D: Taiwanโs night markets (ๅคๅธ, yรจshรฌ) are a paradise for food lovers! ๐ข๐ From crispy fried chicken to sweet bubble tea, every bite tells a story of rich flavors and local culture. If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan or just curious about its legendary street food, this guide will walk you through the best eats, where to find them, and pro tips to enjoy them like a local!
๐ 1. Must-Try Taiwanese Night Market Foods
โ Stinky Tofu (่ญ่ฑ่ , chรฒu dรฒufu)
- What it is: Fermented tofu with a strong smell but addictive crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.
- Best way to eat: Deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and chili sauce.
- Where to try: Shilin Night Market (Taipei), Fengjia Night Market (Taichung).
โก Bubble Tea (็็ ๅฅถ่ถ, zhฤnzhลซ nวichรก)
- What it is: Taiwanโs most famous drinkโchewy tapioca pearls in sweet milk tea.
- Pro tip: Ask for less sugar (ๅพฎ็ณ, wฤi tรกng) or no ice (ๅปๅฐ, qรน bฤซng) to adjust sweetness.
- Where to try: Chun Shui Tang (inventor of boba!), or any night market stall.
โข Oyster Omelet (่ตไป็ , รด-รก-jiฤn)
- What it is: A savory pancake with fresh oysters, eggs, and chewy sweet potato starch.
- Best pairing: Topped with sweet & spicy sauceโa perfect balance!
โฃ Braised Pork Rice (ๆปท่้ฃฏ, lวrรฒu fร n)
- What it is: Comfort food at its bestโtender braised pork over steamed rice.
- Fun fact: Called “Taiwanese soul food” for its rich, savory flavor.
โค Grilled Squid (็ค้ญท้ญ, kวo yรณuyรบ)
- What it is: Chewy, smoky squid brushed with soy glaze.
- Best at: Raohe Night Market (Taipei)โlook for stalls with long queues!
๐บ๏ธ 2. Best Night Markets for Foodies
| Market | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Shilin Night Market | Taipei | Giant fried chicken, oyster vermicelli |
| Raohe Night Market | Taipei | Pepper buns (่กๆค้ค ), grilled squid |
| Fengjia Night Market | Taichung | Cheese potatoes, giant takoyaki |
| Liuhe Night Market | Kaohsiung | Seafood skewers, papaya milk |
Pro Tip ๐ก: Go early (6-7 PM) to avoid crowds, and bring small billsโmany stalls donโt accept cards!
๐ซ 3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- โ Skipping the line: Long queues = best food! Patience pays off.
- โ Eating a big meal before: Night markets are for sampling multiple dishes.
- โ Not bargaining (sometimes): Some non-food items (like souvenirs) can be haggled over!
๐ Final Thoughts
Taiwanโs night markets are more than just foodโtheyโre a cultural experience. Whether youโre biting into a juicy baozi or sipping on iced mango shaved ice, every flavor tells a story. So grab a friend, follow your nose, and eat like thereโs no tomorrow! ๐ฝ๏ธโจ
Got a favorite night market snack? Drop it in the comments! ๐๐