NIGHT MARKETS: Where all of the magic happens

One of the major highlights of Taiwan was the night markets- the crowded insanity, strange fried foods, and endless shopping were perfect at providing enought excitement to offset the serene beauty of the mountains and the coast.

Here are some photos from west coast night markets:

 Meat selection for hot pot.

 Floating fish balls

 

Some dessert toppings - boba, beans, and jellies!

 @CG: PASTRIES!

 Noodle mountain and the fixin's

Cooking molds are pretty popular - for things like cream filled mini cakes,

fried dough balls, and these giant seafood dumpling orbs!

 DEEP FRIED CUTTLEFISHES ON STICKS!

 This is jelly fig dessert. It's jello, but it's made with the fuzzy seeds of 

a fruit containing pectin, instead of horse hooves. It's good with lime!

More frying molds.

Your typical diy hot pot stand.

Scallion pancakes gone pizza style.

Grilled, stuffed rice rolls.

 One of my favorites: stew in a mug with puff pastry on top.

 More molds: this time it's quail-egg half-orbs!

Night market from afar.

 Shrimp on a stick!?

 Traditional meat bun baking method.

 

 The ever-present stinky tofu.

One of my fav desserts: A peanut, cilantro, ice cream wrap! Amazing.