The Top Night Markets to Check Out in Tainan City

Often regarded as the culinary capital of Taiwan, Tainan City has often been the birthplace for many of the island's food-based creations and food trends. Many of these start in the vibrant night markets that are dotted around the city, a must-see for anyone visiting the former capital of Taiwan.

Da Dong Night Market

Photo by CHEN MIN CHUN/Shutterstock

A short drive from Tainan Station, Da Dong or Ta Tung Night Market is one of the biggest in Tainan, second only to Hua Yuan. While you'll find a few non-food vendors, the market is mostly about the delicious street eats here. Try the stinky tofu, wild boar sausages and oyster omelette, before letting your nose and stomach choose the rest to eat.

Da Dong Night Market is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Hua Yuan Night Market

Photo by CHEN MIN CHUN/Shutterstock

The largest night market in the city, at its height Hua Yuan Night Market is home to 400 vendors and stalls. Apart from the classic Taiwanese street eats, you'll also find vendors selling clothes, accessories and gaming stalls. Classic eats like fried chicken cutlets (jipai), stinky tofu and Taiwanese sausage are all great to try here.

Hua Yuan Night Market is only open on Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays. It alternates days open with Da Dong, so you won't be able to go to both on the same day.

Wu Sheng Night Market

One of Tainan's oldest night markets, Wu Sheng is often seen as the local's spot to head to, seeing far fewer tourists than Da Dong and Hua Yuan. It's smaller than the others, but is well worth checking out, especially if you're interested in seeing a more traditional market in the city. Make sure to try the guabao (traditional Taiwanese hamburger) and duck soup if you're making the trip there.

Wu Sheng Night Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6PM.

Conclusion

Make sure to check the opening days for night markets in Tainan. Unlike in Taipei where night markets are generally open every day, Tainan's are usually only open for a few days per week.

RELATED ARTICLES

The Top 7 Things to Do in Ehime Prefecture, Home of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring

For a trip back to the Japan of yesteryear, Ehime Prefecture never disappoints. Located on the remote island of Shikoku, the smallest of Jap...

2,037 views

Explore the refreshing and vast Nagano Prefecture! 40 recommended sightseeing spots

Nagano Prefecture is a natural kingdom close to the two major metropolitan areas of Tokyo and Nagoya and is home to Japan's three major alps...

23 views

If You’re Visiting Canada, Here Are 6 Foods You Absolutely Have to Try

When it comes to food, Canadians know how to do it right. Although not always the healthiest, it's always highly comforting. In fact so much...

1,802 views

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit on Japan’s Southern Island of Kyushu

The furthest south of Japan's main islands and the third largest after Honshu and Hokkaido, Kyushu's seemingly out-of-the-way location means...

7,372 views

5 Bubble Tea Shops to Try in Taipei, Taiwan

Taking the world by storm in the last year or two, this milk tea meets dessert drink is a must try for any sweet tooth visiting Taiwan. Taip...

3,107 views