Want to devour the best of Taiwanese food? Then forget Michelin-starred fancy restaurants and bars. Instead, head straight to a night market. Step inside a typical Taiwanese night market and you’ll be attacked with an overwhelming sensory feast. While it is easy to dismiss these markets as a tourist trap, they are anything but that. Night markets are an integral part of Chinese and South East Asian culture since historic times. But the night market scene is one of the best places to visit in Taipei, especially for street food.
The history of night markets in Taiwan goes way back to the Chinese Tang dynasty in 836 AD. The Tang dynasty put strict sanctions and regulations on these markets. Decades later, the Song Dynasty not only lifted these regulations but also encouraged night markets. Although these markets initially began as informal vendor meetings and later formal night markets, today, these markets are most famous for Taiwanese and Chinese street food.
So, skip the restaurants and venture into these markets for a food excursion.
Shilin Night Market
With over 539 food stalls, Shilin Night Market is the granddaddy of all night markets in Taipei. This market was formally established back in 1909 and has been a crowd puller ever since. Although food is the highlight of this market, it’s also quite popular for shopping; you’ll find everything from clothes to electronics here. It kicks off in the evening around 4-5pm and stays open until well past midnight.
What’s binge-worthy?
A street food heaven, this market is most famous for traditional Taiwanese delights like Stinky Tofu, Oyster Omelet, Giant Fried Chicken, Oyster Vermicelli, and Taiwanese Tempura.
Roahe Street Night Market
Roahe Street Night Market is one of the oldest night markets in the city. Lined with food stalls and traditional Taiwanese shops, this 600-meter street market is quite atmospheric. Located just a stone’s throw away from Wufenpu, Taipei largest wholesale market, it’s a good idea to go on a shopping spree before indulging in Roahe Street’s binge fest. Food stalls typically open early evening around 5pm and wind down by 11pm.
What’s binge-worthy?
The biggest pull of the market are treats like Pepper Meat Buns, Bubble Tea, Pork Ribs Herbal Stew, Oyster Noodles, Pork Feet Noodles, Beef Cubes, Chinese Sausages, Grilled Squid, and Lu Wei.
Ningxia Night Market
Located in the heart of the Taipei, Ningxia Night Market is popular with locals and tourists alike. In fact, it has been immortalized in a celebrated Taiwanese pop song about food. Such is the popularity of the market that it was the first one to separate pedestrian and car traffic. Like most night markets, it opens around 6pm and closes around midnight.
What’s binge-worthy?
Ningxia market is most famous wide variety of fresh Taiwanese snacks like Stinky Tofu, Barbequed Squids on a stick, Pig Kidney, Grilled Cheesy Scallops, and Fish Rolls. Those with a sweet tooth must try Tainan Rice Pudding.
Huaxi Night Market
Huaxi Night Market is for all those daring folks who’d eat anything as long as it’s cooked. Here, you’ll find delicacies (well, that’s debatable!) made from snakes, turtles, eel, and goose! Huaxi Market is known for its tonic food and Chinese herbal food since it started about 50 years ago. It was the first night market built specifically for tourists. After devouring some local food, don’t forget to pamper yourself with a foot massage at one of the market’s many massage parlors.
What’s binge-worthy?
Although this market is famous for serving ‘unusual’ meats, it is most renowned for cooked snake and snake wine. In fact, it’s so popular with all kinds of slithering reptiles that it’s often called as the Snake Alley Night Market. Tainan Tantsumien Seafood Restaurant, known for its fall-of-the-bone delicate seafood, is definitely a must-visit. Locals are fond of Special Pork Rib Noodles, Scholar’s Pancakes, Salted Egg Dumpling, and Fried Pepper Crabs.
Tonghua Night Market
Off the tourist track, Tonghua Night Market is where the locals head to shop trendy fashion wear and savor street food. It is hands down the best place to try Taiwanese food and also meet locals. The market is known for its friendly and approachable vendors who are happy to share information about the city’s culture, food, and history.
What’s binge-worthy?
At Tonghua, you’ll be spoilt with choices. Here, you can relish classics like Pan-fried Buns, Beef Noodles, Oyster Omelets, Barbecued Sausages or go gutsy and try Fried Chicken Feet and Braised Duck Tongue.
Taipei’s night markets are unmissable attractions, not only to enjoy local cuisine but also to experience and understand the city’s culture and love affair with street food.
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Tags: Asia Taipei Taiwan
