Taipei, Taiwan’s Bustling Lunar(Chinese)New Year Shopping Center-Dihua Street

Dihua Street or Grocery Street is where many residents of Taipei, Taiwan head to for stocking up on food, snacks and treats for the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year. I recently visited the famous shopping market just two days before New Year’s Eve. I was there to shop, sample food, indeed why many people pay a visit and talk to some Taiwanese about why they enjoy Lunar New Year.

Dihua market, for most of the year is Dihua Street-a center in Taipei for traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, incense, and Taiwanese tea processing. First constructed in 1850, it’s original name was Center Street.

This is the busiest time of year for Dihua street, with extra food stalls and vendors using all kinds of tactics to get your attention. Most of which are pretty friendly.

Sampling is big here and many people come just to load up on the freebies. If you’re new to the food of Taiwan it’s a great place to learn about some of the traditional snacks and newer items with ingredients that can range from peanuts to dried fish.

It’s Taiwan, so of course there’s always someone cooking food around the corner.

The southern portion of Dihua is the oldest street in Taipei, dating back to Dutch rule from 1624-1661.

In Taiwan many markets were built around temples and Dihua is no exception with worshippers getting in their last wishes for the year, or perhaps a good start to the new year.

 

Thanks so much for listening to Far East Adventure Travel. Don’t forget to check out Far East Adventure Travel  the video podcast on iTunes and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Periscope and Twitter. All of the links are at fareastadventuretravel.com.  Until next time, this is John Saboe safe travels and Namaste.