market day. They always give you a big bowl, and it fills me up for a busy market day

Favorite drink at the market and why?

Liquid Sunshine fresh fresh-pressed juice from Juice Box Fargo. I love the ginger in this juice. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market and why?

Farmented Foods—their dill sauerkraut is awesome.

Prairie Soul Meats—I love their grass-fed beef, and don’t miss their cured beef sticks!

Midheaven Garden has a great selection of mushrooms!

What is a new vendor you are looking forward to?

Hanson’s Vanilla Co.—I am very excited to make some desserts or iced coffees with their homemade Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste.

Every Saturday from summer through fall, Broadway Square in downtown Fargo transforms into a vibrant hub of food, culture, and community—thanks to the hard work and creative energy of the Folkways team behind the Red River Market. These are the folks who curate the vendor lineup, set the stage for live music, wrangle logistics, and keep the energy buzzing week after week.

But when they’re not organizing behind the scenes, they’re just like the rest of us: strolling the stalls, grabbing a bite, sipping something refreshing, and stocking up on favorites. We asked some of the team to share their go-to eats, drinks, and vendors at the market, plus what new booths they’re excited about this season.

Whether you’re a longtime market-goer or a first-timer, let these insider picks inspire your next Saturday visit.

Amanda Frost

Marketing Coordinator

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

Lately, I’ve been on a major croissant kick, especially the chocolate ones from Jen’s Bakery. They’re light, fluffy, and make the perfect morning snack, easy to enjoy while strolling around and browsing the other vendors.

Favorite drink at the market and why?

The kombucha from Boomboom LLC is my favorite drink—not only is it delicious and good for my gut, but it’s also locally made with care. The owner is incredibly health-conscious in her brewing process, which makes me appreciate it even more.

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market and why?

Namaste Kitchen—as a big curry fan, I’m always drawn to Namaste Kitchen. Their dishes are full of rich, traditional Indian flavors, and their curry tacos have become one of my favorite lunches at the market.

Nit’s Spring Rolls are like candy for me, and they always serve their food with a warm smile, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

I love stopping by Deb’s Corner Foods and Catering. Her food is made with care and has that comforting, homemade feel. I also really appreciate the variety of vegan options and how reasonably priced everything is. It’s a great spot for a delicious and affordable lunch.

What is a new vendor you are looking forward to?

I’m a big Junkyard Brewing fan, so I’m really excited to see them join the market this year! I’m especially hoping Peanut Butter Bandit makes an appearance; it’s my all-time favorite from them. It’s incredibly creamy with rich, deep peanut butter flavor that’s just unbeatable.

Brenna Malard

Events Coordinator

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

My favorite food at the RRM has to be either Saigon Kuisine’s wontons or Nit’s Spring Rolls chicken rolls. They are both delicious and a great Saturday snack.

Favorite drink at the market and why?

Hands down it has to be Namaste Kitchen’s strawberry lemonade. It is so refreshing on a hot market day.

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market and why?

Namaste Kitchen, Nit’s Spring Rolls, and Saigon Kuisine are my staples for a market day.

I also really love Little Brother when I want a more filling meal, and Windsor Waffles for a sweet treat!

What is a new vendor you are looking forward to?

This is tough because we have so many new food vendors! It’s a tie between our new crepe vendor Oh Crepe! or WingKing.

Erica Kale

Marketing Manager

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

Little Brother is one of my Downtown favorites!

Favorite drink at the market and why?

Namaste Kitchen’s Iced Coconut Chai is refreshing on a market day!

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market and why?

The Plant Supply has fun and different gifts and plants.

Rising Dawn Ceramics has cute and fun ceramics.

Juice Box Fargo has delicious juices and smoothie bowls.

What is a new vendor you are looking forward to?

Sourdough Goods! Gotta love more bread at the market!

Parsley Sternhagen

Event Intern

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

Little Brother has great food with veggie options at an affordable price!

Favorite drink at the market and why?

Namaste Kitchen’s Chai is a very deep and rich flavor, authentically brewed!

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market?

What is a new vendor you are looking forward to?

Lesleyanne Buegel

Creative Producer & Event Manager

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

Oatmeal Creme Pie from Preheat Pastry Shop. It’s a delicious, yummy treat, that’s better than the original Lil Debbie ones—also Megan and Lydia are so fun and sweet!

Favorite drink at the market and why?

Any juice from Juice Box is so refreshing, cold, delicious, and healthy.

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market and why?

Lady Gem Jewelry has an incredible stones and jewelry selection!

Exit 44 – Flowers & More has beautiful flower arrangements.

Lost in Fargo has sick, homemade clothes representing cool Fargoans!

What is a new vendor you are looking forward to?

Dexter Dutton

Development Manager

What is your favorite food at the market and why?

Adibon’s Samosas are the best! Sifa is so kind and always such a pleasure to chat with, and she always remembers that I love extra chili oil to make them extra spicy.

Favorite drink at the market and why?

Either a wine from Bear Creek or a beer from Drekker. Depending on the mood of the day, both of these bevies hit the spot. Having worked with Drekker for four years in the past, I’m very familiar with their IPAs and love their crisp lagers they have been making more recently

Sean at Bear Creek is a wine wizard and is crafting some amazing wines here in the Red River Valley.

Who are your top three favorite vendors at the market and why?

This is an impossible question for me. Having been involved with the vendor community for over eight years, I’ve been lucky enough to make some great connections with many of our vendors. I’m grateful for each and every Red River Market Vendor that hustles hard to make the market the best and biggest farmers’ market in the state.