Taiwan’s Night Markets

When I was told we were going to spend the last week of our end of year holidays in Taiwan last year, I spent each of my holidays counting down till the day we left for Kaohsiung, Taiwan. As I have not been there before, I felt excited and a sense of anticipation that I could finally try their signature dish, the Chou Dou Fu (臭豆腐).

Kaohsiung, located at the southern part of Taiwan, is known for its Night Markets as it is one of Taiwan’s special features. Some markets are normal city streets during the day that transform to bustling markets in the evening that last till past midnight. Most that are open nightly offer a variety of Taiwanese snacks, clothing, and fun accessories. It may surprise you to learn that Night Markets have surpassed the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101 as the island’s hottest tourist attractions, being the most popular and busiest Night Market in Kaohsiung and throughout Taiwan itself! Unbelievable, right?

 

I am still amazed at how cheap the things are at one specific Night Market, Rui Feng Night Market, as compared to Singapore. Rui Feng Night Market, located in the Zuoying District between Yucheng and Nanping Road, differs from the other Night Markets as it one of the most well-known as well as the largest Night Market present in Kaohsiung. It is also situated in a somewhat grid formation where visitors, tourists and locals go for a meal on the streets or to find great deals.

 

These are places where one can eat, drink and be merry. Moreover, formal attire is definitely not required. Amid the hubbub of traffic, conversations and calls of stall owners promoting their goods, visitors especially locals are seen in their comfortable attire which consists of a tee-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. One need not spend a lot of money to fill their appetite with the seafood dishes, snacks or drinks available here.

 

However, the highlight of Rui Feng Night Market is its seafood. Oyster omelettes, bubble teas, stinky tofus, fish balls with several spices to choose from such as wasabi, pepper and sweet sauce are common to see. However, the stinky tofu which I ate and am in love with is located at the end of the street which is bustling with people, where some specially came all the way just to try their stinky tofus, although some may dislike the taste of stinky tofu due to its pungent smell.

 

Clothing and accessories stores are without a doubt an eye attraction for both women and children. Not only are they affordable and fashionable, you’re more than welcome to engage in the practice of bargaining where one could achieve awesome deals!

We had most of our dinner at several Night Markets as each Night Market is only a few streets away from one another. It may not be the cleanest place to spend your night at but it is definitely a place where one can appreciate the Taiwanese traditional foods and cultural activities. Their appetizing and delicious ice shavings is also not to be missed!

Some markets are normal city streets during the day that transform to bustling markets in the evening that last till past midnight. I would prefer to visit the Night Markets at night as most that are open nightly offer a variety of Taiwanese snacks, clothing, and fun accessories as compared to in the day.

 

If you are keen to experience a different kind of Night Market in Taiwan, Rui Feng Night Market is the one for you 😉

-Kerri

 

 

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruifeng_Night_Market

http://khh.travel/en/index.asp?au_id=120&sub_id=306&id=19