On our first night in Taipei, Melissa Chang and I hit up the famous Shilin Night Market, one of the largest and most popular night markets in the city.
And I thought it deserved its own blog post.
A little background: Shilin Night Market is located in the Shilin District of Taipei, which was a 15-minute commute on the MRT (the city’s rapid transit). It boasts more than 500 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits to skewered meats.
Most of Taiwan’s traditional — and popular — street foods can be found here — and at reasonable prices. You can find giant fried chicken cutlets, bubble (or pearl) tea, oyster vermicelli, oyster omelet, fried bun, peanut candy and, of course, stinky tofu, a Taiwanese delicacy.
The market can be a bit confusing. There are essentially two sections: outside, there are small vendors and games; inside, there’s way more food and tons of retailers selling T-shirts, shoes, bags, even condoms.
This market was first opened — only in the daytime — in 1909. With the influx of customers, and market grew and, after several years, opened at night instead.
And it’s as popular as ever.
Here’s what we saw, bought and, of course, ate:
Shilin Night Market
The last thing I ate happened on our way to the train station. This is bacon-wrapped green onions. It was hard to eat, very stringy and chewy. Overall, the night market was fun and worth the visit. But I wouldn't go back again. There's way too much I want to see, do and eat before I make repeat visits anywhere!
Follow my adventures in Taipei on Twitter @thedailydish and on Instagram @catherinetoth. Special thanks to Hawaiian Airlines for allowing me to be part of this special inaugural flight.
11 Comments
Hello Cat!
Looks so exciting, lots to see and eat.
You would really enjoy the night markets here. Nothing like this in Japan.
CAT: You and Delicate Blossom are world class fuudies! I may have to skip lunch after seeing that fried chicken. Or was it a turkey? Yeah, I would have to pass on the condom vendor…by the time I’m ready to use one, it would be all dried up in the packaging. LOL
It was HUGE, almost like a turkey, for sure! The condom vendor was amusing. And thanks for sharing that last part. TMI!
Loved that place when I was in Taipei, food was great. Bought some gifts for people back home which ultimately led to buying a cheap suitcase from one of the knock off vendors. It broke after two trips. Hope the National palace Museum is next!
It was a bit more touristy than I had anticipated. We’re going to check out another one closer to our hotel. Supposed to be less crazy and better food. 🙂
Oh, and yeah, we did the National Palace Museum but couldn’t take photos 🙁
Awesome! Watch out for the storm heading your way! Taipei has changed a lot since I was there. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s visits!
WOOT!
I tried making the bacon wrapped green onions last night. It turned out great! I used 1/3 bulbs, 1/3 part above the bulb and 1/3 stalk. You had to pop the whole thing in your mouth cause like you said it was too stringy, but tasty. Now I need to concoct a sauce to go with. Thanks for this idea.
Bill
YUM! Sounds great! Good idea to pop the whole thing your mouth, one time, down the shoot. Mmmm!