Traditional Markets in Taiwan

Woman selling water chestnuts at a traditional market in New Taipei City

© Photographer: Kenneth Paul | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Taiwan is known mostly for its night markets, but there is another kind of market here that deserves a visit—the traditional market (or "day market") which is open from early morning until mid afternoon and sells almost completely different products to night markets.



Fruit and vegetable store at a traditional market in New Taipei City

© Photographer: Kenneth Paul | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

The products at traditional markets are mostly fresh produce along with some street food and snacks. Although the target market for these traditional markets is mainly housewives and people shopping to cook at home, they make for an interesting excursion to experience the charm and diversity of Taiwan.

Fresh meat at a vendor at a traditional market in New Taipei City

© Photographer: Kenneth Paul | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

Just like the night markets, they are made up mainly of street vendors, although some stores do form an integral part of some of them. About seventy to eighty percent of the vendors sell fresh fruit and vegetables; others sell fresh meat and fish, while the rest sell street food like fried chicken, tofu, and water chestnuts.

 

Fresh vegetables at a vendor at a traditional market in New Taipei City

© Photographer: Kenneth Paul | Agency: Dreamstime.com

The fruit and vegetables at traditional markets are usually quite a bit cheaper than conventional stores or supermarkets as well as being fresher.
 

Fresh meat at a vendor at a traditional market in New Taipei City

© Photographer: Kenneth Paul | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

If you get the chance, go and take a stroll through one of these and see a side of Taiwan many tourists miss.

If you need help finding a traditional market on your trip, drop me a comment below, and I'll help you find one.

Woman buying street food from a vendor at a traditional market

© Photographer: Kenneth Paul | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 

More of my photos of traditional and night markets in Taiwan can be found here:

Stock photos of traditional and night markets in Taiwan

To learn more about interesting places and sights to visit in Taiwan, check out my list of Places to see in Taiwan