If you visit Taipei, do not miss the night markets 夜市 (Ye Shi). There are many in any city, just ask the concierge, taxi driver, or anyone on the street, “Is there a night market around here?” The most famous one is in ShiLin 士林, but, honestly, it has become a bit too touristy for me. Then there is the Snake Alley è¯è¥¿è¡— night market. If you are too lazy to go far, my favorite are the ones at TongHua Street 通化街夜市 and NaoHe Street 饒河街夜市.
Night Markets are collections of street vendors, most selling foods but many for whatever. Foods are generally priced. Others you can haggle and negotiate. They usually accept only cash.
Skip dinner, bring your adventurous mood, and grab a friend or two. It is best if someone can interpret for you. The vendors are usually owners and rarely speak English. But many of your fellow adventurers might.
Do not miss stinky tofu è‡è±†è…, fried oysters 蚵仔煎, and shaved ice 刨冰. Deep fried chicken nuggets 鹽酥雞 are very good. The general idea is, “Hmm, what’s this? Never heard of it before. Let’s try it.” The main draw to these night markets will be food, not shopping. Many street vendors peddle whatever, they are usually cheap stuffs or knock-offs. When in doubt, don’t buy. If you feel like it, try haggling a bit.
At the end of the street, you should expect tired feet and satisfied stomach.