Taiwan Village brings the spirit of Taiwan’s night markets to Spencer Street

Melbourne’s appetite for authentic Taiwanese flavours has grown again, with Taiwan Village opening a new restaurant on Spencer St in West Melbourne near Southern Cross Station.

The expansion brings the buzz of Taiwan’s famous night markets to the heart of the city, following the eatery’s humble beginnings as a 15-seat store on King St in 2023 and its move to Lygon St earlier this year.

Founder and head chef Jay Yi-Ming Huang, born in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan, has spent more than a decade honing his craft – blending the warmth of home-style cooking with the energy of Taiwan’s bustling food stalls.

“Night markets are the beating heart of Taiwanese culture,” Huang said. “They’re never just about food – they’re about people coming together. Every stall has its own story, often centred on perfecting one dish passed down through generations. Taiwan Village brings that same spirit of tradition and care under one roof.”

The new Spencer St venue champions Taiwanese staples such as bento boxes, rice bowls, classic soups, and noodle or hotpot-style soups, with highlights including braised pork rice, crispy fried chicken, oyster vermicelli, and unlimited Taiwanese iced tea.

Huang describes bento as “the perfect answer – rice, meat and vegetables in harmony,” a reflection of what he calls the “balance, comfort and community” at the core of Taiwanese cuisine.

“Balance lives in the flavours – sweet soy braised pork, salty fried chicken, the crunch of fresh vegetables – nothing overpowering, everything working in harmony,” he said. “Comfort comes from the patience of cooking, with hours of braising and overnight marinades.”

Huang pays attention to every detail, from the smoky bonito broth in the oyster vermicelli to the caramelised soy and sugar in the slow-cooked pork. Even the simplest side dishes are stir-fried in a traditional Chinese wok over fire, creating what he calls “that breath of heat you can taste.”

At its heart, Taiwan Village aims to nourish both homesick Taiwanese diners and curious locals discovering the cuisine for the first time. “I hope diners experience more than just flavours – almost like being hugged by it,” Huang said. “On every table, a pot of Taiwanese tea offers a pause and a sense of home.”

From its beginnings as a small King St takeaway to two thriving locations in Carlton and now West Melbourne, Taiwan Village continues to share the warmth and hospitality of Taiwanese dining with Melbourne.

Taiwan Village’s West Melbourne venue is located at 362 Spencer St. Its Carlton venue is located at 116 Lygon St.

taiwanvillage.au •