Taiwan is a popular travel destination, known for being close to Japan and having many Japan-friendly locals. With its affordable prices and delicious food, it remains a top choice for women's trips. Did you know that in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, there is a bustling night market called Liuhe Night Market that attracts tourists every night?
Also known as the International Tourist Night Market, Liuhe Night Market is the largest in Kaohsiung, featuring about 170 stalls ranging from food vendors to souvenir shops. It starts around 8 PM and stays lively until about 2 AM. In this article, we will introduce the highlights and must-know travel information about Liuhe Night Market for those visiting Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
1. What is Liuhe Night Market?
Located in Kaohsiung City, Liuhe Night Market (Liuhe Yèshì) stretches about 300 meters from the Meilidao MRT Station. As Kaohsiung is close to the sea, the night market is known for its many seafood stalls. Compared to other night markets, it is slightly more expensive, so locals do not frequent it as much. However, it is an ideal spot for tourists, as many stalls have tables and staff who can speak English or Japanese, making it perfect for those unfamiliar with traveling abroad. Take this opportunity to enjoy Taiwan’s famous B-grade gourmet food!
Liuhe Night Market features not only food stalls but also shops selling souvenirs and miscellaneous goods, with approximately 170 stalls in total. At night, the street becomes a pedestrian-only zone, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy shopping and street food. The busiest time is around 8 PM.
2. Best Seafood Porridge Stall
When asked what to eat at Liuhe Night Market, many would answer seafood porridge. While porridge is not commonly eaten daily in Japan, in Taiwan, it is a staple breakfast dish. Among them, seafood porridge, rich in umami from fresh seafood, is loved by both locals and tourists alike.
There are many seafood porridge stalls in Liuhe Night Market, but the most popular is Zhuang Ji (Zhuāng Jì) Seafood Porridge. It is a famous restaurant often featured in guidebooks and is located at the far end of the night market, opposite from the Meilidao Station entrance.
Their signature seafood porridge is generously filled with shrimp, squid, oysters, clams, and other large seafood pieces, making it incredibly satisfying! Despite its quality, the price is very reasonable at 120 TWD (as of June 2019).
Name: Zhuang Ji Seafood Porridge
Official/Related Website URL: None
3. Recommended Dumpling Stall
The most recommended dumpling shop at Liuhe Night Market is Fang Ji (Fāng Jì). Their dumplings are handmade, featuring chewy skin and juicy filling, making them irresistible despite their small size. The best part? Each dumpling costs just 4.5 TWD, making it an affordable option (as of June 2019).
The menu consists of only two items: dumplings and hot & sour soup (suan la tang). Dumplings must be ordered in sets of 10 or more, and each person is required to order at least one dish, making it slightly less ideal for those who prefer sampling different foods while exploring the night market. However, since it is the most popular dumpling spot in Liuhe Night Market, it is definitely worth a try!
Name: Fang Ji Dumplings
Official/Related Website URL: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/HandmadeDumplingFang/
4. Best Fried Rice Stall
Fried rice is also very popular at Liuhe Night Market. Among the many stalls, Guangtou Laoban Fried Rice stands out for its charismatic owner and delicious flavor, attracting many loyal fans. The seasoning is simple, using only soy sauce, but many visitors find themselves addicted to its taste! It is also a well-known spot among Japanese tourists.
Despite its simplicity, the fried rice is generously portioned and costs just 50 TWD, making it very affordable. While Liuhe Night Market is often considered more expensive than other markets, it is still much cheaper compared to food stalls in Japan. Take this opportunity to experience the high-quality street food that Liuhe Night Market has to offer! (Price as of June 2019)
Name: Guangtou Laoban Fried Rice
Official/Related Website URL: https://www.facebook.com/305873979836996/
5. Popular Souvenirs at Liuhe Night Market
In the middle of Liuhe Night Market, there is a souvenir shop called Liuhe Guangxuan. This store offers a wide selection of Taiwanese delicacies, including pineapple cakes and banana cakes , as well as Kaohsiung's specialties like sakura shrimp and mullet roe. You can also sample the snacks before purchasing.
Mullet roe, which is frequently sold at Liuhe Night Market stalls, costs about 1,000 TWD per piece. Although it is an expensive ingredient in Japan, it is much more affordable in Kaohsiung. One recommended souvenir is bottled mullet roe paste, which is easy to carry and can be used in various dishes such as pasta, salads, and fried rice. (Price as of June 2019)
6. How to Get to Liuhe Night Market
By MRT:
Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line or Orange Line to Meilidao (Formosa Boulevard) Station, Exit 11.
▶ Name: Liuhe Night Market (Liùhé yèshì)
▶ Address (English): Liuhe 2nd Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800
▶ Access: Kaohsiung MRT Red Line / Orange Line – Meilidao Station, Exit 11
▶ Official/Related Website URL: https://www.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sno=0001121&id=2245
◎ Final Tip: Recommended Public Restrooms at Liuhe Night Market
One common concern for travelers is finding clean restrooms. Liuhe Night Market has public toilets managed by Kaohsiung City, but they are often crowded. If needed, it is recommended to return to Meilidao Station for a restroom break. Another option is the seafood restaurant Nanwan Seafood , which allows customers to use their restroom. Additionally, this restaurant offers free Wi-Fi.