Taiwan, Taipei - Five Senses Extravaganza at Shilin Night Market

By Timothy Tan - February 14, 2016

Located in the Shilin District and within walking distance of the Jiantan MRT Station of the Tamsui Line , the Shilin Night Market has established itself as one of the tourist attractions of Taipei.

A busy hawker tends to her stall, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

This famous night market is actually one of many night markets in Taipei. How its reputation has outspread and outgrown all the other night markets could be due to its constant feature in many travel-related documentaries both made in Taiwan and by film makers in other countries.

Customers enjoying their meal, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

The Shilin Night Market comprises hundreds of stores peddling both food and other items. What is interesting is the many roadside stalls that lined the many alleys and small side streets surrounding the main market. It is at these alleys and side streets where the most interesting sights, sounds and tastes can be experienced.

Stall selling traditional Chinese-style candy, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

The many food stalls sell an astounding variety of local and international food, all customised for the local taste buds. From Stir-fried Clams with Garlic to the famous Oyster Vermicelli, you are in for a tasty treat.

Variety of local delights including sausages and deep-fried fish cakes, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Fresh Clams at one of the stalls, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

The stall holder preparing the clams for his customers, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

The fresh clams were turned into a delicious dish when stir-fried with a generous amount of garlic, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

My visit to this famous night market was in the month of December and the cool weather during this time of the year did help me better enjoy the shopping, sight-seeing and tasting experience. I'm sure that if one is to visit during the summer months, the hot and humid weather will most certainly make your visit a sweaty one. :-)

This market opens for business around 5pm and some stalls can stay open well past midnight. Come prepared without dinner. With so many food stalls selling anything and everything that one can eat, nobody is going home hungry.

Visitors mulling around the many stalls along the alleys and side streets, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Walking and browsing are part of the fun for visitors, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Eager customers waiting for their orders, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Almost all food are cooked on the spot. Thus waiting for your order to be ready is part of the deal, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Vegetables being prepared for the frying pan, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

The cook in the midst of dishing up his stir-fired vegetable dishes, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

One point to note for tourists with cameras is that some of the food stall owners here are certainly not eager for attention. Before you take any photographs of them, their stalls and their wares, be polite and seek permission first before clicking away. If you are shy or language is a barrier, then be discreet in your photo taking. Or you may risk a scolding or being shooed away.

During my visit, I ate my fill of all the food that this place is famous for. These include Oyster Omelet, Oyster Vermicelli, Stir-fried Clams with Garlic, Chinese Buns, Smelly Tofu (fermented beancurd), Deep Fried Chicken Steak. I even shared a Beef Steak with my travel partner. All these delicious food were gratefully washed down with cups of Pearl Milk Tea (also known as Bubble Tea in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia).

Oyster Vermicelli, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Customers enjoying their Oyster Vermicelli, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Oyster Omelet, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Stir-fried Cabbage with anchovies, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Stir-fried vegetables with Squid, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

The Beef Steak that I shared with my travel partner, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

What goes on behind the scene where the food were cooked, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Fresh juices to quench your thirst, Shilin Night Market, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Any visit to Taipei without a visit to this night market is not complete. This is where the world amalgamates into a kaleidoscope of colours, sights, sounds, smell and taste. A true five senses extravaganza.