A Grand Collection of Garden Night Market Delicacies: 20 Must-Try Foods You Can’t Miss!

Text & Photos byDa Kou

When you visit Tainan, how can you miss the "Tainan Garden Night Market," which spans 3,000 ping and is super popular? By the way, the phrase "Da Da Wu Hua Da Hua Hua" (referring to Da Dong, Wu Sheng, and Garden Night Markets) has become the essential night market mantra for visiting Tainan. So, the Garden Night Market is only open on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—you must remember that to avoid a wasted trip. This time, Da Kou will introduce 20 must-try food stalls and some selected nearby snacks, guaranteeing you’ll be super full and satisfied. Da Kou suggests arriving around 5 or 6 pm. Not only can you grab free parking spots, but you’ll also save a lot of queuing time. For those visiting on holidays, it’s even better to avoid the extremely crowded evening hours—coming earlier is definitely the right move!

The foods Da Kou will introduce this time include Tongda Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Cutlet, Black Tea Stinky Tofu, Winter Melon Treasure, Pork Intestine Sausage, Mi Lu Creative Handmade Drinks, Jie Flagfish Oden, Ming Hong Caramelized Sweet Potato, Dongdong Caramelized Sweet Potato, Er Shixiong Traditional Flavor, Chen Ji Spicy Duck Blood & Hong Kong-Style Fish Balls, Qijia Oyster Omelette, Meatball Su, Liu Ice-Chilled Duck Wings, A-Mei Guava, True Squid Crispy Fried Squid, Jin Stone Corn, Chinese National Cuisine Niubility Gourd King, Hao Ji Scallion Pancake, He Jiajia Scallion Pancake, and Zhen Haowei Scallion Pancake—20 stalls in total, along with other selected snacks, for your reference!

%The tea garden here is especially suitable for a relaxing afternoon. It is located in the outskirts of the city, far from the hustle and bustle, making it a great place to unwind.

%Jiyingqiaotuo?Chuihuanba?Xiabaguxiaobeinasiyaqianmigunchuchu?Chanpanchuo?QiaotushaoyuechuangǖJiaoshuBecause there is a night market parking lot nearby, there are plenty of free parking spaces. Latecomers can only park in paid parking lots (100 NT per time) or paid spots around the area!

%Its design is also reminiscent of traditional packaging, and not only does each individual pack come with a string, but there are also two seasoning sachets included. If you have any questions, you can always ask the staff.

%The sweet filling inside the sesame balls isn’t overly rich but perfectly accentuates the fragrance of the roasted nuts inside.
??Now there are more varieties, so you don’t have to stick to just one flavor.

%Jishuangpanwu?Juecongjiangdan??Tanjijimaofanhuanchenshua??Yishunbibu?Ji??Weihebingdangwandetiankongchaojimei,Youdian similar to a sunset glow, making for especially beautiful photos. Next, let’s quickly introduce some delicious street snacks that our big eater found really great!

[Tongda Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Cutlet]

% She described this dish as “your teeth will protest when you chew it,” which turned out to be the unique texture of their bamboo shoot dish. We thought it might just be our imagination at first since we hadn’t seen anyone else ordering it yet, but later, when we casually looked around, we realized everyone else had already finished theirs...Their chicken cutlet is first deep-fried and then grilled, with a secret sauce brushed on top—it looks really tempting!

%The shop also doesn’t use inferior ingredients. We tried one dish that wasn’t bad either. The little dessert they serve is quite unique. Sometimes when you’re tired, you can grab a refreshing drink from “Winter Melon Treasure.” They sell all kinds of traditionally brewed winter melon drinks, and some are even boiled and simmered on the spot, which makes it even more reassuring to see!We couldn’t help but exclaim how delicious it was. It’s a must-order, for sure. But remember to eat it while it’s hot; otherwise, it gets harder and crispier, almost like a biscuit texture!

%The ice cream balls are not bad either. They’re cute little iced treats that pop when you bite into them, releasing a sweet bean paste filling inside. In short, they look adorable and taste pleasantly sweet, but not cloyingly so.

[Black Tea Stinky Tofu]

%Jianbing (Chinese savory crepes) and roujiamo (Chinese burgers) might seem ordinary at first glance, but they are actually quite unique here. I usually go early to buy one, otherwise it gets more and more crowded later in the day.Later when I walked by, it was also packed!

