Night markets in Taiwan 台灣夜市

Night markets in Taiwan

Night markets in Taiwan are street markets in Taiwan that operate in urban or suburban areas. They are similar to those in areas inhabited by ethnic Chinese, such as Southeast Asia. A few such as Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market (or Snake Alley) utilize purpose-built marketplaces but most occupy either sidewalks (pavements) adjacent to streets or entire streets that are normal thoroughfares by day. Some night markets in smaller side streets or lanes feature retractable roofs. Most of the markets operate daily and feature a mixture of individual stalls hawking clothing, consumer goods, xiaochi (小吃：snacks or fast food), and specialty drinks. The atmosphere is usually crowded and noisy with hawkers shouting and fast-paced music playing over loudspeakers.

Night markets in Taiwan today

Night markets in Taiwan have become famous for offering xiaochi foods (xiaochi literally translates as "small eats"). Served in portions much like Spanish tapas, these dishes are often taken as carry-out, though some sellers provide a few small folding tables with chairs. These dishes are offer at low prices, usually around 30 to 50NTD (around $1 to $1.75). If visitors are expected to be full from one trip at night market, they usually spend around 250 to 300 NTD ($ 7 to $10). Most night markets also have small restaurants provide simple courses that allow people to finish one meal without walking through the market.

Though some of the foods offered will change from year to year with passing fads, certain staples such as oyster omelettes (蚵仔煎 ô-á-chian), chicken shawarma (沙威馬 shāwēimǎ), and stinky tofu(pronounced tso-dofu) (臭豆腐 chhàu tāu-hū) persist. Sometimes, the night markets in one city, or even one particular market, become famous for a certain type of food. For example, Tainan has become known for its noodles (擔仔麵 tà?-á-mī) and "coffin cakes" (棺材板 guāncáibǎn), bread in the shape of a coffin which has been hollowed out and stuffed.In Taipei, Shilin night market featuring fried chicken breast from a particular store for its taste and size for low price. There is also tei-egg (鐵蛋:steel egg) from Danshui.

In recent years, few of the night markets have became one of the sightseeing places for foreign travelers. It’s common to see many travelers carry a camera capturing the crowds within the streets. Few of the night markets, such as Shilin (at Yuanshan, Taipei) and Shida night markets (next to National Taiwan Normal University) are the first place that Taiwanese students would bring international students to.

Besides food, night markets also feature numerous other products for sale, including clothes, bags, shoes, trinkets, kitchen items, etc. In addition, carnival-style games are typically available to play for the price of a few coins. The night market in Dan-shui especially features some traditional carnival games. Such as balloons shooting, net fish, shoot marbles and many mini games that can only been seen years ago. They offer really low price for playing and give out prizes to the kids.

Common Taiwan Snacks