Tis Me Michelle

Here’s the full roundup of the Mills Market series. There may be some updates down the road. Definitely a few more options to give a go. Let’s get back to the usual format.

The Atmosphere: It’s a very relaxed food market. Pretty small for how popular it is. I didn’t realize Zaru was considered part of the Mills Market until I saw it featured on the Mills Market website. Zaru is a sit-down spot, but everything else is a stall that you get in line for. There are a few tables in the center for folks dining in.

When I originally got there, it wasn’t too busy because everything wasn’t open yet. Banh Mi Boy opened at 10 a.m., Kai Kai at 10:30 a.m., Unigirl at 12 p.m., and Saigon Snow only at 12 p.m. Once all the available stalls opened, it felt much more cramped. I appreciate that things are so close you can bounce around easily, but I did feel like I was running into folks. I got everything to go, and I think that’s the only way I’d do it moving forward, too. Just a bit too cramped for my liking.

The Meal: Check out the full review of each of the spots in the links below. The first one I checked out was Zaru, probably about a year ago. I haven’t gotten to that review yet, but I enjoyed my experience. I liked that it was one of those menus where you pick and choose what you want and turn in your paper order. The udon noodles were great, and I recall really enjoying the Viet Coffee.

When I first arrived only Kai Kai and Banh Mi Boy were ready, so I got those and then went across the street to Matcha Cafe Maiko for that viral banana pudding matcha. When I got back, just a few minutes after opening, there was already a really long line. This is clearly the main event of the market.

Here’s my official ranking:

1. Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings
2. Zaru – Review Coming Soon
3. Banh Mi Boy
4. Unigirl

I checked out the menu for Saigon Snow, and it was enticing. The menu makes note that an order serves 2+, so I wasn’t going to try to attack it alone. If I came back with someone, I’d love to give one a try. In addition to the snow options, they also had some great-sounding iced teas and coffees.

The last ‘restaurant’ stall was Cowboy Curry, which is still underway. On top of all the stalls, there’s a little open market right when you walk in. There’s a refrigerator of different Asian soft drinks and another refrigerator of fruit and cold snacks. Next to that is a hot bar and a table with a spread of baked goods. I was lured in by sesame balls at the hot bar and the trendy whipped cream fruit sandos, but I resisted. I had already gotten so much on this trip alone.

The Parking: I’m usually more lenient on parking on Mills because there’s so much street parking. Not so much on this side of the street. There are spots right outside the market, but it’s off of E. Colonial, and that street is just too crazy for my liking. I turned over to Mills and tried to find parking in the Matcha Cafe Maiko lot. I should have known that wasn’t gonna happen, considering how popular it’s been. There’s a lot on the opposite side of the street by the Colonial Photo Store + The Burrow Cafe, but I don’t believe it’s open to the public. I ended up in one of the small lots off of Hillcrest Street. I wish you the best finding parking in this little area. If you’re willing to walk, there are more options across the street. I was just looking like a bum post-workout and wanted the quickest option.

Mills Market is a good food hall. A decent amount of options and not terribly expensive. I would probably go when things calm down a bit. Honestly, I’d mainly be back for Kai Kai, so I could escape the rush by going early.

Have you checked out Mills Market yet?!

Address: 1110 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803