Marc and I visited the Shilin Market twice. Unlike the other markets in Taipei, this place is more popularly known for the food sold in its stalls rather than goods like clothes, purses, and souvenirs. Our guide book strongly recommended that we ate here. It even mentioned that coming to this market but not eating here would be like going to Vegas and not gambling.

Despite the two visits though, we did not dine here at all. We just nibbled on some deserts. There were lots of Asian tourists though who did. I do remember one man walking around the market with a huge poster hanging around their neck advertising some restaurant yelling and laughing at the same time. The atmosphere inside here was very loud but funny and lively.

Hwahsi reminded me of Shilin a lot. It had lots of local restaurants. However, its restaurants are like no other because it is here where snake and turtle blood and meat are served besides the deer penis wine.