Hualien’s Dongdamen Night Market Retains Five-Star Status as Eastern Taiwan’s Top Destination

(中央社訊息服務20241203 11:12:59)

On November 25, 2024, the Ministry of Economic Affairs hosted the “2024 Excellent Markets and LOHAS Stalls Awards Ceremony” at Zhongxing New Village in Nantou. Representing County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei,

Joining him were key representatives from the four districts of Dongdamen Night Market: Tseng Huang Chia-Ming (Chair of Fu-Ding Night Market), Yang Chiu-Nung (Chair of Indigenous Street), Lu Pei-Chin (Chair of Ziqiang Night Market), and Shen Ying-Chi (Chair of Provincial Street), along with award-winning stall owners. Together, they celebrated Dongdamen Night Market’s achievements, securing both the five-star market title and 721 LOHAS stars, a testament to its excellence.

Last year, Dongdamen Night Market achieved five-star status and earned 517 LOHAS stars, elevating it to one of Taiwan’s premier markets. Despite facing challenges such as earthquakes and typhoons, the market maintained its high standards by improving facilities, offering comprehensive training, and introducing initiatives such as food safety education, fire safety and AED training, English conversation classes, and live-stream marketing techniques. Through public-private collaboration between the county government, management committees, and stall owners, Dongdamen has continued to advance, ensuring its resilience even during slower tourism periods.

This year, Dongdamen Night Market boasts 313 LOHAS-certified stalls, including five five-star stalls: Xiao Lai Good Tea, Yuanshan Dulun Bamboo Rice, Gua Bao with Magao Fried Noodles, Dong Mai Bureau, and Sweet One Bite Sugar Artistry. Additionally, eight stalls earned four stars, including French deep-fried sandwich, Tudo Bem Pastel, Yi-Da Snowflake Ice, Chipo Hotdog, Tall Knight Bar, Tiny Bar, Tiger Thai Milk Tea (Fu-Ding branch), and Fu-Ding’s Signature Lemonade. There were also 125 three-star stalls, 114 two-star stalls, and 61 one-star stalls.

Director-General Yu Ming-Hsun, who assumed his position in August, remarked on the rigorous evaluation process for LOHAS stalls, emphasizing the competitiveness of achieving high-star rankings. “It is a great honor to accept the Five-Star Market Award on behalf of Dongdamen Night Market from Director Su Wen-Ling of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Commerce. This achievement, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters, underscores the dedication of Hualien and Dongdamen Night Market. We are ready to welcome visitors anytime,” he stated. Yu also highlighted the NT$15 million grant secured from the Ministry’s Environmental Quality Improvement Program, which will focus on enhancing communal dining areas and overall service quality in the coming year.

Lu Pei-Chin, Chair of Ziqiang Night Market’s Management Committee, expressed pride in the increasing star count this year. She highlighted the recruitment of new, carefully selected stall owners who have brought fresh energy to the market. “Even first-time participants in the evaluation earned four-star recognition, demonstrating the exceptional quality of both our veteran and new vendors. Each stall is a testament to quality and care, and we warmly welcome everyone to visit us in Hualien,” Lu said.

Tseng Huang Chia-Ming, Chair of Fu-Ding Night Market’s Management Committee, credited the collective efforts of the county government, management committees, and vendors for Dongdamen’s consistent success. “This year, Dongdamen earned 721 stars across 313 stalls, further improving on last year’s results. As part of the Hualien team, we remain committed to continuous improvement, striving to provide exceptional service and attract even more visitors to Dongdamen Night Market and Hualien,” Tseng concluded.

Dongdamen Night Market’s achievements reaffirm its position as a cornerstone of Hualien’s tourism industry, showcasing the best of local culture, cuisine, and hospitality.