%Ji?Qiangyemouzhugou?Jiqin?Ganrenlu?Tuohuaiweitiaopingzhixieshangmuquejulvtuolangzheng??Yuekenhuanchajiqiehuanguaze.Their stinky tofu is special because it uses Earl Grey tea as the fermentation starter, so not only does it have a refreshing and non-greasy taste, but if you eat it plain, you can also taste a faint tea aroma!

The boss also thoughtfully keeps the pickled radish, special sauce, homemade kimchi, and stinky tofu separately, so you can add toppings according to your preference and keep the tofu crispy. That’s so smart. And they serve it in a lunchbox, which is great for eating while strolling the night market. Most importantly, their stinky tofu is also suitable for vegetarians—just ask the staff not to add garlic, and you’re all set. So heartwarming!

%The lotus paste and salted egg yolk pastry layers not only have a delightful flaky texture but are also filled with rich fillings, making them very satisfying. You can also check out their social media pages for more updates on new items and promotions.

%The reason it smells so special is that it is made using a traditional method (reference from Black Tea Stinky Tofu FB fan page), no wonder it has an extra special aroma.In addition to the special sauce, they also add garlic and homemade chili sauce. When you take a bite with the sauce, the crispy yet juicy texture is loved by all—slightly salty-sweet with a hint of garlic aroma. It’s super well-matched. Remember to slather on plenty of sauce to make it extra deliciously evil!

%Jiqiaoxungahuanchuoxiandingbianyifencanjiebihou??Fu?Bianyifanyuan?Jiu⑽⑺Zaise?Guaxie??Fenyouyan??Yunguci?Zhi??Bo?Gasuzhugou?Nai??Weilaoding

If you dare to eat spicy food, don’t miss their homemade spicy sauce.Though it’s a bit spicy, it’s very fragrant and adds even more flavor when paired with the sauce and stinky tofu!

[Winter Melon Treasure]

%The ingredients used here are always fresh, and the drinks are unique. When you’re tired, you can grab a drink from “Winter Melon Treasure.” They offer all kinds of traditionally brewed winter melon series, and some are even boiled and simmered on the spot, which makes it even more reassuring to see!

%We also tried a bottle of winter melon tea that comes in a 100c.c. size, which tastes sweet and refreshing, with the natural sweetness of winter melon tea, without being overly sugary.It pairs quite well with snacks XD

[Pork Intestine Sausage]

%The “Big Piggy Bun” may look like a small item, but it is actually quite popular. It is handmade and has a secret recipe. The stall is often surrounded by a crowd, so everyone should come early to buy it—or you’ll see the stall packed with people again!

%Jiatanghuangya?Qian0Duoniandelaotanle, and there are also many old photos and reportage photos displayed nearby, giving it a somewhat historic vibe!

%The intestines and the fragrance of the casing complement each other well, and there are also some pickled vegetables that add a sour crunch. We ordered a small portion of pork intestine sausage.There are four toppings available at the front of the stall: garlic, onion, cucumber, and spicy soy sauce—all can be added based on your preference. There’s also soy paste available that you can add as well.

%The sausages here are bursting with aroma, with a low fat content, offering a well-balanced sweet and salty flavor. They pair wonderfully with garlic or cucumber, making them refreshingly light and not greasy at all!

[MILU Creative Handcrafted Drinks]

%Their signature drink “Black Sugar Fresh Milk” is a must-try. Not only do they offer freshly ground OGO (milk tea pearls), but there's also handmade black sugar being stir-fried on-site — the aroma is incredible. Their house specialties are Black Sugar Fresh Milk and Tieguanyin Latte. Friends who enjoy these should definitely give them a try!

%If you're someone who loves drinks that fill you up, you can go for either the bubble milk tea or the brown sugar fresh milk. Of course, you could also be like us and get both — how stuffed can one get eating bubble tea to the max, right? (XD) It’s chewy, sweet, and you can really taste the rich flavor of black sugar. For those not afraid of getting super full, go ahead and order it!

[Jie’s Flagfish Fish Balls]

%Each skewer comes with just the right amount of fish balls, all plump and bouncy. Especially the ones with a nice bounce to them — absolutely not disappointing. There are also three different sauces available, so you can adjust according to your personal taste!

