A trendy slew of farmers’ markets have become a popular weekend haunt in Taipei in recent years. These markets are a platform for independent farmers to interact and sell their goods directly to consumers, who are exposed to the vast diversity of produce that are grown in Taiwan.
Take a walk in these farmer's markets and be regaled with stories from enthusiastic farmers who beam with pride about their produce. Visitors can also learn about the behind-the-scenes details of the provenance of the produce and farming processes.
They may also just stumble upon some unexpected discoveries — be it new varieties of fruit and vegetables or how honey is produced and get some hands-on action sampling food. They can also attend workshops to exchange knowledge on produce and cultivate friendships.
Hop on to the Taipei Metro train and go on a tour of these farmer’s markets for a multi-sensorial experience while checking out locally-grown produce and get a deeper understanding of life in Taipei.
On the Red Line
YongKang Farmers’ Market (Dongmen Metro Station）
Situated near the vibrant tourist enclave of Yongkang Street, Yongkang Park is a bustling hive of activity on weekends. The YongKang Farmers’ Market houses more than 40 booths that sell fresh organic fruit and vegetables, rice, tea, honey, jam, beancurd and more. Besides soaking up the enthusiastic energy of the farmers and sampling produce, visitors can also check out booths that sell handicraft and groceries. There is also a stage in the centre of the market, where music and singing performances add to the buzz.
Close to: Yongkang Street Food District
MRT: A three-minute walk from Dongmen Metro Station (Exit 5)
Open: Every first Saturday and Sunday of the month, open: 10am to 6pm
Address: 109 Huaining Street, Zhongzheng District／Yongkang Park
Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market（Yuanshan Metro Station）
The Taipei Expo Farmer’s Market, which is near Taipei Expo Park, occupies a sprawling space. Every weekend, more than 120 stalls that are run by farmers across Taiwan set up shop here. The booths mainly sell agricultural products that are unique to different regions in Taiwan and farm products such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Occasionally, there are also music performances and public talks on how to incorporate seasonal ingredients in dishes.
Close to: Taipei Fine Arts Museum, National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market
MRT: Yuanshan Metro Station (Exit 1)
Open: Every Saturday, 10am to 6pm
Address: 1 Yumen Street, Zhongshan District ／Taipei Expo Yuanshan Park
Four Four South Village Simple Market （Taipei 101-World Trade Centre Metro Station）
A fashionable haunt among youngsters is Simple Market in Xinyi District. Compared to the nearby Taipei 101 and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, this farmer’s market exudes a quaint, old-world charm in the heart of the urban city. Making up the list of stallholders at Simple Market are producers from 248 Mart, organisations from the cultural, creative and second-hand goods sectors. Visitors can have a field day browsing through a wide variety of organic farm produce, handicrafts and second-hand goods.
Close To: Xinyi District, Taipei 101
MRT: Taipei 101-World Trade Centre Metro Station
Open: Every Sunday: 1pm to 7pm; Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month: 1pm to 7pm
Address: 54 Songqin Street, Xinyi District／ Xinyi Assembly Hall
On the Green Line
Water Garden Organic Farmers' Market (Gongguan Metro Station）
Situated near National Taiwan University is Water Garden Organic Farmers' Market, which is home to about 20 stalls run by small-scale and independent farmers and producers. On sale are organic fruit and vegetables and hand-made agricultural products. At the heart of the market is a main stage that hosts seminars and workshops, in which visitors can interact with farmers. Besides shopping in the market, visitors can also unearth rare finds from the flea market nearby.
Close to: Gongguan Business District, flea market, National Taiwan University
MRT: Gongguan metro station (Exit 4)
Open: Every Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Address: 1, Siyuan Street, Zhongzheng District／Taipei Water Park
Footprints in the Field Farmers Market（Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Metro Station）
Footprints in the Field Farmers Market is Taiwan’s first farmer’s market that focuses on agricultural productivity while taking care of the animal's wellbeing at the same time. Products, which are made from eco-friendly processes, do not harm animals such as the Taiwan blue magpie and pheasant-tailed jacana. At this market, you can mingle and strike up conversations with farmers to find out more about their farming journeys and get a more in-depth understanding about the terroir of Taiwan.
Close to: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, National Taiwan Museum
MRT: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Metro Station (Exit 7)
When: Every Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Address: 1, Section 1, Nanchang Road, Zhongzheng District／National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Park
Bow To Land Market（Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Metro Station）
Visitors to Bow To Land Farmer’s Market will walk home with one of the park's key messages on how humans and nature can co-exist harmoniously. This market is supported by many foundations and independent farmers. Farmers are on hand to share their experiences on growing fruit and vegetables, eggs and sweet potato organically and encourage visitors to switch to these organic products. Every October, the organisers will organise a special series of forums and seminars to encourage people to adopt green practices and how a positive change to the environment can be brought about by a change in lifestyles.
Close to: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, National Taiwan Museum
MRT: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Metro Station (Exit 7)
Open: Every third Sunday of the month, 10am to 5pm
Address: 1, Section 1, Nanchang Road, Zhongzheng District／National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Park
On the Blue Line
248 Mart (Zhongxiao Dunhua Metro Station）
248 Mart is a well-known farmer’s market with many locations around Taipei but its most renowned location is at 248 Zhongxiao East Road (4th section). Started in 2008, the founders build this concept upon the ethos of pesticide-free produce that is environmentally-friendly and safe to eat. The market gathers producers that peddle grains, vegetable, fruit and agricultural products and organises many public dialogues. The second-most popular location of the 248 Mart is at Four Four South Village Simple Market.
Close to: Dunhua Business District, National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
MRT: Zhongxiao Dunhua Metro Station (Exit 3)
Open: Every Friday 2pm to 8pm; Every Saturday 10am to 5pm
Address: 248, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District
Taipei Hope Plaza Farmers Market (Shandao Temple Metro Station）
Come weekends, Taipei Hope Plaza Farmers Market has more than 100 farmers across Taiwan who showcase fresh and seasonal produce. The market takes on different themes every weekend and organises many hands-on activities that centre around it. Besides food stalls, the market also has a cooked food area where visitors can enjoy freshly-prepared food.
Close to: Taipei Artist Village, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Guanghua Digital Plaza
MRT: Shandao Temple Metro Station (Exit 1)
Open: Every Saturday, 10am to 7pm; Every Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Address: Linsen North Road and Beiping East Road, Zhongzheng District
This article was written by Lucy Chao and translated by Kenneth Goh. Click here to read the original story.
