Enjoy street food at Linjiang Night Market

Local residents in the Da'an District in Taipei shop at the Linjiang Night Market, May 3. / Korea Times photo by Kim Jae-heun

By Kim Jae-heun

TAIPEI ― Linjiang Night Market, better known to locals as Tonghua Night Market, is located in the Da'an District near the country's landmark Taipei 101.

It may not be as popular as Shilin Night Market or Yansan Night Market, but Linjiang is popular among tourists for its lively atmosphere and wide choices of delicacies.

It extends about 400 meters from Keelung Road and Anhe Road in the center of Taipei.

Linjiang Night Market has sold daily necessities for decades, according to a local tourism center.

“Nobody knows exactly when the market was founded. I guess it has been around for more than half a century. I grew up coming to this night market when I was a child,” said Paul Ou, who has lived in Taipei for over 30 years.

“The place sells street food at night. But people buy fresh vegetables and meat on the weekends. On weekdays, people can purchase house goods such as cups, dishes and chopsticks.”

Taipei is said to be defined by its night market culture.

Linjiang offers various foods ranging from dinner meals to desserts.

It is popular for Taiwanese sausage served in more than 10 flavors.

Stinky tofu is another specialty offered at the tourist attraction.

Foreigners may find it undesirable for its unpleasant smell but it tastes nothing like its odor.

The snack is either fried or steamed. Most of the stinky tofu on this street is fried. Steamed tofu is usually served at restaurants.

People buy street food at Michelin guide recommended vendor "Liang Ju Lou Wei" at the Linjiang Night Market in the Da'an District of Taipei. / Korea Times photo by Kim Jae-heun

A busy stall with a sign reading “Liang Ji Lou Wei” sells over 20 types of marinated delicacies. This place is Michelin-starred.

It offers authentic street foods such as chicken offal, kelp and duck wings.

The night market is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. all year around, including national holidays and weekends.