Located in the Datong District 大同區 of Taipei, Ningxia Night Market 寧夏夜市 is considered a “smaller-scale” market when compared to Raohe or Shilin. But don’t be mistaken, what it lacks in the clothing/souvenir department it makes up for in the food it offers.
Of course, Ningxia has all the regular night market food, a lot of it fried, and drinks of different kinds. But, with so many options, where do you start? In this post, I’ll be giving you FIVE of my favorite stalls that I usually have when I go!
1. Zhigao Rice 知高飯
Zhigao is a Taiwanese-Hokkien word, it translates to pig foot, specifically the rear foot or 後腳. As the name implies, one of their specialties is pig foot rice. That dish is originally a Taitung specialty, so enjoy it while you’re in Taipei. What I had this time around was the Omelette Shrimp Soup or 蛋包蝦仁湯. Either way, whatever you go for it’ll be delicious.
2. Fanjia Chicken Rice
Fangjia serves a couple of different dishes, but their main two are the Chicken Rice and the Braised Pork Rice. However, if you ask for a chicken and braised pork rice bowl, you’ll get it. You’re welcome. The chicken has a nice aroma and delicate texture while the braised pork has that typical 滷肉 depth of flavor. For around 50NTD, a bowl of chicken and braised pork rice is a steal.
3. Liuyuzi Fried Taro Balls
There is plenty of fried taro ball stands in Ningxia, and in fact many other night markets. However, Liuyuzi is ahead of the game. If you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe the Michelin Guide which awarded Liuyuzi an award. You have two options to choose between, with or without egg yolk. I recommend you go with the egg yolk.
4.1 Oyster Omelette 蚵仔煎
Located just outside the entrance to the far left is the Laiji Oyster Omelette Stand. 蚵仔煎 is a Taiwanese word pronounced ô-á-tsian, it roughly translates to Oyster Omelette. It’s made using egg, flour, oyster, and veggies, and then topped with sauce. There is one other omelet stand in Ningxia but I prefer the slightly sweeter sauce Laiji uses. Most natives also prefer coming to Laiji. The best oyster omelet I had was probably at Raohe, but this one definitely comes close.
4.2 Huanyuan Oyster Omelet
As I said, you can also try Huanyuan’s oyster omelet. While I think Laiji trumps this omelet, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t also taste great. Maybe you’ll prefer their style of oyster omelet.
5. Papaya Milk
You can’t talk about Ningxia without mentioning the Papaya milk. Actually, yeah you can. A lot of people go to Ningxia or other night markets to try the papaya milk. I think you should too, to try for yourself if it’s worth the hype. It’s definitely a refreshing drink, especially after you eat the hearty, rich food at the night market. But here’s a secret: the best papaya milk you can get is at 711 from 統一. You’re welcome.
