Market Report, Taipei Edition

November 1, 2009 by Jen | 2 Comments

OK, I’m quite tired from my short stint as Joan Jett for Halloween (it’s so hard partying like a rockstar), so this entry will be short on words but full of photos!

Traditional markets in Taipei can be found in almost every neighborhood. The freshest produce and meat, along with prepared foods, desserts, and non-food items (bras anyone?) can be acquired for economical prices, though sometimes the cleanliness/sanitation can leave a lot to be desired. Since they only operate during the early part of the day (from morning until mid-afternoon), they’re not very helpful to people who actually work but they’re still really great. Imagine a daily farmer’s market that covers 5 blocks, and that’s what a traditional market is like. After the sun sets, many of the traditional markets convert to the popular night markets. The produce stands shut down and stalls selling everything from shoes to toys to purses pop up. Also, lots and lots of street food. If you’re ever in Taiwan, I highly recommend visiting both markets for the most authentic Taiwanese experience.

(FYI: If you want to look at the gallery in a slideshow format, click the first photo, which will pop up as an attachment page. To go to the next photo, click the thumbnail on the lower right hand side.)

Entering the market

Meats

Veggies

Fruits

Sushi

Marinated salads

Giving the sham-wow guy a run for his money…

More meats, of the raw variety

Disturbing frog legs

Various meats, eggs, veggies stewed in soy sauce.

My mom. Isn’t she the cutest?

Another view of the market

Fish for sale

Dried fish

The freshest chicken… butchered right in front of you.

Live chickens at the market

Various pickles and side dishes

Jellies of different flavors: almond tofu, grass jelly, aloe

Non-food bargains: 3 shirts for ~$3 USD

shoppers delight

Balls. Fish, pork, beef: your pick.

Purses, wallets, bags — all super cheap.

Bras and undershirts for a little over $1. Beat that, Victoria’s Secret!