饒河夜市（Raohe Night Market）

One of the many amazing aspects of Taipei is its many night markets! Here you can find all kinds of foods, drinks, clothes, and other goods. And the best part is that it’s very affordable! Though I still feel nervous using Chinese to order food at times, the night markets are definitely the place to work up your courage and perfect your food-ordering skills! I have been told by locals that the night markets are not as bustling as they used to be pre-covid, however, I felt my experience at them with just as exciting as I had imagined. They remind me of going to the latin flea markets back home.

The first night market I visited in Taipei was 饒河 (Raohe). While each of the many night markets all have their own characteristics which distinguish them from each other, Raohe’s selection of 冬瓜檸檬茶 (Winter melon lemon tea) and 芒果冰 (Mango shaved ice) were especially delicious! I even ate some 蔥油餅 (Scallion pancake) for just $35 NT (~$1.17USD)!

My tip to you as a fellow language learner is to not be afraid to make mistakes! I have found that people here in Taiwan are generally very friendly and patient and will appreciate your efforts in using Chinese to chat with them! Through making mistakes and not being afraid of sounding silly sometimes, your language skills will improve immensely!