Night Market and Food in Kenting
Part of the Kenting travel guide — see every topic in All Kenting Guides.
Every evening, the main road through Kenting town turns into a long night market. Stalls sell grilled seafood, skewers, fruit juice, shaved ice and small souvenirs, and the street fills with people walking and eating. Food in Kenting is simple and fresh, with a lot of seafood and tropical fruit. The nearby town of Hengchun is also known for its onions and local snacks.
Kenting Street after dark
Kenting Street is the main road through Kenting town, part of the coast highway. During the day it is a normal street with shops, hotels and restaurants. From late afternoon, stalls set up along the road and the night market begins. It runs for about one kilometre and is busiest from about 7 pm to late at night. Cars and scooters still use the road in some places, so watch for traffic. The market is open every night, but some stalls close on rainy evenings or in the quiet season. Weekends and summer holidays are the most crowded.
What to eat
Seafood is the star here. Look for grilled squid, fresh shellfish, grilled fish and seafood skewers cooked over charcoal. Other night market favourites include scallion pancakes, grilled corn, sausages and fried chicken. Many stalls sell fruit drinks made with mango, passion fruit, pineapple or watermelon. After a hot day, a bowl of shaved ice with mango or other fruit is a good way to cool down. Most stalls show photos or pictures of the food, so you can point to order. Bring some cash, as many small stalls do not take cards.
Hengchun onions and local tastes
The town of Hengchun, about 15 minutes north of Kenting, is famous for onions. The dry, windy winter and the sandy soil help the onions grow sweet. Look for onion pancakes, onion soup and other dishes with local onions, especially in the harvest months of late winter and spring. Hengchun also has small restaurants and snack shops that are calmer than Kenting Street. Ask for local dishes like fish soup, fried rice with seafood and green vegetables. Prices are often lower than in the tourist area.
Seafood restaurants and harbours
For a sit-down seafood meal, small harbours around the peninsula are a good choice. At many places you choose fish, shrimp and shellfish from tanks or ice, and the kitchen cooks it the way you ask, such as steamed, grilled or stir-fried. Ask the price before you order, because seafood is often sold by weight. Houbihu harbour on the west coast has several such restaurants and fresh sashimi stalls. Go at lunch or early evening, when the catch is freshest and the places are less busy.
Tips for a good night
Go to the night market early, around sunset, if you want to walk without big crowds. Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, as the evenings are warm. Carry small notes and coins for stalls. If you have food allergies, write them down in local language on a card or on your phone, because many vendors speak little English. Keep your bags closed in busy areas. Use the rubbish bins and recycling points, and try to carry a reusable cup or bottle. Most hotels are within walking distance, so you can avoid driving after dark.
Night Market and Food at a glance
| Getting there | Walk along Kenting Street in Kenting town |
|---|---|
| Hours | Every evening, busiest from about 7 pm to late night |
| Cost | Cheap street food; seafood restaurants priced by weight |
| Best time | Early evening on weekdays for fewer crowds |
| Pay with | Cash for most stalls |
| Try | Grilled squid, fruit drinks, mango shaved ice, Hengchun onions |