As we take baby steps toward more Seattle street food, how about a Taiwanese night market, at least for one night? This annual event at the University of Washington’s Red Square has been growing each year. This year, to mark the 100th year of Republic of China (aka Taiwan) independence, the night market is holding a centennial celebration, with the theme “100 Bites of Taiwan.”
TOSA (Taiwanese Overseas Student Association) is sponsoring the night market, with the event website and Facebook page listing the following food providers:
- 101 Yess
- Fa Gu Shan
- Mee Sum Pastry
- Oasis Tea Zone
- Rocking Wok
- Seattle Taiwan Center
- Tapioca Express
- TOSA
- UW Cuisine Club
- UW Tzu Ching
Look for noodles, buns, and bubble tea. I’d especially like to try the Taiwanese hamburger, braised shredded tripe, squid balls, and grass jelly drink.
And in breaking news, Din Tai Fung will also be participating in the night market. Word is that they’re bringing their renown xiao long bao, the soup dumplings under high demand but getting only mixed reviews. (Here is my review, and reliable sources say the situation hasn’t changed dramatically.) This would be a fun opportunity to ask the Taiwanese students to compare the quality to what they get back in Taipei.
Speaking of fun, there will be plenty of games (though I’m not sure what “extreme flour ping pong” is), as well as entertainment by Malaysian singer Z-Chen and Taiwanese-American singer Jason Chen. Admission to the night market is free, though you’ll need vouchers (best to pre-buy) for food. The event kicks off at 6 p.m., and goes until 10 p.m.
EVENT OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOVE food & music & TOSA!!!