Taipei is brimming with markets. There are flower markets, jade markets, the famous night markets, a large fabric market and many fruit and vegetable markets. One of the great markets that I like to go to for fruits, vegetables and meat is the Shi Dong Market. A unique feature of this market is being able to stroll through in air conditioned comfort. The produce does cost a little more than the open air stalls along the streets. However, it is worth it to know that the meat is in a nice cool building instead of out in the heat. I previously wrote about the differences in shopping in the US versus Taiwan. Going to this type of market is just one of these differences.

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The first time that I went to the market I just walked around and looked a little. I bought a few familiar vegetables and went home. The next time I chose to go with The Community Services Center in Taipei. It is a local non-profit group. One of the things they offer is classes that you can register for online to go to different places around the city. I went on a tour of the market with a local woman from Taiwan. She was very knowledgeable about the different types of produce, how to cook them and where to get certain items. She also answered our questions as we went along and provided some phrases in Mandarin that could come in handy. I would recommend this tour if you are new to Taipei and want to learn about some of the local produce.

There is an entire row of fresh seafood. The nice thing is that you can ask for your fish to be prepped before you buy it. If you are like me and don’t want to bring home an entire intact fish, this is perfect.

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All of the stalls or stores have a number assigned to them. They are usually above the stores on their signs or next to them. This way you can take note of the # and what they sell. In addition to fresh produce and meat there are also beautiful flower shops and places to buy soy sauce or dried foods. Store #23is a bakery that specializes in spring onion bread. There is another stall that sells food that is already prepared and ready to eat. There is also a shop with handmade noodles and spring roll wrappers (#54) and another with freshly made steamed buns.

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I also learned that one of the stalls (#42) sells wheat flour. I like to bake bread and wheat flour has not always been easy for me to find around Taipei.
Another thing I’ve noticed is when I buy several items at a produce stall, usually the vendor will throw in something for free. I have come home with unexpected fresh ginger or various herbs. It’s a nice little touch.
On the second floor of the market there are some restaurants and various stores. It’s a good place to go to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and also get local Taiwan grown wax apples, dragonfruit or many other local favorites. Shopping at the Shi Dong Market in Taipei is sure to be an experience you’ll remember.

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