25 Sep Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Best Night Markets
Food is an integral part of Taiwanese culture and Taipei is inarguably one of the top street food cities in the world. This is evident through the staggering amount of night markets sprawled all throughout the city. The night markets are an integral part of the city’s night life, opening from late afternoon and continuing into the wee early hours of the morning.
There’s an endless array of food carts, stalls and small restaurants that sell a variety of foods. It’s a combination of many cultural influences, from native Taiwanese to Chinese to Japanese.
At these markets, you’ll not only find food but also shops and stalls that sell clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and trinkets. If you feel a bit full from trying all the amazing food, take a break and play a game or get your fortune told. Put simply, a trip to Taiwan would not be complete without visiting at least one of the best Taipei night markets in town.
In This Taipei Night Market Guide:
Why Visit The Night Markets?
Experience Taiwan Like A Local
By visiting a night market, you’ll be able to eat and experience what it’s like being a local as night markets are a huge part of local life in Taipei. It also gives you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about Taiwanese culture.
Endless Fun & Entertainment
Night market games are aplenty including dart throwing, fish catching, water & air pistols and much more. All your fairground favourites and claw machines can be found at and around almost every night market.
Cheap Shopping & Souvenirs
Taipei night markets are perfect for cheap shopping, whether that’s for souvenirs or buying gifts for yourself.
Satisfy Your Food Cravings
And the obvious reason, it’s full of Taiwanese street food! Perfect for all you food lovers out there and for those who like being a little risqué in trying foods that have bizarre smells, textures and tastes.
The Best Night Markets In Taipei To Visit
1. Shilin Night Market
Photo by: Max Oh
Shilin is the biggest and most famous amongst the many night markets in Taipei with over 500+ food vendors. The night market consists of two major parts: general merchandise and local cuisine. Although very touristy, it is a very good introduction for first timers who want to experience the best of a Taiwanese night market, with everything you need in one place. Be sure to also check out the basement area inside the actual market called ‘Shilin Nigh Market Food Court’, an underground food paradise.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Fri from 4pm till Midnight, Sat-Sun from 3pm to 1am
Must Try Foods:
- Taiwanese Sausages
- Pan Fried Buns
- XXL Large Fried Chicken
- Boba Milk Tea
2. Raohe Night Market
Photo by: Clement Souchet
The oldest of the city’s night markets, Raohe runs straight along a single street for 600m, making it very easy to navigate, with lines of stalls down both sides and another line down the middle, meaning you can walk along one side and then come back on the other without missing any particular treats. It’s the perfect size to explore with a good blend of different dishes to try.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Sun from 4pm till Midnight
Must Try Foods:
- Black Pepper Buns
- Grilled Squid
- Beef Noodle Soup
3. Linjiang (Tonghua) Night Market
Photo by: Lisanto 李奕良
Linjiang Night Market is one of the smallest top night markets, and also the only night market in downtown Taipei. Though relatively small, it’s a market that sells authentic and old-fashioned foods that’s popular amongst the locals. But with that being said, you’ll still see some strips of foreigners and tourists here as it is within walking distance from Taipei 101. This market extends 400m from Keelung Road to Anhe Road, much more condensed so you won’t get lost amongst the swarm of food stalls.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
- Liang Chi Lu Wei
- Lo Chi Hsiao Chao
- Tien Hsiang Stinky Tofu
- Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan
Mon-Thurs from 5pm till Midnight, Fri-Sat from 4pm till 3am, Sun from 4pm till Midnight
Must Try Foods:
- Stinky Tofu
- Taiwanese Desserts
4. Ningxia Night Market
Photo by: KXITH VISUALS
Ningxia Night Market is a small but crowded market with two rows of stalls tightly set up, running up Ningxia Road, so it’s best for you to come early as it can get packed pretty quickly. This place is mostly about food! You won’t find many general merchandise stores here. For some entertainment, you can find some games and balloon darts set up at the southern portion of the markets. Food is relatively cheap and affordable at Ningxia compared to other bigger, more popular markets around Taipei, which makes it a favourite for both locals and tourists.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Thurs from 5pm till Midnight, Fri-Sat from 4pm till 3am, Sun from 4pm till Midnight
Must Try Foods:
- Oyster Egg Omelettes
- Fried Taro Balls
- Taiwanese Mochi
5. Huaxi Street Night Market
Photo by: Yeh Che Wei
Most commonly known as Snake Alley located in Taipei’s old red-light district, offers very unique food choices, famous for Chinese herbal cuisine cooked with snake. Best for those who are looking to experience the nitty and gritty of Taipei City.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Sun from 4pm till Midnight
Must Try Foods:
- Steamed Buns With Pork Belly
- Pork Dumplings
- Oyster Omelet
6. Shida Night Market
Photo by: Jaycee Mariano
A little different from your typical food night market, Shida Night Markets is located in the trendy part of town, most famous for its fashion. Many of the stalls and boutiques along the side-streets of Shida Road are run by young entrepreneurs and designers selling their goods. This market is most recommended for shoppers.
