It feels like the whole of the city flocks to Tainan Flower Night Market. The energy at this dizzying collection of street food stalls is infectious. Join the throngs of locals as they enjoy a vast variety of different foods at this periodic night market, one of the most popular in Taiwan. Visiting a night market is a typical Taiwanese experience and Tainan’s is one of the biggest and best.
Unlike many of the island’s night markets, Tainan’s Flower Night Market is a fairly modern addition to the city. The market opened in 1999, but swiftly grew to be the biggest in the area, becoming a popular place to eat and socialize with other Tainan residents. Mingle with a mixed crowd of young and old people as you browse over 400 stalls of food, games and merchandise.
Be brave and try some of the market’s strangest flavors. Most stalls sell xiaochi, which means “small eats,” allowing visitors to sample a wide range of different snacks over the course of the evening. Try guancai ban or “coffin bread,” a piece of fried toast stuffed with seafood and vegetables, or sample soup made with fish heads and eels. Alternatively, feast on firm favorites such as fried chicken or sweet potato balls.
Play arcade-style games at other stalls in between your snacks. Ring toss, balloon shooting and arcade machines compete for the attention of passers-by who explore the aisles of the market.
Even if you aren’t hungry, it’s worth coming here just to soak up the spirited and sociable atmosphere. Stroll around at your leisure and admire the flags that fly from the vendors’ stalls.
Tainan Flower Night Market is located in the north of the city and local bus services run here hourly. Come here for your evening food on Thursdays and over the weekend, although bear in mind that the market is occasionally cancelled because of bad weather. Parking is available next to the market for anyone driving here.
