Finally after almost 1 year, I dredged up the energy to bring the Taiwan travel episodes to an end!
On my 9th day of the free and easy trip to Taiwan, we made a short but unavoidable trip to the famous Wufenpu 五分埔 - the place to go for sourcing cheap fashion bargains. It is the largest clothing wholesale market that could be found in Taipei.
We read from other blogs not to go too early as most shops generally open after noon, so we dropped by the area around 3PM. It is very easy to locate Wufenpu. Just follow the crowd!
After alighting from the Houshanpi MRT exit, we crossed the street and looked for the shop selling braised pork rice called Formosa Chang. It's quite famous as it has been mentioned extensively in travel blogs; however we opted to skip it and had lunch somewhere else.
After walking for a short distance we reached the main wholesale area. It is divided into a number of alleys that crisscross each other.
Not being fond of overly disciplined shopping, we strolled leisurely along each alley/intersection. The amount and variety is quite impressive - shopping fans will be in for a treat!
Some parts of the area have covered walkways.
Endless shopping, anyone?
There's a small park nearby where you could go to the washroom located underground of all places. Some stalls selling light snacks and drinks could be found in this vicinity.
After a quick break it's back to more shopping!
After that we headed to Raohe Night Market which is so conveniently within walking distance.
On the way to Raohe we chanced upon this shop selling Gua Bao, another Taiwanese delicacy.
The shop is located at a corner very near to Wufenpu - No. 179, Song Shan road.
It's basically steamed dumpling or bao sliced into half and stuffed with preserved vegetables (Mui Choy), braised pork meat and sprinkled with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds.
And did I mention that it tasted absolutely divine???
Ok, continue to Raohe after my short rave :)
Raohe Night Market is very easy to locate, too. Just look for the lighted up temple (or again, follow the crowd). The entrance is just next to the temple.
Gaaaawd. It. is. so. crowded. Even on a weekday!
The uber famous Pepper Biscuits a few steps from the entrance. Being typically kiasu people of course I had to queue up and join the crowd.
There is a huge variety of snacks and drinks available, one couldn't manage to try it all.
Even fruits.
Fast-food style grilled beef cubes
Obligatory grilled squid. I probably ingested close to a hundred during my short trip.
Everyone went back on that night extremely satisfied with the amount of junk food we managed to consume :)
By the way, Songshan MRT station would be the nearest railway station to Raohe.
Getting to Wufenpu:
Take MRT line to Houshanpi station.
Previous: Taipei's best kept lunch secret | Next: Heading back tomorrow!
This is part of the fun Taiwan travel series. View the full itinerary here.
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