Addiction Aquatic Development: Taipei’s Answer to Tsukiji Fish Market
It’s rare to read a travel or food blog about Taipei that doesn’t include Addiction Aquatic Development, and there’s a good reason why: it’s a complete paradise for seafood lovers, offering a dizzying range of quality seafood at competitive prices. It’s a large complex that includes a live seafood market, a gourmet supermarket, and a variety of seafood restaurants. There’s nothing like it in Taipei, and we would argue that, for the price and overall experience, there’s nothing quite like it in Asia.
Addiction Aquatic Development is located near Songshan Airport, a little further away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Taipei. The first thing you will see as you enter is a wholesale seafood market, with all kinds of fish and shellfish swimming around in huge, temperature-controlled tanks. It’s fun to wander around and examine the contents, and staff will actually cook and prepare anything that catches your fancy so that you can take it home.
Our favourite part of Addiction Aquatic Development is also the most cost-effective. A large, upscale supermarket with all kinds of food dominates the space inside. The emphasis is on seafood — you’ll find all sorts of sashimi, sushi, and cooked seafood here — but you can also find drinks, fresh vegetables, salads, frozen and fresh meat, desserts, sauces, and other assorted foods. Whether you plan on picking up quality ingredients to take home and cook or freshly prepared and packaged food to devour on-site, this is the place to be.
The biggest selection of prepackaged food by far has to be sushi and sashimi. It’s definitely not the cheapest in town, but for the quality and freshness of each item, the price can’t be beaten. Sushi and sashimi tend to start at around $200 per pack but can vary depending on each item. Whatever your budget or preference is, there will be something for you here. The selection is huge, including many vegetarian options.
There are also plenty of hot foods that are freshly made every day, like BBQ meats, soups, and rice dishes. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous. Once you have selected your items, take them to the checkout, where you can only use cash to pay. Make sure to grab some soy sauce and wasabi on your way out. Once you’re done, try to find a seat at the standing picnic benches just outside. It can be a tight squeeze, and during peak hours you may end up waiting. It’s worth it.
For those of you who aren’t in the mood to battle over the picnic benches, there are several small restaurants both inside and outside, such as the Seafood Bar, Sushi Bar, Oyster Bar, Hotpot Restaurant, and Charcoal Grill. The first three are located in the same room as the supermarket. The hot pot restaurant is located upstairs, and is extremely popular with locals: reservations are a must. The Charcoal Grill is located outside — go past the checkout counters in the supermarket and turn left — and specializes in seafood cooked over charcoal. Just opposite is a small stand that offers a selection of beers, wines, sangria and ice cream. They’re not as cheap as the prepaid supermarket food, but they’re excellent value and are a great way to experience a slightly more upscale side of AAD. They only take cash.
The Seafood Bar is particularly pleasing to the eye, with various kinds of fresh seafood on display over crushed ice. Daily specials change, but most, in general, tend to be some kind of sashimi. You can also order wine, sake, and seafood over rice. To maximize space, it is standing only.
The Sushi Bar is another great choice and is wildly popular with locals and visitors alike. If you plan on eating here, we recommend heading straight to it and taking a number, as there is almost always a queue of people waiting for a table. The sushi and sashimi here are exquisite, and extremely well presented. It is also standing only.
Addiction Aquatic Development is an incredible place to be, and no visit to Taipei is complete without it. Everyone can find something to enjoy here: whether you’re sticking to a budget, with your family, or vegetarian, the selection is so huge that you are guaranteed to find something for you. Even the experience of wandering around the market and perusing the various restaurants is fun. It’s a must-do for anyone who comes through Taipei.
What’s the vibe?
A big complex that houses a live seafood market, an upscale supermarket, and restaurants galore. It can get busy during peak times, but there are lots of picnic tables outside for anyone buying prepackaged food, and plenty of restaurants to choose from if you’re not. Expect all kinds of people — tourists, families, couples, friends… This is a spot that appeals to everyone!
Worth it?
Definitely! Although you can get cheaper around town, the quality of seafood here is phenomenal, and if you choose to buy prepackaged food then you can easily keep your meal within your budget. The food at the restaurants is more expensive, but everything from the quality to the overall experience is superb, and for the price, incomparable. Trust us, you’ll rave about it afterward.
Would you go back?
We’ve been back multiple times already with lots of our friends and family. We love it, and so do they!
| Addiction Aquatic Development |
| Chinese Name: 上引水產 |
| Hours: 6am – 12am |
| Phone: 02 2508 1268 |
| English Address: No. 18, Lane 2, Lane 410, Minzu East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City |
| Chinese Address: 台北市中山區民族東路410巷2弄18號 |
