Folkways Staff Picks: Our Favorite Red River Market Eats

Each season, the Red River Market welcomes back fan-favorite vendors while introducing new ones that keep the market fresh and exciting. We prioritize local food businesses that use high-quality, locally grown ingredients in their recipes whenever possible, creating an experience that celebrates the flavors and people of our area. With so many incredible options, it is no surprise our team has developed a few go-to favorites over the years. Here are the meals, desserts, and drinks we find ourselves coming back for week after week.

Our Favorite Red River Market Picks

LESLEYANNE WILD

Lunch for me means Leela Thai Cuisine's pad thai, followed by their mango coconut sticky rice for dessert. They're a new vendor this year, and I'm thrilled they're bringing fresh Thai flavors to the market. They have a storefront in town that's a bit of a drive for me, so it's exciting to enjoy their food every market day. Another favorite treat is the Cinambrosia crepe from A La Crepe. It's simple but absolutely delicious, with warm butter, perfectly melted cinnamon sugar, and whipped cream on top. Dan and Rachel are always so friendly, and I usually devour my crepe in minutes. I have at least one every market, and sometimes two or three! To stay energized and hydrated, I always stop by Juice Box Fargo for a Citrus Sunshine juice, although I'd happily drink anything Renee makes. As one of the market's longest-running vendors, Juice Box consistently delivers fresh juices and smoothies that keep me coming back week after week.

ASHLEY THORNBERG

For lunch, I always head to Namaste Kitchen for masala tacos. They're the kind of meal that makes you stop and savor every bite. Definitely not something you mindlessly eat. When I'm craving dessert, I stick with Namaste Kitchen and order their pistachio ice cream. It's sweet, creamy, with just a hint of savory, and it's such a unique flavor you don't find everywhere. For a drink, I love stopping by Junkyard Brewing. The staff is always welcoming and smiling; I love the creative beer labels, especially the inside jokes, and the flavor combinations are always fun to try. On a hot summer day, their refreshing seltzers are hard to beat.

ADELE KENNISON

One of my favorite places to grab lunch is Penny's Eatery. I'm a huge breakfast fan, so their bowls are always a hit. The food reminds me of the classic diner breakfasts you enjoy with family on a Sunday afternoon, and the staff is always incredibly kind. When it's time for dessert, I head to Indulge for their delicious gluten-free macarons. They offer so many flavors that it's always fun to mix and match something new. Coffee is a must on market days, so my go-to drink comes from Buzzy Bee Coffee. I always order the classic Queen Bee, and it's been a tradition for me since long before I started working at the market. There's nothing better than sipping one while strolling through the vendors!

SIMONE WAI

My go-to lunch is Deb's Corner Foods and Catering's Cold Noodle Salad. Deb has been with the market since year one, and it's one of my favorite meals for a hot Saturday because it's so refreshing, flavorful, and healthy. Seeing Deb and Mike's smiling faces each week is always a highlight, and if you can't catch them at the market, you can also find some of their products at Natural Grocers. For dessert, I can't resist Humble Bread's Sourdough Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. I never knew banana bread could be so much better until I tried the sourdough version; it's absolutely incredible. I also love that they offer pre-orders, making it easy to grab everything you want, and you can really taste the care that goes into their slow-fermented baking. When I need a drink, it's always the Strawberry Matcha from Juice Box Fargo. Made with homemade almond milk, homemade strawberry purée, and matcha, it's unlike anything else you can find. It's been amazing to watch Renee grow her business from a longtime market vendor to opening her own storefront, and her upbeat team always keeps the line moving, even on the busiest summer market days.

ERICA KALE

My go-to lunch is Namaste Kitchen's vegan and gluten-free rice bowl. With rice, chickpeas, and a mixed salad, it's hearty and delicious. For a drink, I love their rotating seasonal beverages, especially the hibiscus tea. It's light, refreshing, and the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer market day. If I'm in the mood for something sweet, Juice Box Fargo's açai bowl is hard to beat. It's refreshing, packed with incredible flavor combinations, and always leaves me feeling energized. And if I'm ending the day with a drink, you can usually find me at Drekker Brewing Company, enjoying live music in Broadway Square with one of their sours or a summer slushie in hand.

BRENNA MALARD

My lunch pick is usually WingKing. After vendor load-in and setup, I need something hearty, and their wings are always crispy, saucy, and exactly what I'm craving. I can also never pass up the wontons from Saigon Kuisine. They're handmade with so much care, light instead of heavy, and absolutely delicious. For dessert, Humble Bread's brown sugar chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies are some of the best treats at the market. While they're known for their incredible sourdough, their sweets deserve just as much attention. Everything melts in your mouth, and you can taste the care that goes into every batch. One of my favorite things about Humble Bread is that it's truly a family operation. Their kids help at every market, and it's heartwarming to see how much they enjoy being part of it. As for drinks, Namaste Kitchen's lemonade is legendary, but I'll give the nod to Jumbo's lemonade. It's the perfect refreshing treat on a hot day. I'm especially excited about how much our drink lineup has grown this season, with new coffee vendors like Crews Coffee Co., and fresh offerings from HMK Wellness that make it even harder to choose.

ANDREW TRAEGER

My favorite lunch comes from SoulTaco. They take a classic street food and give it a modern twist by blending flavors from different cultures into something completely unique. I can't get enough of the Rush Hour Taco, especially with the crispy onions. When the temperature climbs, Juice Box Fargo's Berry Blast smoothie is my go-to drink. Nothing cools you down quite like fresh fruit on a hot market day. One of my favorite new discoveries this season has been Crews Coffee Co. Their iced maple latte has quickly become a favorite, with rich coffee flavors balanced by just the right amount of maple sweetness. It's one of the best iced coffee drinks I've had in downtown Fargo.

SADIE RUDOLPH

For dessert, it's hard to beat Hannoun Sourdough's cinnamon rolls, although honestly, anything Amena bakes is incredible. Her bread was born from a personal mission to create something she could enjoy herself, and every loaf and pastry is made with intention, care, and exceptional quality. On a hot summer day, nothing tops a frozen Sloosh from Drekker Brewing Company. Their creative flavors are always changing, and every new release somehow becomes my next favorite. Plus, they're one of Folkways' strongest community partners, bringing the same creativity and enthusiasm to the market that they put into every drink they make.

AMANDA FROST

My favorite lunch at the Red River Market is, without question, the Orange Chicken from Little Brother. I'd happily eat it any time of day, even for breakfast. At just $12, it's an incredible value, and I almost always have leftovers. I also love that they include real orange slices in the dish, giving it a fresh twist that makes it stand out. For something sweet to take home to add to my tea and peanut butter toast, I always stop by Three Bears Honey Co. I've been buying my honey from them for nearly 10 years, and it's the only honey I keep in my kitchen. They've been part of the Red River Market for years, and it's so special to watch their family grow alongside the market. Knowing my purchase supports a local family and ethically produced honey that benefits our local bee population makes it even sweeter. When it comes to drinks, one of my new favorites this season is Day and Night Coffee Co. Matt and Rhett are always welcoming, even during the busiest market mornings, and their positive energy is contagious. My go-to order is an iced oat milk latte, and it never disappoints.

JAY RUST

My favorite lunch at the market is the Masala Bowl from Namaste Kitchen. It's gluten-free, packed with flavor, and the mango salsa takes it to the next level. It's the perfect comfort food, especially during the cooler spring and fall markets. When I'm in the mood for something sweet, I always check out Due North Gluten-Free Bakery. They constantly have new treats to try, and everything tastes just as good as traditional baked goods. The red velvet cupcake is my personal favorite. For a drink, Namaste Kitchen wins again with their lavender chai. It's a refreshing way to cool off on a warm market day, and the sweet, earthy lavender pairs perfectly with the chai spices. Their friendly customer service makes every visit even better.

At Folkways, we believe community is built through shared experiences. We are a Fargo-Moorhead nonprofit working to combat social isolation and loneliness by creating opportunities for people to gather, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. The Red River Market is one of our signature programs, bringing people together through local food, music, art, and shared experiences every Saturday. By creating welcoming spaces where neighbors can meet, support local businesses, and build relationships, we help strengthen the connections that make our community thrive.

The Red River Market takes place every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM at Broadway Square in Downtown Fargo. To learn more about upcoming market dates, vendors, and events, visit the sites below:

RED RIVER MARKET
redriver.market | Facebook: /redrivermarket | Instagram: @redrivermarket

FOLKWAYS
Facebook: /wearefolkways | Instagram: @wearefolkways | @campus.fm | TikTok: @campusfm