A Food Lover’s Guide to Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien

Hello, fellow travel lovers! If your journeys are taking you to the stunning east coast of Taiwan, a stop in the city of Hualien is an absolute must. And when the sun sets, there’s one place where the city truly comes alive: the Dongdamen Night Market. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a sprawling, vibrant festival of flavors, sights, and sounds, and a true highlight of any trip to Taiwan.

For those of us who travel the world seeking authentic local experiences (and delicious food!), Dongdamen is a paradise. Get ready to explore everything this amazing market has to offer. Let’s dive in!

About Hualien

Hualien is a beautiful city on the east coast of Taiwan, known for its stunning natural scenery, including the world-famous Taroko Gorge. It’s a popular destination for travelers looking to experience a different side of Taiwan, away from the bustling cities of the west coast. The city has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and is a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Dongdamen Night Market is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. The weather during these seasons is pleasant and mild, making it ideal for strolling through the market. Weekends are the most lively, with larger crowds and a bustling atmosphere. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weeknight.

How to Get to Hualien from Taipei

Getting to Hualien from Taipei is relatively easy, with several options available:

By Train: The most popular and convenient way to travel is by train. The Puyuma and Taroko Express trains take about 2-2.5 hours and offer scenic views of the coastline. It’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
By Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from Taipei to Hualien. The journey takes about 3.5-4 hours.
By Plane: If you’re short on time, you can take a 50-minute flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Hualien Airport.

What Makes Dongdamen Night Market Special?

Opened in 2015, Dongdamen is the largest night market in Hualien. It’s cleverly organized into four distinct sections, each with its own unique charm and culinary focus. This means you can spend an entire evening here and still not see everything!

Futing Night Market: This is where you’ll find many classic Taiwanese street food stalls and fun carnival-style games.
Aboriginal Street: For a truly unique taste of Taiwan, this street offers a wonderful array of indigenous delicacies. The stalls are beautifully decorated with traditional bamboo and wood, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
Ziqiang Night Market: This area is home to some of Hualien’s most famous and historic food vendors. Be prepared for queues at the most popular spots—they are always worth the wait!
Provincial Street: Featuring cuisine from various provinces of mainland China, this section offers a different but equally delicious experience, with charming red lanterns lighting the way.

A Culinary Adventure: Must-Try Foods

Now for the best part—the food! With over 400 vendors, the choices are endless. Here are a few **must-try** dishes to get you started on your culinary journey.

Savory Delights

Coffin Bread (棺材板): A Hualien specialty! It’s a thick slice of fried bread, hollowed out and filled with a creamy, savory stew of chicken, seafood, or meat. It sounds unusual, but it is absolutely delicious.
Indigenous BBQ: Don’t miss the chance to try something unique from Aboriginal Street. The wild boar and maqaw (mountain pepper) sausage have incredible flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎): A classic Taiwanese night market staple. This dish is made with fresh oysters and eggs, cooked to perfection and topped with a sweet and savory sauce.

Sweet Treats and Drinks

Mochi (麻糬): Hualien is famous for its mochi. These soft, chewy rice cakes filled with peanut, sesame, or red bean are the perfect sweet snack.
Taiwanese Shaved Ice (刨冰): The perfect way to cool down. A mountain of finely shaved ice is topped with fresh fruit, sweet beans, and a generous drizzle of condensed milk.
Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶): Of course, you can’t visit Taiwan without having bubble tea! You’ll find many stalls serving up this iconic, refreshing drink.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Dongdamen is easy. It’s located at No. 50, Jhongshan Road, Hualien City. The market opens every day from around 5:00 PM to midnight. A taxi from the Hualien train station is quick and affordable, or you can enjoy a 30-minute walk through the city to build up your appetite!

Where to Stay in Hualien

Hualien offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are a few recommendations:

Hualien FarGlory Hotel: A luxurious resort with stunning ocean views.
- URL: https://www.farglory-hotel.com.tw/en/
- TEL: +886-3-8123999
- Cost: Starting from approximately $200 USD per night.
Promisedland Resort & Lagoon: A beautiful resort with a unique lagoon-style pool.
- URL: https://www.plcresort.com.tw/en
- TEL: +886-3-8656789
- Cost: Starting from approximately $150 USD per night.
Lakeshore Hotel Hualien: A modern hotel with a convenient location in the city.
- URL: https://hualien.lakeshore.com.tw/en/
- TEL: +886-3-8222666
- Cost: Starting from approximately $100 USD per night.

Official Information

For more information about Hualien, you can visit the official tourism website:

Hualien Tourism Service Network: https://tour-hualien.hl.gov.tw/en/

Beyond the Market

Hualien is the gateway to some of Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery. Be sure to make time to visit the breathtaking Taroko Gorge National Park or relax on the stunning Qixingtan Beach. These natural wonders are the perfect complement to your foodie adventures.

Conclusion

Dongdamen Night Market is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant, unforgettable cultural experience that captures the heart and soul of Hualien. It’s a place for making wonderful memories and immersing yourself in the friendly local culture. Happy travels!

Bring a Piece of Taiwan Home With You

Digital Art – Dong Da Men Night Market

Inspired by the vibrant colors and energy of Taiwan’s night markets, we have created a collection of digital arts that capture the essence of these amazing places. Bring a piece of your travels into your home. Click here to browse our collection and find the perfect piece to commemorate your trip!