Watch the sun set over the Tamsui River from the Spanish Fort San Domingo then eat Tamsui iron eggs and fish cakes at the harbor night market.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Tamsui River, Fort San Domingo is a historic fortress originally built by the Spanish in the 17th century. Its red-brick walls and colonial architecture provide a stunning backdrop, especially as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with fiery hues. The fort complex includes the main fort and the former British Consulate residence, offering rich history alongside incredible panoramic views of the river mouth and Guanyin Mountain.

A-Po Tiedan is the most iconic and original purveyor of Tamsui's famous 'iron eggs.' These quail or chicken eggs are stewed repeatedly in a soy sauce-based marinade, resulting in a dark, chewy, and intensely flavorful snack. The texture is firm and elastic, and the taste is a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. This shop has been a staple of Tamsui Old Street for decades, a must-try for any visitor.

Another prominent player in the Tamsui iron egg scene, Ti Hu Da Shi offers a slightly different take on the chewy classic. While A-Po is the original, Ti Hu Da Shi has garnered its own loyal following for its rich, aromatic marinade and consistent texture. They often have sampling available, allowing you to compare and find your preferred iron egg style. Their packaging also makes for convenient gift-giving.

While Tamsui is famous for iron eggs, it's equally renowned for its fish crisps (yu su), and Xu Yi is the name synonymous with them. These light, airy, and incredibly crispy snacks are made from fish paste, fried until golden, and seasoned perfectly. They're addictive and come in various flavors, from original to spicy, making them an ideal souvenir or a delicious snack to munch on while exploring the market. They also often sell dried fish products.

A-Gei is a unique Tamsui dish consisting of fried tofu skin (fu pei) stuffed with glass noodles and sealed with fish paste, then simmered in a savory sauce. The 'Original Store' is a popular spot, serving this hearty and comforting dish in a no-frills setting. It’s a filling and distinctly Tamsui experience, often enjoyed with a bowl of fish ball soup or sour plum juice on the side.

Kekou Fish Ball is a renowned establishment specializing in Tamsui-style fish ball soup. Their fish balls are made from fresh local fish, resulting in a springy, tender texture and a naturally sweet flavor. Served in a clear, flavorful broth, often with a sprinkle of chopped scallions, it's a quintessential Tamsui comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cool evening or complementing other street snacks.

Sanhsiehcheng is a historic bakery in Tamsui, famous for its exquisite traditional Taiwanese pastries, especially their sun cakes (tai yang bing) and phoenix eye cakes (feng yan su). While not strictly a 'night market food,' it's a crucial part of the Tamsui culinary landscape and a popular stop for souvenirs. Their pastries are beautifully crafted, with delicate flaky crusts and flavorful fillings, representing Tamsui's rich cultural heritage.

No Taiwanese night market experience is complete without fried stinky tofu, and Tamsui Old Street has several popular stalls. Despite its pungent aroma, the taste is surprisingly delicious: crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, typically served with pickled cabbage and garlic chili sauce. It's an adventurous and rewarding dish for those willing to try a true local classic.

After indulging in savory snacks, a cup of traditional sour plum juice (suan mei tang) is the perfect palate cleanser. Numerous stalls along Tamsui Old Street offer this dark, sweet-and-sour, smoky beverage made from smoked plums, hawthorn berries, and other herbs. It's incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day or after rich foods, and is a staple of Taiwanese street markets.

These golden-brown, crispy fried shrimp rolls are a popular street food snack found throughout Tamsui Old Street. Made with a flavorful shrimp and pork filling, wrapped in a thin skin, and deep-fried to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch and savory taste. Served hot, often with a sweet chili sauce, they are an excellent portable treat to enjoy while strolling along the waterfront.

An iconic and playful sight on Tamsui Old Street, these towering soft-serve ice cream cones are a fun and inexpensive treat. Vendors skillfully swirl incredibly tall cones of ice cream, often reaching impressive heights. While the flavor is typically simple vanilla or taro, the sheer spectacle and novelty make it a must-try for many visitors, especially families or those looking for a quirky photo opportunity.

These soft, chewy Hakka-style mochi, often made from glutinous rice flour, are a delightful dessert or snack. Available at various stalls, they come in different flavors, sometimes filled with red bean or peanut paste, or simply dusted with crushed peanuts and sugar. The texture is incredibly satisfying, offering a subtle sweetness and a comforting chewiness that makes them a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth exploring the night market.