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The Temple Street Night Market is a brilliant example of Hong Kong’s bustling nightlife and how the city comes alive after sunset. Being newly renovated, this great Hong Kong attraction has become a must-see spot for visitors and residents alike! Read this article to find out what’s there to do and how to get the most out of it!
1 Temple Street Night Market Location and Opening Hours
The Temple Street Night Market‘s official opening hours are from 2 pm to 11 pm daily. However, I recommend you go visit it after sunset to get the full night-time experience. So, the best times to visit would be anywhere from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
2 Tips When Visiting the Temple Street Night Market
Bring Cash
Hong Kong is surprisingly not cashless yet especially when it comes to street side stalls and small vendors. You’d be safe bringing around $500 per person which should be enough for a good dinner and shopping.
Bargain for souvenirs!
If you’re buying at the street vendors, you should ensure never to take the first price they are offering. Unlike most regular shops in Hong Kong, the night market stalls are open to bargain. If the seller is not accepting, simply walk away. You’ll notice several vendors selling the same stuff throughout the market.
Remember, bargaining is only acceptable at the night market. It doesn’t apply to any other store or restaurant in Hong Kong.
Say “Mm Goi” (Thank You)
After you’re done interacting with the shopkeeper or waiter, simply say “mm goi” which is Cantonese for thank you.
Should I Tip in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a very exchange-based society. We do not have a tipping culture here. If a restaurant takes “tips” it will be in the form of a 10% service charge which gets distributed to the entire staff once a month.
So you really shouldn’t worry about having to leave tips! With that being said, you can leave your spare change on the table if you wish to.
3 Cool Things to Do at the Night Market
Eat Hong Kong Street Food
The first 100-meter entrance of Temple Street Night Market has many cool street food eateries that you should try. These can be found anywhere in Hong Kong and locals have them as a quick snack after work or school.
What’s awesome is that you get to try a bunch of local favourites all in one spot which was not possible before.
Eat at a Dai Pai Dong
The Temple Street night market is known for its iconic Dai Pai Dongs which translates to “big licence stall” in Cantonese. Dai Pai Dongs are a quintessential Hong Kong experience. They are these open-air food stalls that offer an eclectic mix of local delicacies and of course stir-fried seafood.
Pro tip: The Temple Spice Crabs restaurant gets incredibly busy at night due to its open dining atmosphere. As a result, food takes ages to be served and staff will rush you to quickly finish your meals and leave. If you don’t want to leave with a bad experience, I’d urge you to avoid eating here altogether.
Check out the Neon Signs
Buy Fun Souvenirs
Check out the wide variety of items available for sale.
Check out the Fortune Tellers
Going to fortune tellers is not for everyone but it is certainly an interesting and unique activity you can experience at the Temple Street Night Market! If you’re going to visit one, just remember not to spend too much. Before you sit down for your consultation ask how much the service costs.
Typically, locals pay anywhere from $100 to $500 Hong Kong dollars but I strongly advise you to not spend more than $150 to $200!
Tin Hau Temple
Dating back to the 18th century, the Tin Hau Temple carries a storied past. Constructed by early settlers, this temple is dedicated to the revered sea goddess Tin Hau.
Weathering the years, this sacred site has witnessed the evolution of the city, preserving a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance. Tin Hau Temple shows the connections of Hong Kong, its maritime heritage and centuries-old traditions.
4 Types of Street Food
There are so many street foods to choose from I just can’t list them all. So I’ve summarised a few here and added some more pictures. Feel free to comment if you come across anything special that I’ve missed!
