Sampling the Foods at the Night Markets in Taipei
Eating the Local Cuisine in Taipei
Located on the northern tip of Taiwan and sitting on the banks of the Tamsui
River, the Taiwanese capital of Taipei contains 2.5 million people in an
approximately 105 square mile area. The thriving capital offers a diversity of
contrasts. Not only is it home to upscale restaurants and clubs, it features
roadside stands, wet markets, and night courts that showcase a unique variety of
snack-type cuisine.
Wet Markets in Taipei - Fresh Food Vendors
Wet markets, which feature fresh food and fish, got their name because of the
large amount of water that is used to keep the floors of the market clean, wash
the fruits and vegetables on display, and keep the shellfish alive. However, to
truly experience local Chinese eating, a visit to a night market food court is a
must-do activity.
A Daring Culinary Pursuit
That's because the food courts in the night markets feature such fare as frog
soup (the amphibian included in the broth sans his head), fried crickets, and
other fried specialties. In fact, most of the food you'll find is deep-fried and
not overly healthful. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of daring foodies who
will sample the cuisine.
Typical Taiwan Night Market:
The Longshan Night Market Area
The Longshan Night Market area is home to four primary night market streets.
These market settings include:
- The Huaxi Street Market (also called Snake Alley) - a favorite of
tourists
- The Guangzhou Street Market (a popular market of locals)
- The Xichang Street Market
- The Wuzhou Street Market
Other Well-known Night Markets
In addition to the Longshan markets, the Taipei area is also home to the large
Shilin Night Market, the Keelung Night Market, the Raohe Night Market, and the
Tonghua Market.
The Night Market Atmosphere
Night markets generally open in the early evening, around 4:00 p.m., with crowds
peaking around 10:00 p.m. at night. Businesses, which sell everything from
imitation handbags to small, inexpensive lamps, stay open, along with the food
stalls, until around 1:00 or 2:00 a.m.
See night market activities on the following video:
The Shilin Night Market - The Largest Night Market in
Taiwan
The Shilin Night Market is a local favorite and is considered the largest if not
most famous market in Taiwan. The selling venue is home to over 500 food stalls.
The following video shows the hustle and bustle of the Shilin food court at
night:
Shilin Food Specialties
One of the specialty foods at the Shilin market is Stinky Tofu served with
pickled vegetables.
Shilin Night Market:
Food vendors also feature such foods as:
- Snails
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Ox Tongue Pie:
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- Deep fried crabs (Common Taiwanese fare - the whole crab is
consumed, including the shell.)
- Ox tongue pie (Fortunately, this pie is not made out of an ox
tongue but is just shaped like one. The pie or pancake is flavored with
peanut or sesame.)
- Oyster pancakes (These specialties are made with sweet potato
powder, oysters, veggies, and an egg with a complimentary topping of sweet
and sour sauce.)
- Coffin bread (This hollowed-out deep fried toast is typically
filled with pork chowder. The concoction is a southern Taiwanese specialty.)
The Keelung Night Market: Featured Foods
The Keelung Night market is located in close proximity to the harbor and
therefore is well-known for its large selection of ocean catches. Vendors
prepare crabs, shrimp, and oysters on-site.
Keelung Night Market:
By Hadge
via Wikimedia Commons
Some of the other specialties at the
market include:
- Paopao Bing (Also called bubble ice, the hot-weather favorite is
shaved ice that is blended to a smooth consistency.)
- Red Bean Cake (This food is similar to the Japanese version of
taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with red bean filling.)
- Seafood Egg Buns filled with Oysters, Leek, and Shrimp
Raohe Night Market Foods
Located in the Songshan District of Taipei, the Raohe Night Market is one of the
oldest markets in Taiwan. You’ll often find long lines in front of vendors who
sell black pepper buns - a night market favorite that features a bun containing
black pepper, pork, and scallions.
Raohe Night Market:
Custard in egg shells is sold in many of the
stalls too and is a common night market snack.
Fukushima Circle Pie
The Raohe Market also features Fukushima Circle Pie. The fried pie is made with
a baked egg and ham filling combined with bonito flakes and mayo. Bonito,
itself, is a type of fish (also known as skipjack tuna). The flakes are made by
shaving and drying the fish.
Squid Stew
Squid Stew is yet another popular food at the Raohe Market. The squid for the
fare is placed into a bag with a variety of sauces before being shaken and
served. Pudding shaved ice, pan-fried dumplings and a small sausage in large
sausage are other market favorites.
Tonghua Market Specialties
The Tonghua Market, also known as the Linjiang Night Market, is famous for such
market foods as:
- Potato and yam fries
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Guabao Sandwich:
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- Guabao (pork, cilantro, pickled vegetables and peanut powder in a
sliced bun)
- Teppanyaki Steak (a stringy kind of beef steak that only costs
about $4.00)
Where to Find Snake
Popular with tourists, the Huaxi Night Market, also known as Snake Alley, is
famous for its snake specialties. Snake is served with wine, broth or without
any accompaniment. Vendors also feature turtles, braised pork knuckles, and
fatty pork slices. Tomato plums, another vendor offering, are basically cherry
tomatoes stuffed with dried sour plums.
Shaved Ices and Aiyu Jelly
The shaved ices at the Huaxi Market are known to be some of the best in Taipei
while the Aiyu Jelly Drink is a favorite hot-weather beverage. Aiyu is a
gel-like substance that is extracted from the seeds of figs. To save on costs,
some vendors sell and serve the jelly drink in plastic bags.
A Memorable Eating Experience
Surrounded by movie theaters, karaoke stores, and video arcades, night market
food courts provide a carnival-like atmosphere in and around Taipei. If you're
brave enough to sample Chinese fare other than the standard Beijing duck or
veggies and dumplings, then head on over to the night market courts and try out
the local cuisine.
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