Entree Kibbles: Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)

It was just the wrong date to go to Raohe Street Night Market; easily one of the more popular night markets in Taipei, we visited on New Year's eve and facing us a large crowd!

I didn't have a choice as it would be our official last day in Taiwan and I still haven't completed my souvenir shopping! And my intention was to get some snacks, including their signature butter pastry, from Yu Jan Shin 裕珍馨.

Total damage: almost S$100! I could have gotten more but as some of you are aware, the expiry date for the products is very short and that could be problematic when you buy them as gifts for family and friends.

Street was jam-packed when I exited! Given that I had visited this night market in 2014, I am aware of the navigation which was simple; one straight street with stalls in the center, for about 500 meters. Let's immerse ourselves in the celebratory mood for the new year!

Synonymous of night markets in Taiwan, food would be the main draw and that's the one thing I hate and love; love because they look so tempting and hate because I don't have the stomach capacity to eat everything!

Dog lovers would go crazy over the cute winter wear for their canine kids! Singapore dog lovers will not be keen given the hot climate we have, although those who switch on air-conditioning 24/7 for their dogs can still consider.

Hitting my head for not trying the above; we have heard of stinky tofu but I didn't know there'a a fries version that would have made eating them much easier, and on the move! Cost: 70 Taiwan dollars.

Sea snails with beer??

Sorry, I shall give a miss.

Plants in cans that bloomed so beautifully!The varieties included basil, cherry pepper, cypress vine, dahlia, English daisy, geranium, violet, lavender, mimosa, morning glory, oregana, parsley, pine, rosemary, sage, strawberry, spearmint, sage, thyme, sunflower, tomato,lavender, tomato, marigold etc.

Three cans for 300 Taiwan dollars and six cans for 500 Taiwan dollars (about S$20). I figured variety like strawberry wouldn't be possible in hot and humid Singapore and opted for options like spearmint. p.s. the first can I attempted sprouted but didn't survive as an idiot added too much water.

Drawing customers with the UV lights, kids would be disappointed to know that the items for sale were not toys;it's a takeaway cocktail bar! For reference, a gin tonic cost 170 Taiwan dollars whereas a long island iced tea was priced 270 Taiwan dollars.

Awarded Michelin Plate from 2018 to 2023?!

I must give this muah chee stall a try!

A small serving for 50 Taiwan dollars and they were satisfying, being bigger in size than their counterparts in Singapore! From what I see, the boss would flatten the dough, pull in a scoop of sugar and sesame seeds, roll it up and then cover with peanuts and sesame seeds!

Hence, the muah chee burst with sweetness as the teeth bit through, and enticing the taste buds were the aroma of sesame seeds! p.s. the dough didn't stick to the teeth and the only thing that would make this perfect is to have a warmer muah chee!

Preserved fruits!

Generally, I am agreeable with all the food stalls in Taiwan night markets. Only exception would be the braised pork stall; I can smell the 'stench' from far away and I would literally breathe through my mouth, instead of my nose.

Kaoz, grilled abalones!

Pricing: 100 Taiwan dollars each.

Instead octopus, prawn takoyaki, these came with just oysters which cost 150 Taiwan dollars for every serving. Thankfully, I don't enjoy oysters.

Roast pork with crispy skin! I would have gladly gotten a small serving to share if the Greatest Kon were with. But with dad, who would likely remove the skin for health reasons, I shall just move on.

Games, for adults, and kids.

Winter scarves, hats and gloves! Now that I am preparing for my Hanoi trip in December, I am at e dilemma; should I buy now in Singapore or do so when I am in Hanoi?

Fireworks and sparklers to issue in the new year! Just wondering if I would be able to get my hands on some fireworks when I am in Taiwan in January 2025... Been a while since I last played...

Nougat crackers and Tiramisu for sale; I was just commenting to my sister that I never like tiramisu given the coffee content. Nougat crackers can be quite nice, a new twist to a traditional biscuit that appeals mainly to the older generation.

Pan-fried dumplings!

Small - 60 Taiwan dollars.

Another clothing stall for your fur kids.

The stitch one is so cute!

I am one of those who love fridge magnets but not just any; I took great pride in choosing one that would be fit for my fridge but they are usually so pricey! These ones here were one of a kind and at 90 Taiwan dollars; they were reasonably priced.

Boxes of delicious looking strawberries!

A secret for you; I drank from a milk bottle until I was eight years old and the above stall reminded me of this secret of mine that I almost scrubbed from my memory! By the way, this was 70 Taiwan dollars, with the free milk bottle.

Oh my god, they had this one too!? Known as the scholar cake, I had it before at Guangzhou Street Night Market and recalled it's like a tutu cake made using a unique cooking vessel!

So tempted to get this ice fire polo bun that cost just 35 Taiwan dollars!

Other random photographs taken on this short trip to Raohe Street Night Market. Personally, this night market would appeal to those who want more than just food, and I guess that's the reason why it ranks as one of the more popular ones in Taipei.