AmyHuang
Night markets: the essence of Taiwan culture
There is a saying that you haven't properly experienced Taiwan if you haven't visited one of its night market cultures.
So we took on the challenge and visited as many night markets in Taiwan as possible.
Why are night markets so fascinating? Well, for starters, there is no such thing as night markets in the western world, and even in a lot of other Asian countries, there are very limited markets that still open at night. Sure, in Asia, you could say most places are night markets as shopping centres often open until wee hours, however none so crowded, so chaotic and so Taiwanese that will keep you entertained in all sorts of ways.
In Taipei alone there are five major night markets, each with their individual charisma and charm. The largest being Shi-ling night markets, with two whole streets of shops and hawker stalls and a separate section for food and games, you could spend hours just browsing and not get bored. The Hua-Xi St night market is small but interesting, it's where the snake handlers are. If you are interested in seeing snakes and taste some snake dishes this is a must to visit!
The largest night market in Taiwan is in the city of Taichung, mid-island on the west coast. The market expands several streets with all side streets filled with hawker stalls.
Night markets are the best places to sample Taiwanese snacks. Taiwanese cuisine is slight different to what you could get at your local Chinese takeaway or restaurant. Most dishes are a blend of Chinese, Aboriginal and Japanese styles with slight variations on each. Also, Taiwan as a simple agricultural society before it became one of the technology giants, so many of the snack dishes are simple, yet to a modern westerner possibly could not imagine to eat. However, don't forget a very long time ago, we used to eat sheep's brain too! For a farmer with limited income, you can't afford to waste food.
However, never fear, not everything is yukky to the eye. There are food made with 'normal' ingredients too. Make sure to try some Taiwanese meat balls, which are minced meat coated with corn flour fried and served with a pink sweet and chillies sauce. Oyster pancakes are nice too and lots and lots of refreshing desserts such as herbal jelly is great for a hot summer's night. They are good for you too.
After you have tried out some of the snacks, you can then stroll the street stalls and shops for that bargain you are looking for. In a night market you can virtually find anything and everything, from clothing, shoes, accessories, stationary, books and even pets. There are also games you can play. Modern games such as shooting rifles and handguns to try to take down balloons, or more traditional games like trying to throw hoops at bottles or mini-fishing.
Night markets open all night and it just seems like the Taiwanese never sleeps!
The art of bargaining
At night markets you must bargain, even if a little. It's part of the experience. I've been taught the art of bargaining by many but I don't think I have mastered it yet. The easiest way is to ask for the price then cut out the 'excesses' - for example, if it's going to cost NT$660, then ask to buy it at NT$600. Act disinterested as not to show you really really want the item. My mum is the master at this and she can even pick out the faults on the item so the shop keeper will automatically bring the price down, and then she bargains off the price that's already been brought down!
It's not being stingy, it's just that things being sold at night markets are never at top quality and if they are branded, it's most likely a fake. Taiwan is actually quite an honest country, and will not quote you a 'foreigner' price like China does. Everyone gets the same price and then it's up to you to see if you can bring it down further.
When in China, you usually bring it down to at last 1/2 price to make it reasonable, however in Taiwan, even rounding off to whole dollars will do, it's really just for fun anyway.
When in Taiwan, a visit to the night markets is a must!
So we took on the challenge and visited as many night markets in Taiwan as possible.
Why are night markets so fascinating? Well, for starters, there is no such thing as night markets in the western world, and even in a lot of other Asian countries, there are very limited markets that still open at night. Sure, in Asia, you could say most places are night markets as shopping centres often open until wee hours, however none so crowded, so chaotic and so Taiwanese that will keep you entertained in all sorts of ways.
Shi-lin night market in Taipei
In Taipei alone there are five major night markets, each with their individual charisma and charm. The largest being Shi-ling night markets, with two whole streets of shops and hawker stalls and a separate section for food and games, you could spend hours just browsing and not get bored. The Hua-Xi St night market is small but interesting, it's where the snake handlers are. If you are interested in seeing snakes and taste some snake dishes this is a must to visit!
The 'Snake Alley' - Hua-Xi night market in Taipei
The largest night market in Taiwan is in the city of Taichung, mid-island on the west coast. The market expands several streets with all side streets filled with hawker stalls.
Night markets are the best places to sample Taiwanese snacks. Taiwanese cuisine is slight different to what you could get at your local Chinese takeaway or restaurant. Most dishes are a blend of Chinese, Aboriginal and Japanese styles with slight variations on each. Also, Taiwan as a simple agricultural society before it became one of the technology giants, so many of the snack dishes are simple, yet to a modern westerner possibly could not imagine to eat. However, don't forget a very long time ago, we used to eat sheep's brain too! For a farmer with limited income, you can't afford to waste food.
Night markets are the best place to go to sample Taiwan's snakes and cuisines
Pick what you like and munch on the snacks while you pick out that bargain
However, never fear, not everything is yukky to the eye. There are food made with 'normal' ingredients too. Make sure to try some Taiwanese meat balls, which are minced meat coated with corn flour fried and served with a pink sweet and chillies sauce. Oyster pancakes are nice too and lots and lots of refreshing desserts such as herbal jelly is great for a hot summer's night. They are good for you too.
Play games at night markets - the prizes are not great but it's really good fun!
Even try mini-fishing!
After you have tried out some of the snacks, you can then stroll the street stalls and shops for that bargain you are looking for. In a night market you can virtually find anything and everything, from clothing, shoes, accessories, stationary, books and even pets. There are also games you can play. Modern games such as shooting rifles and handguns to try to take down balloons, or more traditional games like trying to throw hoops at bottles or mini-fishing.
Night markets open all night and it just seems like the Taiwanese never sleeps!
These prize pickers are such a waste of money - but so addictive!
The art of bargaining
At night markets you must bargain, even if a little. It's part of the experience. I've been taught the art of bargaining by many but I don't think I have mastered it yet. The easiest way is to ask for the price then cut out the 'excesses' - for example, if it's going to cost NT$660, then ask to buy it at NT$600. Act disinterested as not to show you really really want the item. My mum is the master at this and she can even pick out the faults on the item so the shop keeper will automatically bring the price down, and then she bargains off the price that's already been brought down!
It's not being stingy, it's just that things being sold at night markets are never at top quality and if they are branded, it's most likely a fake. Taiwan is actually quite an honest country, and will not quote you a 'foreigner' price like China does. Everyone gets the same price and then it's up to you to see if you can bring it down further.
When in China, you usually bring it down to at last 1/2 price to make it reasonable, however in Taiwan, even rounding off to whole dollars will do, it's really just for fun anyway.
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