[Tainan] I went to the market!! [Dongcai Market]

Hi everyone, it’s Takky!
I went to the morning market while out for a walk, so I’d like to share my experience! It was a place full of the authentic daily life and energy of the locals—a bit different from the night market!
Morning Market
Tainan’s “Dongcai Market” is a traditional public market with a history of over 100 years, having been established in 1909. Located near Qingnian Road in the Zhongxi District, it remains a beloved “kitchen of Tainan,” bustling with locals to this day.
It was once frequented by many wealthy families in the area, earning it the nickname “Market of the Wealthy.” This led to the development of a unique culture where haggling is rare, thanks to the trust in the quality of the goods. With a diverse array of shops selling fresh ingredients, traditional prepared foods, and popular Taiwanese sweets, it’s a spot where you can experience firsthand the vibrant energy of a classic Taiwanese morning.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Closed: Mondays
It’s a 13-minute walk from Hamuya!
There’s a market tucked away between two buildings. What a charming gate!

It was a market with a very Asian vibe. Since I’ve been staying indoors a lot lately, it gave me a little taste of what it’s like to be a tourist.

Not only meat and fish, but they also sold vegetables, snacks, and just about everything you need for daily life—though I didn’t take any photos!


A restaurant that serves duck. The item on the right in the photo is duck tongue. It’s one of my absolute favorite foods among all the dishes I’ve tried in Taiwan. It makes the perfect snack to enjoy with a beer.


I had planned to grab a bite to eat inside the market, but perhaps because I arrived a little late, not many restaurants were open, so I decided to go to a nearby place instead.
KAMAN PEI JIAO
Just a 2-minute walk from the market! It’s right across the street.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m., 4:30 a.m.–6:30 a.m.
Closed: Sundays and Mondays
I’d been curious about this place for a while, and since it happened to be near the market, I decided to eat there.


The interior is very beautiful and brand-new. I hear the paintings hanging on the walls were done by the owner.


Here’s what the menu looks like.

I ate noodles, rice, and dumpling. That’s so typically Japanese. Carbs really are the best.

The meat in Taiwanese dishes tends to be on the fatty side, but at this restaurant, it was leaner, which really let the flavor of the meat shine through—it was absolutely delicious.
In Closing
As I walked outside and breathed in the fresh air for the first time in a while, I felt a fresh sense of excitement—different from the usual scenery—and it made me realize once again just how wonderful it is to get out and about. Exploring new places on foot and encountering sights and flavors that move my heart—I feel like these little moments of escape from the ordinary enrich my daily life just a little bit. It was one of those days that left me wondering, “Where should I go for my next walk?”
Well then, everyone, stay safe today!
