Guest post: The Best of Taiwan: Night Markets (夜市)

Night markets are a ubiquitous affair in Taiwan: opened from sunset to sunrise, these are the places to gather to enjoy all sorts of activities, from shopping to arcade games to, most importantly, food. This is where the community meets to hang out after dark, a way of nightlife that is perfect for people of all ages—children, young adults, the elderly—to mingle and to revel in the bustle of it all.

Historically, night markets have been around as early as the Tang dynasty in China (7th-10th centuries) and have gradually evolved from there. They are often close to temples where crowds gather, to eat and socialize after prayer. Today, night markets in Taiwan have become internationally-recognized, as millions of visitors around the world flock to the country to take in this vibrant part of Taiwanese culture.

There is plenty to do at the night markets, but what draws people in is, of course, the food. Taiwanese cuisine is seriously slept on, as it offers a wide array of flavors and textures to keep your tastebuds active and happy. Many dishes also have a distinctive, chewy bite to them, called “QQ,” as seen in fish cakes, mochi, and the famous boba milk tea. The locals are not afraid to experiment with different textures and flavors in their food, whether it is pairing sour and crispy, sweet and sticky, or QQ and salty.

With so many kinds of small bites, or 小吃, it can be daunting to pick which ones to eat. The food stalls seem never-ending, and your stomach (and wallet) can only take so much. For first-timers at a night market, here are some iconic must-tries:

Stinky tofu (臭豆腐)—a Taiwanese classic, this fermented dish can be smelled from a mile away. While its aroma is not the most-pleasant, it has a crispy and tender texture that can make you forget the smell!

Oyster omelet (蚵仔煎)—this is another traditional Taiwanese dish, and it combines all sorts of flavors and textures—sweet, savory, QQ, briny, and even slimy—that all work together. Especially if you like oysters, this is the dish for you!

Shaved ice (剉冰)—temperatures are usually hot in a tropical country like Taiwan, and what better way to cool off than with some shaved ice? Cold and refreshing, this popular dessert melts in your mouth and can be paired with many toppings, with red bean and mochi being my favorites.

Papaya milk (木瓜牛奶)—papaya is a staple fruit in Taiwan, and it makes for a very refreshing drink after eating so much good food! Some say it is like a remedy to a heavy, greasy meal, and it tastes especially good when drunken cold!

Taiwanese sausage (臘腸)—savory and sweet, this type of sausage also has a satisfying snap to it. Its sweetness makes it distinctive from other sorts of sausages out there, and they are the ideal snack to carry and eat as you walk the night market.

Taiwan has hundreds of night markets of varying sizes, from the massive, world-renown ones in Taipei to small, community stalls in villages. Here are a few to check out:

  • Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)—Shilin is in Taipei, and it is the oldest operating night market in the country. Founded in 1913, Shilin has over 500 stalls of food and games to enjoy, and it is the standard, traditional night market to introduce yourself to.
  • Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)—this night market is situated in Taichung, and it is the largest night market in Taiwan. It is rival to Shilin and others in Taipei, and boba milk tea is a must-get here, since Taichung is the birthplace of this sweet and chewy drink.
  • Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市)—located in Hualien City, Dongdamen literally means “Eastern Gate,” and it is the gateway to discovering eastern Taiwan. This night market showcases the typical Taiwanese dishes, but also those of the Aboriginal population in the area.

No matter what you choose to do in Taiwan, visiting a night market is a must! Not only does it represent a huge and important part of Taiwanese culture, but it also offers a wide spread of delicious and novel dishes to try. Have lots of fun, and be safe!

This is a guest post from Rebecca. Rebecca is an American who has lived in France. Please check out her blog , Instagram and Facebook account for some great international travel inspiration and tips!

Thank you Rebecca for this very interesting post!

41 thoughts on “Guest post: The Best of Taiwan: Night Markets (夜市)”

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.