Some solid food options here, though I wish I had a local guide to tell me what the most amazing stuff here was. There is so much to choose from, it's a little overwhelming! I let the queues decide for me often, but didn't try every place with a long line. Everything I got was good, however, and never felt like the food was unsanitary. Can get kind of chaotic on the weekends, however, with motorbikes/scooters weaving and parking between crowds of pedestrians. They don't close it off from traffic, so you will share the road with motor vehicles. At one point a garbage truck even came down the street, though God knows how it made it through. I came here several times however, and never saw an accident.
Snowflake shaved ice - loved it and came back to this stand multiple times. It's one of the stands that has an actual seating space so it's always in the same spot (there is a soy milk/fried breadstick place right next to it). The fruit flavors were my favorite; milky mango was #1, with lime sorbet coming in a close 2nd. The ice is super finely shaved and melts on your tongue like snowflakes. Mango syrup was very natural tasting, and amazing with the milky ice and condensed milk. Lime sorbet was wonderful with zest on top. I have no idea what the lady said but somehow we got that option and it was perfect. We also tried grape milky ice, which was tasty but more artificial/candy-like than the others. Didn't try the fresh fruit flavors, but I bet they're good.
Skewers - tried a chicken skewer (large flat one with skin on) and another place where you pick the raw skewers and they get grilled to order. Both were freaking great. Skin-on chicken was crispy and schmaltzy, the grill to order skewers were covered in a cumin spice mix that was wonderful.
Sweet potato balls - awesome snack. Kind of like a light-as-air pandeyuca but sweet potato flavored.
Michelin mentioned mochi - the softest, most delicate mochi I've ever had. Peanut + sesame dusting was good, but the texture is the standout from other mochi I've tried.
Stinky tofu - I've never had it before and only tried some of my husband's order. It was very umami, and probably would have tasted even better if I could eat the spicy cabbage and broth that it comes with. Since I can't, I found it only so-so. The smell is pretty off-putting for me, although the taste was alright. I thought it was either sewage or intestines that haven't been cleaned thoroughly enough 😅 Nope, just stinky tofu.
Mini creme brulee - so satisfying. One was perfect for 2 people to share after eating a bunch of different things.
There were a couple clothing stores that seemed nice (mainly women's fashion). Much less fussy than the stuff I saw in department stores, which seems to be pushing gigantic Amish collars and weird cutesy stuff that I never saw any...
Read moreLehua Night Market - A Culinary Adventure in Taiwan
Introduction Lehua Night Market, located in Yonghe District of New Taipei City, is a vibrant and bustling destination that offers a true taste of Taiwan's street food culture. Known for its diverse array of delicious snacks and friendly atmosphere, Lehua Night Market attracts both locals and tourists eager to experience authentic Taiwanese flavors.
Street Food Highlights
Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) Despite its pungent smell, stinky tofu is a beloved Taiwanese delicacy. This fermented tofu is deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served with pickled cabbage and a spicy sauce. It's a must-try for adventurous eaters looking to experience a unique flavor.
Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) A popular night market staple, the oyster omelette combines fresh oysters, eggs, and a batter made from sweet potato starch. The dish is fried to perfection and topped with a savory, sweet sauce. It's a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that showcases Taiwan's love for seafood.
Pepper Pork Buns (胡椒餅) These buns are filled with a savory mixture of marinated pork and spring onions, seasoned generously with black pepper. They are baked in a clay oven until the crust is golden and crispy, making them a delicious and portable snack.
Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is a refreshing drink made with milk tea and chewy tapioca pearls. At Lehua Night Market, you can find numerous stalls offering various flavors and toppings, perfect for quenching your thirst while exploring the market.
Fried Chicken Cutlet (炸雞排) A favorite among locals, the fried chicken cutlet is a large, juicy piece of chicken breast that is breaded and deep-fried until crispy. Often seasoned with a blend of spices, it's a tasty and satisfying treat that is easy to eat on the go.
Taiwanese Sausage (台灣香腸) Grilled Taiwanese sausage is sweet and savory, often served on a stick and paired with raw garlic cloves. The combination of flavors is both bold and delicious, making it a popular choice for night market visitors.
Grilled Squid (烤魷魚) Fresh squid is marinated, grilled, and served with a variety of sauces, such as soy sauce, garlic, and chili. The result is a smoky, tender, and flavorful seafood dish that's perfect for seafood lovers.
Conclusion Lehua Night Market offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Taiwan's vibrant street food culture. With its wide variety of snacks and lively atmosphere, it's a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and provide a memorable experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Lehua Night Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of...
Read moreAs a night market, the location is not that good but it does worth a visit!
Order by preference:
阿爸的芋圓 Assort taro sugarcane ice is definitely a must try! Served with different topping but they all very tasty.
泗源炸雞 Transitional style fried chicken, crusty on the outside and juicy on the inside. Hard not to fall in love with this tender but flavorful meat. It’s better than most of the chain stores fired chicken in my opinion.
深海旗魚串 Deep-fried swordfish kebab, with fish eggs inside, which goes well with the meat. Take a bite and you will be surprised.
快樂地瓜球 Fried sweet potato balls. A successful sweet potato ball should have crispy crust but a little chewy to let the yummy sweet potato zest gradually comes out in you mouth. This stand totally nails it!
下港米糕排骨酥 Though its famous for its tube rice pudding, I found that that the braised pork on rice even more tasty. The shredded pork meat is blended in the rice perfectly and the garnish just adds more...
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