By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
Last year, Ningxia Night Market drew crowds with its Centennial Banquet, serving street food in a banquet format. This Sunday (the 4th), the idol group Fahrenheit will become Taiwanese celebrity chefs at the Fullon Hotel in Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, leading thousands of Japanese and Korean fans to sample signature delicacies from night markets across Taiwan. Among them, Ningxia Night Market, which boasts a history of 60 years, will serve its famous Zhigao Rice and Shrimp Egg Rolls; Luodong Night Market will bring finger-licking Longfeng Jelly and Stuffed Tapioca Balls; and Southern Taiwan’s Fengshan Night Market will offer popular items such as savory fried chicken and sweet-and-salty crispy cakes, all for fans to taste on-site.
The Fahrenheit fan meeting on Sunday (the 4th) will let Japanese and Korean fans enjoy signature snacks from Ningxia, Luodong, and other night markets. (Photo by Sightseeing Family Liu Jiawen)
The fan meeting will also feature a mini night market PK competition, where fans will vote for their favorite Taiwanese street food. It’s also a warm-up for next year’s “Taiwan’s Gourmet Moment: Night Market Banquet” PK event. The Tourism Bureau plans to invite various night markets to carefully select local specialty ingredients to create banquet-style street food platters, allowing travelers to “gather in groups” for a night market feast and savor the most authentic flavors in one go. Lin Dingguo, general manager of Ningxia Night Market, said the market will compete with 20 signature dishes including Zhigao Rice, Shrimp Egg Rolls, Spicy Intestine and Blood Cake, and Crispy Bamboo Shoots with Braised Pork — each with a history of at least 50 years, offering both delicious tastes and cultural experiences. Luodong Night Market, promoting itself as the friendliest night market, will present a set of 11 banquet dishes such as Sanxing Scallion Roast Platter, Longfeng Jelly, and Stuffed Tapioca Balls, vowing to take the top spot.
Yilan’s Luodong Night Market, named the Friendliest Night Market in the 2010 Special Night Market Selection, will also participate in next year’s “Taiwan’s Gourmet Moment: Night Market Banquet” PK competition. (Photo by Sightseeing Family Liu Jiawen)
Night markets are one of the must-visit attractions for international travelers in Taiwan, and sampling local cuisine is an essential experience. Through the innovative “Night Market Banquet” tourism concept, group travelers in Taiwan now have more affordable, local dining options, expanding the culinary audience of night markets.