If you’ve read around this website, you’ll know that I like to visit a lot of markets, and seafood markets, whether wholesale or retail, or something in between. So while completing a bit of research for my short trip to Taiwan, I was searching for the location of the Taipei Fish Market, and another name kept popping up. It was Addiction Aquatic Development.

Initially, I was a bit confused until I realised that they were, essentially, the same thing. The story goes that the authorities wanted to increase interest in the Taipei Fish Market, so they commissioned the building of a complex within the market that is akin to a seafood paradise.

It sounded a little bit too good to be true, but since a visit to a seafood market under any circumstances is a good thing, we took off to visit this seafood promised land.

And I’m so glad we did!

What we found was a complex that satisfies all seafood requirements, selling live, raw, and processed seafood to both wholesale and retail clients, having a fully stocked, and heavily seafood focused supermarket and deli, stand up sushi bars and seafood counters where you could enjoy the fruits of the sea with a glass of champagne, through to themed restaurants serving amazing seafood.

It had it all. Under one roof. Does it sound like we were impressed?

Read on to see why.

 

Taipei Fish Market (Addiction Aquatic Development)

 

Addiction Aquatic Development (ADD) is roughly divided into 10 areas. I say roughly, because they meld into one another, but they are technically all independent operations, and therefore described as such.

The layout reminded me a little of a seafood Ikea, where there is an entrance, a direction to follow, and and exit. But unlike Ikea, I wasn’t in a hurry to get to the checkout, and I didn’t buy a bookshelf.

 

Live Aquarium

This is the first section everybody walks through when entering ADD. There is little to give away what is to come as you approach the entrance.

The warehouse space has tank after tank of live seafood from around the region, and some from further afield.

The variety of crabs include king crabs and the expensive Chinese mitten crabs (hairy crabs), and there is live abalone, scallops, prawns, and oysters, as well as a large range of fresh fish on ice, just to name a few.

And it was a great sight to see the king crabs trying to climb out of the tanks, with a staff member always on hand at the right moment to foil the escape attempt.

Opening hours 6.00am to Midnight

 

Sushi Bar

The sushi bar was the busiest area of the development, with a constant stream of customers ordering the freshest of sushi and sashimi dishes.

A Japanese chef oversees the 12 foot-long standing sushi bar that is a walk up area operating on a first-come-first-served basis.

The prices are very reasonable.

Opening hours 9.30am to Midnight

 

Seafood bar

One of the great little joys of life, to me anyway, is a seafood bar selling a large variety of raw and cooked seafood, alongside champagne or a glass of wine.

This area is a great way to indulge in a little taste of the sea before heading back to the serious job of shopping.

Opening hours 10.00am to Midnight

Hot Pot restaurant

If we hadn’t planned to have our lunch at the seafood grill, we would have visited the hot pot restaurant, as the thought of cooking fresh seafood in a broth flavoured with seaweed sounds delicious.

Opening hours 11.00am to Midnight (bookings on Tel: +886 2 2508 1268)

 

Grilled Seafood BBQ

The grilled seafood area is located in a relaxing outdoor area, but still within the complex. The aroma of seafood being cooked over charcoal made for an irresistible draw, and I could have stayed there all afternoon.

We were able to try a number of dishes including king crab, scallops, and calamari.

I probably don’t need to explain how much we enjoyed our seafood lunch at Taipei Fish Market. I’m sure being surrounded by the sights and sounds of fresh seafood, the aroma of dishes being prepared over charcoal, and the comfortable dining space, all added to the delectable taste of our meal.

Opening hours 11.00am to Midnight

 

Supermarket

Now this is my type of supermarket. Similar to upmarket food halls such as the Japanese depachika, there is a range of high-end produce including meats, fruits, vegetables, and wine. But the difference, as you’d expect, is the seafood.

There are sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes, as well as all the other seafood like crab, prawns, oysters, and even abalone packaged and ready to be popped into the shopping basket. Sheer seafood bliss.

Opening hours 6.00am to Midnight

 

Deli – cooked dishes

And dominating the aromas of the interior area of ADD is the cooked food area. And although you can purchase cooked seafood, there are meats, vegetables, even roasts available for eating at one of the benches, or to taking away.

Opening hours 6.00am to Midnight

 

Elegant Lifestyle and flowers

This small area is filled with beautiful plates, bowls, and other kitchenware, including utensils, as well as cooking books. Fresh flowers can be bought as well.

Opening hours 6.00am to Midnight

 

Tips for visiting the Taipei Fish Market (Addiction Aquatic Development)

• If you want to eat at the Taipei Fish Market, plan your arrival time around the opening of the restaurants, depending on what you want to eat.
• Weekends are particularly busy at the Taipei Fish Market so plan to come during the week if you can.
• This facility is cash only. I don’t remember whether there are ATM facilities close by so bring enough cash with you.
• Reservations can be made for the hot pot area by calling 02 2508 1268. Or you can fax (if you have one) on 02 2508 0268.
• Other than for hot pot dining, all areas are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Each of the food areas are independently operated so bringing food from another area or from outside is not allowed.
• No pets are allowed

Getting to the Taipei Fish Market

Addiction Aquatic Development is located at:

No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2508 1268
Fax: +886 2 2508 0268
Website: addiction.com.tw
Hours of Operation: 6am to12 midnight, daily (note individual sections for particular opening times)

The market is within walking distance from the XingTian Temple MRT Station.

Should I visit this Taipei Market?

If you are a seafood lover, and are looking for a “full-on” aquatic experience, then Addiction Aquatic Development is certainly for you. It is a great place to browse, enjoy seafood at various bars and restaurants, and buy some seafood to takeaway to enjoy later.

You will not be disappointed.