| Food Item | Description | Origin/ Cuisine | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samosas, kathi rolls, and fried chicken | A mix of Indian and international street food | Indian, International | Spicy and flavorful samosas, crispy fried chicken |
| Turkish sand coffee | Rich and aromatic coffee prepared in hot sand | Turkish | Unique brewing method in hot sand |
| Panipuri | Hollow puris filled with spicy-tangy liquids | Indian | Interactive and bursting flavour experience |
| Marinated beef steak cubes | Tender beef cubes with flavorful marinade | International | Succulent and well-seasoned beef |
| Oysters | Cooked oysters served on the half-shell | Seafood | Ocean-fresh delicacy |
| Fried pork baos | Soft buns with savoury and crispy pork filling | Chinese | The perfect combination of textures |
| Sliders, skewers, baby octopus | Assorted bite-sized delights | International | Diverse flavours in small portions |
| Handmade candy | Artisanal sweets crafted before your eyes | Various | Customizable and visually appealing |
| Freshly squeezed juice | Variety of fruits juiced on the spot | International | Refreshing and natural |
| Curry fishballs | Fish balls in a flavorful curry sauce | Chinese | A popular and spicy street food |
| Fried pork intestines | Crispy and seasoned pork intestines | Chinese | Adventurous and unique taste |
| Mochi | Glutinous rice cakes with a sweet or savoury filling | Japanese | Soft and chewy, available in various flavours |
| Variety of sausages | Assorted sausages with different flavours | International | Satisfying and diverse meat options |
5 History of the Temple Street Night Market
Established in the 1920s, Temple Street Night Market in Hong Kong has had a rich history steeped in local culture. Initially, it was a simple bazaar for traders and merchants but eventually, it evolved into a bustling night market renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and cool neon lights.
Named after a Tin Hau temple on the street, it has survived decades and has witnessed Hong Kong’s transformation.
The Temple Street Night market came from humble beginnings but has expanded into an array of stalls selling everything from antiques to electronics to must-get souvenirs for tourists. Today, Temple Street Night Market stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s dynamic past and thriving present!
6 Temple Street Night Market vs Mong Kong Ladies Market
| Night Market | Temple Street Night Market (Jordan) | Ladies’ Market (Mong Kok) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Jordan, Hong Kong (Jordan MTR Exit A) | Mong Kok, Hong Kong (Mong Kok MTR Exit E2) |
| Specialization | Souvenirs Street food Trinkets Affordable Clothing Fortune Tellers Local performers | Souvenirs Fashion accessories Trendy food stalls and street food Electronics Stores |
| Atmosphere | Lively and vibrant, with a mix of cultural and historical elements. | Energetic and bustling, reflecting modern fashion trends. The hangout spot of Hong Kong’s youth. |
| Operating Hours | 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm | 12 noon – 11:30 pm |
| What to Buy | Offers a diverse range, including antiques, electronics, and local crafts | Emphasis on clothing, accessories, and trendy fashion items |
| Cultural Significance | Rich historical background, mirroring the city’s past and present | Reflects Hong Kong’s contemporary fashion culture |
| Nearby Landmarks | Tin Hau Temple | Dundas Street (Street Food) Sneakers Street Langham Place Shopping Mall Fa Yuen Street Sai Yeung Choi Street (Trendy shops) |
| Food | Dai Pai Dong (Local food with outdoor seating) Street food vendors. | Street food (Fishballs, bubble tea, etc) |
Check out this guide for more detailed info:
Mong Kok Ladies Market: 12 Must-See Items When Visiting
Explore the colourful and lively world of Mong Kok Ladies Market in Hong Kong. Discover shopping, culture, and more in this informative guide.
Read more7 Conclusion
Hong Kong is truly a city that never sleeps. If you visit Hong Kong, be sure to explore its nightlife by visiting its iconic night markets and shopping districts! One more thing to remember is that Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world. You can explore all these local spots without having to worry about being safe! You can also read more tips on visiting Hong Kong while you’re here!
8 FAQs
Are there vegetarian or vegan food options available at the night market?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan food options available at the Temple Street Night Market. Some stalls offer dishes like vegetable skewers, tofu-based snacks, and vegetarian noodles.
Are credit cards accepted at the stalls?
Most, if not all, stalls at the Temple Street Night Market prefer cash. It’s advisable to carry Hong Kong dollars for easier transactions.
What can I find at the Night Market?
Temple Street Night Market offers a diverse range of items, including street food, clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs. It’s known for its delicious local snacks and lively ambience.
