Delights—Dry Markets

Dry markets are less common than the day markets but are just as special in what’s available. Basically, anything that comes in bulk dry form can be found at a dry market. One can buy a little or buy in bulk at wholesale. It is a window into the myriad of ingredients that go into traditional Taiwanese dishes. Similar to the day markets, each stall has its own specialty and proprietor. There is stiff competition, however, as there could be 5 different shops offering seemingly the same abundance of goods which makes selecting a vendor challenging.

One thing to keep in mind is the pricing is usually based on a Taiwanese kilo (台斤), which is equal to 600 grams rather than a full kilogram. Something to keep in mind with pricing.

These markets are also especially festive during the Lunar New Year as people stock up on bulk candy and other supplies. The bulk candy bins are overflowing with such variety and the proprietors want people to sample the candies. This is a delight for the kids as their eyes survey the candy varieties.

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