Keelung Miaokou Night Market

One of the larger night markets in northern Taiwan, Keelung Miaokou Nigh Market (基隆廟口夜市) surrounds Dianji Temple and is located a short walk from Keelung Harbor. It has been in operation for more than 40 years and occupies a space of about 400 meters and several city blocks. Temples often serve as both a spiritual and physical foundation of night markets in Taiwan and Keelung's is no different. The Miaokou part of the name literally means “temple entrance”. If entering from the harbor area, you will have to cross one of the numerous bridges spanning the narrow river that bisects the town, but pay attention as you do: each bridge is flanked by stylistic representations of the 12 Chinese zodiacs. Test your knowledge of traditional culture by trying to find them all!

More than 200 food stands offer up regional as well as national delicacies. No need to worry about finding something tasty to eat; the bigger problem will be having enough appetite to taste all of the delicacies on display! Among the more famous dishes are Taiwanese style tempura “tianbula” (天婦羅), pot rim rice soup “ding bian cuo” (鼎邊銼), pork rib soup “pai gu geng” (排骨羹), one bite sausages “yi kou xiang chang” (一口香腸), a huge variety of fried, roasted, and steamed fresh caught seafood, and bubble ice “pao pao bing” (泡泡冰) to cool you off in the summer months.