Night Markets

Night markets are one of the most exciting things about Taiwan. To me they feel like a mix of festival and boardwalk. I am reminded of walking down main street during the Apple Festival back home. Colorful lights flash in the night. Food stalls sell a variety of dishes to a hungry crowd. Vendors try to sell their goods to everyone that passes. The only thing missing are games and rides, and some do have games.

A crowded night at Shilin.

The night markets are crowded affairs. People stream through the streets in a massive press of bodies. It is easy to be caught in the flow and pushed along. To add to the traffic the omnipresent scooters are still on the road, along with cars sometimes. People walking in the streets does not close them down.

Street crafts. Who doesn't love giant robots?

For all of their hustle and bustle, the night markets are fairly safe. Crime is low in Taiwan and this is not different. While I have heard of pickpockets, they are not some omnipresent scourge. If you keep good situational awareness and watch out for scooters, then you should be safe.

A store devoted to One Piece

There are plenty of night markets to choose from. Some are known for specializing in a particular good or service such as food. They come in a range of sizes as well. Some are huge bazaars where almost anything can be found, while others are just a street where the locals get dinner. There are also a few areas that are almost like night markets, especially on the weekends. The Ximending shopping area sees a lot of street venders pop up on friday and saturday nights.

Shillin is hands down the biggest night market in the city. It is a winding maze that worms through what feels like a thousand miles of stalls and stands. The streets are packed with shoppers to the point of pedestrian traffic jams. Those who lack stalls will throw down blankets and sell their goods in the middle of the street. This adds to the congestion by creating bottlenecks.

Venturing through the crowd can be very rewarding though. Deals can abound and haggling is possible. The merchants keep their prices pretty reasonable though, so it is not necessary to fight over prices. Next to designer boutiques you can find nicknack shops. The Taiwanese love their cellphones, so it seems like every other shop is selling smartphone accessories in every size, shape, and color. There are entire stores that are nothing but smartphone cases.

Food does not take a backseat. There are stalls, carts, and restaurants galore. One can gorge on snackfoods and local treats or settle in for a meal at trendy steakhouse. I tend to muddle along, eating whatever catches my fancy, and has a short line. Of course, one of the most famous things about Shillin is its food. Keep an eye out and you will see the famed penis shaped cakes.

A trip to Shilin isn't complete without seeing some interesting food.

Not far from the school I work at is the Lehua night market. I favor it some nights after work for a treat. A huge candy store supplies me with treats to pass out in class. It is a small, but lively market. It keeps your attention with a wide range of stalls. Buy shoes, eat food, and play games. I think the best meal I got there was a Cambodian shop. Healthy, yet filling.

Raohe is known for its food. I was glad I had my friend Grace to guide me along the cramped street. The experience that made it special for me was a soup shop where chinese medicine was used in the recipes. The temple just outside the market was nice to stop at while a short walk away we were able to look out over the city from across the river.

Temple at the heart of Shilin

The most recent night market adventure for me was finally visiting the infamous Snake Ally. It is famed for selling snake soup and drinks of snake blood. Wandering down the street you can see shops with live snakes. Several featured cases with large Burmese pythons. Of course, snakes are not the only thing Snake Ally is famed for. It is noted for being a more adult district. It is as close to a red light district as you will find in Taipei. However, you are more likely to see shops selling porn and adult toys. It is kind of funny that for a conservative society you will see stands full of porn right next to a family restaurant and no one thinks much of it. Couple often visit to pick up a few aids before hitting the abundant love hotels.

A puzzle store

And that is but a small sample of the night markets, and only in Taipei at that. Over time I hope to explore many more. I have hit most of the big ones in Taipei. I still need to cross the infamous Snake Alley off of the list.

I hunt for deals on goods I need and baubles I do not. Cloths are a touch harder to find as the markets cater more to women in that area. That said, Shilin provides a good place to search out gifts for female friends. It is little junk stores that I enjoy. After searching around for a bit I can walk out with some supplies for teaching, a plate I need, and that thing (you know, the thing that you always needed but never knew about).

It is, of course, my stomach that drives most financial exchanges at the night markets. With such treats to be tried, I can always expect something new. Everyone that I go with wants me to try their favorite bubble milk tea. I still need to try the stinky tofu, just to say I did. Sausage and pork buns and fried chicken, oh my!

Thinking on all of this makes me hungry. Maybe after writing I should make plans to head to Shillin for some good eats. I need some new earbuds as well. A shopping trip is in order it seems. Dinner, some cheep goods, desert, and maybe some entertainment.