I’ve read quite a bit of mixed review’s of The Night Market, and having tried it recently myself, I understood why.  There are definitely a few hits and misses at this Taiwanese restaurant.

Beef Noodle Soup

The Taiwanese version of the beef noodle soup tends to be on the spicier side, and the one served at The Night Market doesn’t tone it down for HKer’s (like most places do).  I liked the chewy texture of the flat noodles, but hated the fact I was given pointy chopsticks to eat them with.  With my chopstick skills, it was nearly impossible for me to enjoy the noodles and keep my shirt clean.  The beef didn’t exactly melt in my mouth, but was full of flavor and I couldn’t stop sipping the soup.

Popcorn Chicken

My favorite dish of the evening was the popcorn chicken, and this dish is the reason why I’m writing this post.  Coated with a crispy exterior, and a juicy and tender interior, you dip these golden nuggets in a chili powder.  This is a MUST ORDER!

Taiwan Soup Dumplings

Each dumpling is plump with sweet and savory soup, but I wasn’t impressed when one of our dumplings arrived with a leak.  Overall, the wrapper was a bit chewy and the soup slightly too sweet.  I’ll suggest you pass on this one.

Beef with Taiwanese BBQ Sauce

This beef stir-fry with morning glory and a Taiwanese BBQ Sauce was decent, but there were no surprises here.

Slow Cooked Pork Sauce over Rice

This is my hubby’s favorite Taiwanese dish, and something we would eat again and again when we are in Taipei.  We both thought this savory classic had a good balance of pork fattiness, but overall was a bit too wet and lacked a bit of flavor.

Taiwanese Milk Bubble Tea

Every time I drink Taiwanese bubble tea I am filled with nostalgia for the days I hung out with my friend’s at bubble tea joints back in Toronto.  The Night Market’s bubble tea did take me back to those days with its subtle tea aroma’s and soft and chewy tapioca pearls.

 

So the final verdict on The Night Market?  A bit on the pricier side for Taiwanese street food (I suspect a lot of it goes to the rent at Elements), and I would argue the authenticity of the dishes.  But, I know for sure I will be going back for some more Popcorn Chicken and a comforting bowl of Beef Noodle Soup.  Oh, they are also MSG-free!

 

Dinner Total: $525 (2 persons)
Website:  http://www.thenightmarket.com.hk/
Address: Shop 1028A, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui / Tel: 2807 2292

The Bill
Beef w/ Taiwanese Sauce ….$103
Taiwanese Soup Dumplings ….$51
Popcorn Chicken ….$85
Beef Noodle Soup ….$99
Pork Sauce over Rice ….$53
Taiwanese Bubble Tea ….$43
Passion Fruit Green Tea ….$43