%The fish balls are springy as expected, and when brushed with soy paste and spicy sauce, they have a mildly salty and spicy kick. Especially great is that you can taste the boiled egg inside — absolutely delicious!

[Minghong Caramelized Sweet Potatoes, Dongdong Caramelized Sweet Potatoes]

%Both are super famous for their sweet potatoes. The first place offers classic caramelized sweet potatoes, while the second offers an extra layer of crunch. The first one is coated simply then roasted until golden — crispy outside, sweet and soft inside, incredibly tasty. The second is coated in flour, then dipped in maltose, resulting in a crispier, sweeter, and more delightful bite!

[Ershixiong Old-Fashioned Flavors]

%Their braised offal dishes are also a must-try. This old-fashioned eatery is run by locals. Not only do they offer a wide variety of freshly braised snacks, but they also avoid preservatives, artificial coloring, salt, MSG, etc., making it a safer and more reassuring choice to eat!

%Here you can see lots of colorful and appetizing braised items. Visually, they have that glossy, oily sheen that’s super inviting. We highly recommend trying the Three-Cup Blood Cake, Spicy Dried Tofu, Little Bird Eggs, Chicken Wings, and Chicken Hearts — all incredibly flavorful and delicious!

[Chen’s Spicy Duck Blood, Hong Kong-Style Fish Balls]

%Their “Spicy Duck Blood” comes in small, medium, and large spice levels. Don’t worry if you can’t handle too much heat — just go for the mild. It’s lightly numbing and spicy, juicy and full. The Hong Kong-style fish balls are super Q (chewy), with a variety of flavors to choose from — definitely try a few different ones!

[Qijia Oyster Omelet]

%This place is super popular for its oyster omelets. Both the oysters and the eggs used are super fresh. We ordered an oyster omelet, and as soon as it arrived, it was packed with ingredients and smelled amazing!

%The eggs are super fluffy, and paired with fresh oysters, chopped scallions, and crispy lard bits, it’s tender, flavorful, and has a great bounce to it!

[Rouwan Su (Meatball Su)]

%Although it was already quite late, we still saw quite a line of people waiting here. The meatballs they serve are no joke. They offer three types: Yuanlin Meatballs, Mushroom & Salted Egg Meatballs, and Scallop & Mushroom Meatballs — all look amazing!

%We figured we had to try at least one, and ended up ordering another bowl of Pork Intestine & Oyster Vermicelli (wait… weren’t we already super full??). The meatball skin is super soft and Q, paired with mushrooms and salted eggs — the aroma is spot-on. Their sauce is also quite unique — mildly sweet and salty, really delicious. The pork intestine & oyster vermicelli is also great — the intestines are pre-braised, paired with tender fresh oysters and a hint of garlic, making it smooth and tasty!

[Liu’s Chilled Duck Wings]

%These duck wings are also a must-try for those who love spicy snacks. Aside from the spicy duck wings, they also offer spicy chicken wings, spicy tofu, and spicy squid — all great for when you’re out exploring and need a little spice fix.

[A-Mei Guava]

%Don’t let the appearance fool you — they’re actually super ripe. Aside from guava, they have a bunch of other fruits, and they even offer samples, so you can try before you buy if you like!

%The fruits here are super fresh, and there are also passion fruit, wax apples, and mangosteens — all looking high-quality and not bad at all. I bought some to take home, and they were super tasty.

[Zhen Squid Crispy Fried Squid]

%The squid here is super fresh and not fishy at all. The batter isn’t too thick, and the portion size is generous too. Aside from classic flavors, they also have unique seasonings. The outside is crispy and the inside is Q — super addictive. They also have skewers of “Dragon Balls” (squid balls) that are also worth a try!

[Jinshi Tou Corn]

%The corn here is super sweet, with options for regular, salty, buttery, or cheese flavors. Friends who want a quick snack while strolling around can choose based on their taste. The corn is brushed with a special sauce and then grilled to perfection, topped with sesame seeds — sweet, salty, Q, and perfect for munching while walking around!

[Chinese National Cuisine - Awesome Bottle Gourd King]

% The Jiuba Deng B Hulutou King has evolved again—not only does it now come in a candied tomato flavor, but it also features various fresh fruits all skewered together on sticks too. Coated on the outside with maltose, it’s crispy outside and soft inside, delivering a sweet and fragrant delicious taste!

