Once you've tried it, you won't forget it！The most amazing foreign street snacks — exotic aromas wafting through the night market

Text & Photos / Summer

Night markets in Taiwan are a must-visit for many tourists. They offer a countless array of local Taiwanese street foods, essentially a gathering place for traditional delicacies. In addition, there are also plenty of fusion-style "East-meets-West" creations, such as teriyaki pork belly buns and peanut butter ice cream. However, when foreigners bring their "hometown flavors" directly into Taiwan's local night markets, the result is an even richer taste of authentic international cuisine.

At Taipei’s most famous tourist night market, Raohe Night Market, among the myriad food stalls, two stands out noticeably — because their owners come from abroad but have chosen to sell their hometown flavors right here in Taiwan.

A handsome Japanese man sells “Maru-Yaki” and guarantees customer loyalty after one bite

The short slogan “guarantees customer loyalty after one bite” fully showcases the confidence of this Japanese boss, Mr. Fukushima, in his own culinary skills — aiming to make every customer a repeat visitor. With his bright yellow stall and Mr. Fukushima himself, who is clearly Japanese at first glance, it’s hard not to notice them. Yet the low-profile owner keeps his head down, skillfully and diligently preparing one Maru-Yaki after another.


▲ The Maru-Yaki stall, constantly bustling with customers, speaks volumes about its deliciousness. (Photo / Provided by Summer)

Maru-Yaki is actually made similarly to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The chef first places shredded cabbage coated in batter into a round iron griddle, cracks in a golden egg, then adds shrimp and sliced bacon. Once both sides are cooked to a slight crisp, it’s ready to serve. Sprinkle with dried bonito flakes, drizzle with Japanese-style mayonnaise, and optionally add wasabi according to taste. The whole process is so enticing it gets your mouth watering. Take a bite, and the bonito flakes burst in your mouth, paired with classic bacon and shrimp. Its crispy outside and soft inside texture is quite different from the more commonly seen okonomiyaki in Taiwan.


▲ A dash of wasabi brings out the full flavor of the Maru-Yaki — truly “guaranteed to make you a loyal customer.” (Photo / Provided by Summer)

 
▲ The humble yet dedicated owner, who speaks little, offers a kind smile just as I’m about to leave. (Photo / Provided by Summer)

Open for nearly 10 years — Indian/Pakistani food lovers know it well！

At the entrance of Raohe Night Market, there’s a dark-skinned Pakistani man tossing flatbread. Aside from uttering a slightly accented “Miss, what would you like?”, he also flashes a sunny boyish smile that makes people smile back. He’s not the boss, but rather a “living signboard” hired by the owner. What they serve here is Indian/Pakistani cuisine. The shop’s decor isn’t elaborate, but it’s full of Middle Eastern flair.



▲ The simple interior decoration features small items on the walls that create a strong Indian atmosphere. (Photo / Provided by Summer)

The owner, Mr. Rizwan, has lived in Taiwan for 13 years and jokes that he’s almost become Taiwanese. He then recommends the store’s most popular item — the super rich “Masala Curry Set Meal.” Indian Masala curry differs from Japanese curry, with its layered flavors coming from “masala,” a spice blend made from star anise, beans, cinnamon, cumin, fennel powder, cloves, saffron, pepper, and cardamom. It’s an essential spice mix in every Indian household. The taste is tangy and spicy with real kick, and when this sincere curry is poured over specially prepared flavored rice, it’s the perfect match.


▲ The Masala Curry Set Meal is made with imported masala spices and yogurt, served with the owner’s special flavored rice — a hearty heavy-flavor feast. (Photo / Provided by Summer)