Taiwan is known for their night markets loaded with copious amounts of individual stalls that sell clothing, entertainment, and most importantly food. UCSD’s United Taiwanese Association hosted their very own night market on Library Walk that delivered an authentic culinary experience that included tea eggs, spicy dumplings and minced pork rice.
Night Market?
Photo by Natalie Wong, Edited by Ming-Ray Liao
Night markets are fairly common in urban and suburban areas in Taiwan. Although some markets operate during the day, it doesn’t get wild and rowdy until the sun sets. Recently, various night markets such as Shihlin Night Market in Taipei and Dongmen Night Market in Yilan have become almost obligatory tourist attractions and are places every visitor should visit. Whether it be in north or east Taiwan or even here in southern California (like the OC Night Market), the emphasis on food is universal. With that being said, lets see some of the food offered at the 2016 UCSDxUTA Taiwanese Night Market Event~
Tea Egg
Photo by Natalie Wong, Edited by Ming-Ray Liao
A crowd favorite this year as it was the first stall to sell out. These eggs not only have an alluring marbling pattern, but also smell and taste like a Chinese apothecary (in a good way).
Spicy Dumplings/Wontons
Photo by Ming-Ray Liao
The real star of this dish is the savory sauce that coats the wontons. The sauce is sweet and spicy and extremely garlicky – it’s a perfect pairing for the wontons and refreshing spring onions.
Minced Pork Rice
Photo by Natalie Wong, Edited by Ming-Ray Liao
This was without a doubt the crowd favorite as the line began even before the rice finished cooking. A staple in any Taiwanese restaurant menu and obviously well received by those that attended this event.
Longan Rice Ball Soup
This traditional dessert is often served during the Winter Solstice and symbolizes reunion. The glutinous rice balls come in either the plain variation or the sesame-filled variation and satisfied our sweet tooth after all the savory foods.
Be sure to check out Library Walk regularly for cultural events such as this!