Mon-Fri from 4pm till 11pm, Sat-Sun from 4pm till 12am
Must Try Foods:
- Steamed Pork Buns
- Pineapple Buns
- Tofu Pudding
7. Nanjichang Night Market
Photo by: Yosomono
Nanjichang Night Market is one of the best places in Taipei to try local Taiwanese food. The market is located in a historic downtown area and is known for its street food and busy atmosphere. There are hundreds of stalls to choose from, selling everything from traditional Taiwanese dishes to snacks and desserts. Some of the most popular items at the night market include stinky tofu, grilled chicken skewers, and Taiwan’s famous bubble tea.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Sun from 5pm till 12am
Must Try Foods:
- Stinky Tofu @ Stinky Tofu Boss
- XXL Fried Chicken
- Taiwanese Popiah/Burrito
8. Yanshan Night Market
Photo by: Andrew
Yanshan Night Market is more of a local night market and less touristy. It is located in the southern part of the city and is known for its wide variety of food options. Less so much of a ‘night market’ but more so a strip of delicious restaurants and good food. Perfect if you want to escape the crowds and experience it like a local.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Sun from 6pm till 12am
Must Try Foods:
- Dumplings
- Skewers
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
9. Gongguan Night Market
Photo by: Fred Hsu
Gongguan Night Market in Taipei is a food lover’s paradise. One of the most popular items at Gongguan is grilled squid. Other popular dishes include Taiwanese sausage, stinky tofu, and oyster omelette. The market is located near several universities, making it a popular destination for students looking for a cheap and tasty meal.
Worthy Michelin Recommended Stalls:
Mon-Sun from 3pm till 11:30pm
Must Try Foods:
- Brown Sugar Milk Tea
- Pork Blood Cake
- Scallion Pancake
What To Eat At Taipei Night Markets?
Want a checklist of iconic Taiwanese night market foods to try? Give these famous street foods a go, these foods can also be found at almost every single night market in Taipei.
Snacks:
- Pork belly bao
- Torched beef cubes
- Scallion pancakes
- Xiao long bao
- Stinky tofu
- Oyster omelet
- Taiwanese Sausage
- Small sausage in large sausage
- Taiwanese hamburger (Gua bao)
- Pork blood cake
- Grilled squid
- Fish balls
- Pan fried buns
Meals:
- Beef noodles
- Braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan)
- Oyster Vermicelli Noodles
Desserts:
- Taiwanese shaved ice (Bao bing)
- Peanut ice cream roll
- Fried sweet potato balls
- Taiwanese mochi
- Pineapple cake
- Candied skewered fruit
- Wheel cakes
- Deep fried milk
- Tofu pudding
Drinks:
- Brown sugar bubble tea
- Milk tea
- Aiyu jelly drink
- Fresh fruit juices
Taipei Night Market Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to bring anything to a Taipei night market?
- Cash – Taipei Night Markets are generally cash only, so make sure you bring enough cash for the night.
- Napkins & wet wipes – some foods can get pretty messy to eat and rarely do food vendors provide you with napkins so remember to bring your own.
- Small plastic bags – Trash cans aren’t always available at night markets so take one around with you so you don’t have to walk out too far to throw your rubbish away.
Is it safe to eat street food at Taipei night markets?
Taipei’s night markets are generally very clean and well-regulated, so the risk of getting sick from eating street food here is relatively low.
But there is always a risk when eating any kind of street food, but as long as you take basic precautions (such as only eating food that has been cooked in front of you, and avoiding food that looks or smells suspect), you should be fine.
Do you need to tip at the Taipei night markets?
Tipping in Taiwan is generally not expected at any restaurant so no you do not need to tip at the night markets, but is always welcome if you believe you’ve been provided good service.
Convinced that you need to visit a Taipei night market? Experiencing new foods and finding souvenirs is one thing, but soaking up the exciting and electrifying atmosphere that fills the air at these markets is one of the best experiences we’ve had in Taipei.
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