Dongdamen Night Market Hualien
A vast, vibrant night market in Hualien offering a huge variety of delicious street food, aboriginal delicacies, and lively entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Dongdamen Night Market Hualien
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, vibrant night market in Hualien offering a huge variety of delicious street food, aboriginal delicacies, and lively entertainment.
"This is the largest night market I have ever went to, with amazing food and live performances!"
💰 Budget-Friendly Feasts
You can eat like royalty for about 150 TWD! Try multiple dishes from different stalls.
🚶♀️ Spacious Walkways
Unlike other markets, Dongdamen is wide and organized, making it easy to navigate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aboriginal Delicacies
Various stalls
Savor unique indigenous flavors, a specialty of Dongdamen, offering a taste of Taiwan's rich cultural heritage.
+1
Sweet Potato Balls
Stalls throughout the market
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside – these addictive little spheres are a must-try snack.
Coffin Toast
Stalls throughout the market
A hollowed-out thick toast filled with savory ingredients, a unique and filling Taiwanese street food experience.
Live Performances & Games
Central areas
Enjoy spontaneous live music and a variety of fun games, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Culinary Adventure
Timing is Key for the Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Feasts
You can eat like royalty for about 150 TWD! Try multiple dishes from different stalls.
🚶♀️ Spacious Walkways
Unlike other markets, Dongdamen is wide and organized, making it easy to navigate.
🎶 Catch the Shows
Look out for live music and performances that add to the lively ambiance.
🤔 Don't Miss the Oysters!
The salted pork and oyster stall is highly recommended for its deliciousness.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Feasts
You can eat like royalty for about 150 TWD! Try multiple dishes from different stalls.
🚶♀️ Spacious Walkways
Unlike other markets, Dongdamen is wide and organized, making it easy to navigate.
🎶 Catch the Shows
Look out for live music and performances that add to the lively ambiance.
🤔 Don't Miss the Oysters!
The salted pork and oyster stall is highly recommended for its deliciousness.
☕ French Toast Bargain
Try the French Toast Sandwich with Sichuan pepper pork – a steal at 65 TWD!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dongdamen Night Market's spacious layout, incredible food variety, and lively atmosphere, often highlighting the unique aboriginal dishes and affordable prices. While most find it a fantastic experience, some note that certain stalls might be closed or the food quality can be inconsistent, with a few finding it less exciting than other Taiwanese night markets.
"It was an amazing experience walking through this well set up, organised and clean massive night market!
So much to see and so many food stalls to choose from.
Tried the salted pork and oysters stall. E27 (if I'm wrong)It was sooo delicious and well worth the money
Queued up for the French Toast Sandwich. Stall E80.
Chose the Sichuan pepper pork filling and was pleasantly surprised to receive a small drink to go with it. A total of just 65TWD is such a bargain for such deliciousness. Plenty of proper sitting places to enjoy our food!"
Flora Tok
"It was like visiting a town fair. Lots of games for kids to enjoy. There was a free concert when I went.
The food is the same you would get anywhere in Taiwan: noodle soup, fried chicken, sushi (looked great!) meat barbecue and seafood.
You would not miss much if you don't visit here."
Angelita Angeles
"Great local market. It looks better than most (if not all) night markes in taipei. Various vegan / vegetarian options. It has both food, drinks, random stors and games."
Shai Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dongdamen Night Market is centrally located in Hualien City. You can easily reach it by taxi, bus, or even a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby. Many visitors find it convenient to take a bus from Hualien Train Station.
Parking can be challenging during peak hours due to the market's popularity. It's often easier to rely on public transport or taxis.
For exploring Hualien and reaching Dongdamen, consider using local buses or renting a scooter for more flexibility. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, several bus routes from Hualien Train Station and other parts of the city stop near Dongdamen Night Market. It's advisable to check local bus schedules upon arrival.
If your accommodation is in Hualien City center, walking to Dongdamen Night Market is a feasible and enjoyable option, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dongdamen Night Market is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander and enjoy the atmosphere.
The market typically opens in the late afternoon and runs into the late evening, usually from around 5 PM to midnight. It's best to check for any seasonal variations.
There is no admission fee to enter Dongdamen Night Market. You only pay for the food, drinks, games, or souvenirs you choose to purchase.
Dongdamen Night Market generally operates every night of the week. However, it's always a good idea to confirm operating hours, especially during public holidays.
There's no need to book anything in advance for general entry. You can simply show up and explore. Some specific food stalls might have long queues, but no reservations are typically needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the aboriginal delicacies, sweet potato balls, coffin toast, salted pork and oysters, and the French toast sandwich.
Yes, many stalls offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options like fresh corn, various fried snacks, and some vegetable dishes.
You can enjoy a substantial meal for around 150 TWD. Individual dishes range from 40 TWD to 150 TWD, offering great value.
While the focus is on Taiwanese and aboriginal cuisine, you might find some stalls offering familiar international snacks or fusion dishes.
Most stalls accept cash (TWD). Some larger or more established vendors might accept mobile payments, but it's always best to have cash on hand.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant food stalls, the lively crowds, and any live performances. The wide walkways offer great vantage points.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the food. For vendors, a polite smile and a quick ask are always appreciated.
Keep an eye out for special events like fireworks shows, which can provide spectacular photo opportunities.
The market truly comes alive after dark, offering a vibrant, illuminated scene. Golden hour just before sunset can also offer beautiful lighting.
Using flash is generally acceptable, but be mindful of not disturbing vendors or performers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
to familiar snacks. The market also features numerous games and activities 💰 Budget Travelers
making it incredibly affordable. The sheer variety means you can sample many different dishes without breaking the bank. Look for stalls offering value deals, like the French toast sandwich for 65 TWD.🍜 Food Enthusiasts
+1 offering a unique taste of Taiwanese culture. Don't be afraid to explore beyond the usual suspects and try new flavors. The quality and variety of street food are consistently praised, with specific mentions of the salted pork and oysters Come with an empty stomach and an adventurous palate!Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Journey Through Dongdamen
+1 These unique dishes showcase the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, offering flavors you won't find elsewhere. From savory grilled meats to unique stews and snacks, there's a culinary adventure waiting at every corner. Don't shy away from trying something new; it's part of the Dongdamen experience! Beyond the aboriginal specialties, you'll find beloved Taiwanese classics. Sweet potato balls are a must-try for their delightful chewy texture,
while coffin toast offers a hearty and unique savory experience. The salted pork and oysters stall is frequently praised for its deliciousness and value,For those with dietary considerations, Dongdamen also offers various vegan and vegetarian options.
The Vibrant Atmosphere of Dongdamen
A significant draw for visitors is the live entertainment that frequently takes place throughout the market.
Occasionally, visitors are treated to spectacular events like fireworks shows,
adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. The combination of delicious food, engaging entertainment, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere makes Dongdamen Night Market a must-visit destination in Hualien. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit