Exploring Taipei's Night Food Markets: A Culinary Wonderland
Taipeiâs night markets are a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and, above all, flavors. These bustling hubs come alive as the sun sets, offering an unparalleled experience where the rich tradition of Taiwanese street food meets the vibrant energy of the city. With countless night markets scattered across the capital, each offers its own unique charm and gastronomic delights. In this guide, weâll delve into some of the best night markets in Taipei, highlighting must-try dishes and insider tips for making the most of your nocturnal culinary adventures.
Shilin Night Market: Taipei's Largest and Most Iconic
If youâve heard of just one Taipei night market, itâs likely Shilin Night Market, the largest and arguably most famous. Situated near Jiantan MRT Station, this sprawling market is a food loverâs paradise. While itâs more touristy than other markets, Shilin is known for its diverse selection of Taiwanese street food staples. Some of the must-try items include the stinky tofu, deep-fried to golden perfection, and the oyster omelette, a savory pancake loaded with fresh oysters and a thick, sweet sauce.
For something more unusual, try "big sausage, small sausage" (ĺ¤§č ¸ĺ ĺ°č ¸), a glutinous rice sausage wrapped around a smaller pork sausage, or the Prince Cheese Potato, a deep-fried potato smothered in melted cheese. Beyond food, Shilin offers stalls selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, making it a popular spot for tourists to spend an entire evening browsing, eating, and shopping.
How to Get There: Shilin Night Market is located next to Jiantan MRT Station (Red Line). From Exit 1, itâs just a short walk across the street to the main entrance. The market is hard to miss, thanks to its brightly lit streets and the throngs of people heading in the same direction.
Local Tip: Shilin gets packed in the later hours, so try to arrive early to avoid the crowds, and bring tissuesâstalls rarely provide napkins.
Raohe Night Market: A Foodie's Dream
Raohe Street Night Market may be smaller than Shilin, but itâs a firm favorite among serious food lovers. This 600-meter stretch near Songshan MRT Station is packed with some of the most beloved street eats in Taipei. The market's iconic black pepper buns (čĄć¤é¤ ) are a crowd favorite, filled with spiced pork and green onions encased in a crispy, baked dough. Another dish you canât miss is the mochi stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, particularly from the famous Mochi Baby stall.
Raoheâs food scene is not just about local street food, either; it also features several Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls, recognized for their outstanding yet affordable dishes. A must-try is the Yu Pin Yuan glutinous rice dumplings served over shaved ice.
How to Get There: Raohe Night Market is located near Songshan MRT Station (Green Line). Simply take Exit 5, and youâll find the marketâs famous arched entrance just a minute away. The Songshan Railway Station is also nearby if you prefer traveling by train.
Local Tip: Raohe can get very crowded, especially on weekends, so consider visiting early in the evening or on a weekday if possible.
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Ningxia Night Market: A Local Favorite with Global Fame
Ningxia Night Market, located in the Datong District, is smaller and more food-focused compared to Shilin or Raohe, but its charm lies in the authenticity of its offerings. Featured on Anthony Bourdainâs No Reservations, this market is famous for classic Taiwanese snacks like oyster omelettes and deep-fried squid. One of the highlights is Liu Yu Ziâs deep-fried taro balls, filled with a unique mix of pork floss and salted egg yolk, which has garnered Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Another must-try at Ningxia is the peanut ice cream rollâa delicate dessert made by wrapping shaved peanut candy and ice cream in a thin crepe, with an optional sprinkle of coriander for an added twist.
How to Get There:Ningxia Night Market is easily accessible via the Shuanglian MRT Station (Red Line). Exit 1 will put you just a 5-minute walk away from the bustling market streets.
Local Tip: While Ningxia offers plenty of delicious food options, seating is scarce, so be prepared to eat on the go. And donât forget to bring wet wipes or tissuesâthings can get messy.
Tonghua Night Market: The Local Gem
Located near the iconic Taipei 101, Tonghua (also known as Linjiang) Night Market offers a more local, less touristy vibe. Here, youâll find a blend of traditional Taiwanese snacks like stinky tofu, oyster vermicelli, and chicken cutlets, alongside newer food trends. This market is also famous for its salty crispy chicken, which is deep-fried and served with a flavorful pepper seasoning.
Tonghua is a favorite hangout spot for Taipeiâs youth due to its proximity to universities, so expect a lively atmosphere. The market is also known for its affordable prices, especially compared to the more tourist-heavy Shilin.
How to Get There:Tonghua Night Market is located near Taipei 101 and Xinyi Anhe MRT Station (Red Line). From Exit 3, the market is just a 10-minute walk away.
Local Tip: This market doesnât close until midnight, so itâs perfect for a late-night food crawl after exploring the Taipei 101 area.
Nanjichang Night Market: Off the Beaten Path
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Nanjichang Night Market is a hidden gem. Known for its hyper-local vibe, this market attracts fewer tourists but serves some of the most authentic Taiwanese food in the city. Itâs home to several Michelin-recommended stalls, including Sung Ching Taiwanese Burrito, a unique wrap filled with bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and braised pork.
Nanjichangâs stinky tofu is a must-tryâespecially if youâre a fan of bold, pungent flavors. The tofu is served crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, often accompanied by sweet basil.
How to Get There:To reach Nanjichang Night Market, take the Green Line to Xiaonanmen MRT Station. From Exit 3, itâs a 10-minute walk to the heart of the market.
Local Tip: This market opens later in the evening (around 5 PM), so plan your visit accordingly. Itâs perfect for travelers who want to avoid the tourist crowds while enjoying world-class street food.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market: Seafood Heaven by the Sea
Keelung Miaokou Night Market, located just outside of Taipei in the harbor city of Keelung, is a seafood loverâs dream. The market is famous for its wide selection of fresh seafood, including grilled cuttlefish, crab soup, and fried eel. Suckling pig and glutinous rice dishes are also popular options here.
Though itâs a bit of a journey from central Taipei, Keelung Miaokou is worth the trip for its more relaxed atmosphere and unique coastal fare. The nearby Miaokou Temple adds a cultural touch, offering a glimpse into the local traditions that have shaped the market over the years.
How to Get There:Keelung Miaokou Night Market is about a 40-minute drive or train ride from Taipei Main Station. The market is a short walk from Keelung Train Station, making it an easy day trip.
Local Tip: Keelung Night Market is less crowded than its Taipei counterparts, making it an ideal option if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle while indulging in delicious seafood.
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Gongguan Night Market: A Student's Favorite
Located near National Taiwan University, Gongguan Night Market caters to the student crowd, offering affordable, delicious snacks that appeal to younger palates. From the famous Lan Jia Guabaoâoften referred to as the Taiwanese hamburger, made of braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and crushed peanuts in a fluffy steamed bunâto crispy scallion pancakes, Gongguan is known for its wide variety of cheap eats.
Sweet treats like Hoâs Sweet Potato Balls, light and crispy on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior, are a must-try at Gongguan.
How to Get There: Gongguan Night Market is conveniently located near Gongguan MRT Station (Green Line). Take Exit 1 and youâll find the market entrance just a couple of minutes away.
Local Tip: Because of its location, Gongguan Night Market is a great spot to visit if youâre looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of young, energetic locals.
8. Huaxi Street Night Market: For the Adventurous Eater
Huaxi Street Night Market, also known as "Snake Alley," is famous for its once-popular snake dishes and exotic offerings. Although youâll now find fewer snake vendors, this market still retains its adventurous spirit, with stalls serving herbal soups, eel, and other traditional Taiwanese dishes. Huaxi is a quieter market compared to the bustling Raohe and Shilin, making it ideal for those seeking a more laid-back experience. Located near the historic Longshan Temple, the marketâs atmosphere reflects a blend of culinary curiosity and cultural heritage.
How to Get There:Huaxi Street Night Market is conveniently located near Longshan Temple MRT Station (Blue Line). From Exit 1, itâs just a short walk to the market, making it easy to combine with a visit to the famous temple.
Local Tip: Try the herbal turtle soup or snake wine if youâre feeling adventurous. If you prefer more mainstream fare, Huaxi also offers many classic Taiwanese dishes like stinky tofu and pork blood cakeâ.
Taipeiâs night markets are a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and, above all, flavors. These bustling hubs come alive as the sun sets, offering an unparalleled experience where the rich tradition of Taiwanese street food meets the vibrant energy of the city. With countless night markets scattered across the capital, each offers its own unique charm and gastronomic delights. In this guide, weâll delve into some of the best night markets in Taipei, highlighting must-try dishes and insider tips for making the most of your nocturnal culinary adventures.
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