The Miaokou Night Market fans out from the gates of Dianji Temple in the heart of the old city, and it is one of the most satisfying night markets in Taiwan. Unlike the Taipei markets that have become international tourist circuits, Miaokou still operates primarily for locals. Vendors have held the same stalls for generations. The food reflects the sea: crab congee, oyster vermicelli, grilled squid, braised fish head. Alongside that you will find herbal duck soup, pork rice with pickled vegetables, and thick sweet taro balls.
The market runs every evening from around five o'clock, though the real action starts after dark when the neon signs fire up and the pavement fills. Rain is common in Keelung and does not thin the crowds — vendors have awnings and locals have umbrellas. Arrive hungry and plan to graze across half a dozen stalls rather than committing to one spot. The two numbered stalls flanking the temple gate (No. 1 and No. 2) are famous enough to have queues; the smaller lanes leading off the main drag often have better food with no wait.