Night markets in Taiwan are a vibrant and integral part of Taiwanese culture. With their bustling crowds, colorful stalls, and delicious street food, night markets are a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. In this travel guide, we’ll explore some of the best night markets in Taiwan and what to expect when visiting them.
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Shilin Night Market
The Shilin Night Market is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, attracting locals and tourists worldwide. With over 500 stalls, the market offers various street food, shopping, and entertainment options. Some must-try food items at the Shilin Night Market include the famous giant fried chicken, oyster omelets, and Taiwanese sausages.
Aside from the food, the Shilin Night Market also has a wide range of shopping options, including clothing, accessories, and electronics. It’s also a great place to experience Taiwanese culture, with street performers and live music adding to the festive atmosphere.
Raohe Night Market
Located in the heart of Taipei, the Raohe Night Market is one of the oldest night markets in Taiwan, dating back to the Qing dynasty. The market is known for its traditional snacks, such as the famous black pepper buns and the delicious stinky tofu. Other must-try dishes at the Raohe Night Market include grilled squid, scallion pancakes, and the shaved ice dessert.
Aside from the food, the Raohe Night Market also has a wide range of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. The market is also home to the famous Songshan Ciyou Temple, which is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Fengjia Night Market
Located in the central Taiwanese city of Taichung, the Fengjia Night Market is one of the largest night markets in Taiwan, with over 1,000 stalls spread across several streets. The market is known for its delicious street food, including grilled squid, stinky tofu, and fried chicken.
Aside from the food, the Fengjia Night Market also has a wide range of shopping options, including clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to experience Taiwanese nightlife, with bars and clubs in and around the market.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market
The Keelung Miaokou Night Market is a seafood lover’s paradise in the coastal city of Keelung. The market is known for its fresh seafood, including the famous Keelung shrimp rolls, squid soup, and fried fish cakes. Other Keelung Miaokou Night Market must-try dishes include oyster vermicelli, pork blood soup, and beef noodles.
Aside from the food, the Keelung Miaokou Night Market also has a wide range of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to experience Taiwanese culture, with traditional temples and landmarks in and around the market.
Liuhe Night Market
Located in the southern city of Kaohsiung, the Liuhe Night Market is known for its delicious seafood, including the famous grilled squid, seafood soup, and oyster omelets. Other must-try dishes at the Liuhe Night Market include pork rib soup, bubble tea, and Taiwanese sausages.
Aside from the food, the Liuhe Night Market also has a wide range of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to experience Taiwanese nightlife, with bars and clubs in and around the market.
Huaxi Night Market (Snake Alley)
Located in the heart of Taipei, the Huaxi Night Market, also known as Snake Alley, is a unique destination not for the faint of heart. The market is known for its exotic food options, including snake soup, snake blood, and snake meat. Visitors can also try exotic meats like turtle and frog and traditional Taiwanese dishes like oyster omelets and stinky tofu.
Aside from the food, the Huaxi Night Market also has a variety of shops selling traditional Chinese medicines, incense, and souvenirs. Visitors can also witness live snake shows and participate in traditional Chinese medicine consultations.
Ningxia Night Market
Located in the heart of Taipei, the Ningxia Night Market is smaller and more intimate than some of the larger ones in Taiwan. However, it’s still a great place to experience Taiwanese street food and culture. Some must-try dishes at the Ningxia Night Market include the famous braised pork rice, oyster omelets, and Taiwanese meatballs.
Aside from the food, the Ningxia Night Market also has a variety of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to witness traditional Chinese cultural practices like fortune-telling and calligraphy.
Tonghua Night Market
Located in the trendy Daan district of Taipei, the Tonghua Night Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The market is known for its delicious street food, including grilled squid, fried chicken, and shaved ice desserts. Visitors can also find a variety of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Aside from the food and shopping, the Tonghua Night Market is also a great place to experience Taiwanese nightlife, with bars and clubs in and around the market.
Tainan Flower Night Market
Located in the southern city of Tainan, the Tainan Flower Night Market is known for its traditional Taiwanese food and handicrafts. In addition, visitors can try a variety of local specialties, such as the famous coffin bread, oyster omelets, and milkfish porridge. The market also has a variety of shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs, making it a great place to find unique gifts and keepsakes.
Miaoli Night Market
Located in the central Taiwanese city of Miaoli, the Miaoli Night Market is a hidden gem less frequented by tourists but popular among locals. The market is known for its delicious street food, including roasted sweet potatoes, fried chicken, and Taiwanese sausage. Visitors can also find a variety of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
In conclusion, visiting the night markets in Taiwan is a must-do for anyone who wants to experience this beautiful island’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. With so many different night markets, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Taiwan’s night market scene.