[Haoji Scallion Pancakes, He Jiajia Scallion Pancakes, Zhenhaowei Scallion Pancakes]

% These are still absolutely must-try items here. There are a total of three stalls, among which Daku likes He Jiajia Scallion Pancakes the most—the taste carries a bit of that old-school vibe, crispy and flaky, leaving you craving more. Zhenhaowei is also thin, crispy, and flaky, with plenty of scallions inside—absolutely delicious even eaten on their own!

% As the night gets later, the crowds get bigger. More and more people start lining up, so fortunately Daku had already tried them beforehand!

%ji Qiding came back to check out Tongda Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Cutlet and sure enough, it was packed with people—it turns out the adjacent stalls aren’t empty spaces, but rather dedicated queuing areas for the crowds buying food!

% Also available are Roast Duck Sandwiches, German Pork Knuckle, Pepper Buns, and Water Chestnut Crispsand more—all of which looked super tasty, but alas, Daku’s stomach was already full, so those will have to wait for next time!

% Other highlights include All-Star Steak, Indian Milk Tea, a variety of juices, and Crispy Fried Rice Cakes—they all looked amazing, especially the steak which is super affordable. Next time, Daku plans to give it a try and see just how good it really is!

% There were also Fried Rice Balls, Papaya Milk, Gua Bao, and Takoyakiamong other things—a full range of snacks to satisfy everyone's taste buds!

% There were also Xiaotaizi Drinks, Sweet Potato Balls, Satay Crab Meat & Garlic Crab Legs—for example, Xiaotaizi still uses high-quality fresh milk from Gaogao Ranch, which is pretty impressive. The sweet potato balls are fried until golden, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and are one of Daku’s favorite snacks. The crab meat and crab legs were something Daku had tried a while back—tasty, but a bit fiddly to eat, so you might want to take some home to enjoy slowly.

% There were also Fried Crickets, Freshly Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices, and Thick-Cut Flame-Grilled Steak—all quite unique. Especially the fried crickets—though they may look a little scary, they actually taste similar to salt-and-pepper chicken, and eating them with potatoes helps reduce the gaminess. Those interested can definitely give them a try!

% There were also Saltwater Chicken, Century Egg Skewers, and Taro Milk—a nice mix of traditional flavors and quirky new snacks!

% There was also Singaporean Laksawhich was also extremely popular—unfortunately Daku was already too full to try it, but next time it’s definitely on the list. Another target is this shop specializing in squid and eel; when in Tainan, you’ve got to try the eel pasta. Seeing everyone enjoy it so much, Daku is going to give it a try next time as well. There are also international dishes like Thai Spicy Chicken that foodies might want to sample.

% There were also Grilled Chicken Skewers which are also very popular. It’s a favorite among many, so meat-loving friends can also check out this stall called Meat Skewer King—the skewers are super long and generous in portion. Listed here for your reference!

% Friends who love games can also find a bunch of arcade games or toy capsule machines here. The prices are reasonable and there are lots of cool items. We even bought two phone cases here—they’re affordable and durable, truly a hidden gem.

Tainan Garden Night Market is truly delicious, fun, and great for strolling around. Covering an area of 3,000 ping, it’s no exaggeration—the food options are endless, and you definitely can’t try them all in one visit. This time, Daku only managed to sample about 20 stalls, but will come back next time to try the rest. Daku recommends that first-timers avoid visiting on weekends if possible, and if you do come on a weekend, try to steer clear of the 8 PM to 11 PM timeframe, or you might end up waiting in line forever!

Also, arriving early not only saves you queuing time but also increases your chances of scoring a free parking spot. After eating and drinking your fill, you can also explore the game and sundries area. Avoiding the crowds lets you enjoy your food and have more fun. The above is a brief introduction to 20 snack stalls along with other selected treats—wishing everyone can eat their fill just like Daku!

Tainan Garden Night Market
Address: Intersection of Section 3, Haian Road and Weiwu Road, North District, Tainan City (the night market has a large free parking lot nearby, with surrounding parking lots at 100 NTD per entry and street parking spaces)
Business Hours: Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 PM to midnight

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