Even if you’re a seasoned globetrotter, every adventure to the night markets in Taiwan can feel daunting. Still, there’s no reason why you should lose out on the fun! From incredible buys to exciting street performances, these night markets offer cultural experiences that transcend delicious food. Already feeling excited to explore? From popular tourist destinations to local gems, read on to uncover our recommendations on the best night markets in Taipei to satisfy your cravings!
1. Raohe Street Night Market
Once a bustling riverside commercial hub, revitalisation efforts have transformed the area into the popular nightlife destination that we know of today. By retaining its open-air format, it’s also one of the more authentic night markets in Taiwan. If you’re a first-time visitor to Taiwan’s night markets, you might have some safety concerns due to their proximity to the roadside. Fret not, as regulated traffic control hours are in place, so cars are banned from entering the area after 5pm.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Mochi Baby (NT50, ~SGD2.10): Michelin-approved mobile stall that specialises in fresh muah-chee. Slices of pillowy mochi come dusted with sugared peanut dust and make for an indulgent treat.
- Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns: Crisp outer shell with peppery pork and spring onion goodness inside. These buns are usually baked in traditional charcoal-fired ovens, which give them their smoky flavour. The queue can get long, but it does move fast, and I queued for less than five minutes.
- Taiwan sausage: Simple, and you can never go wrong with this street snack.
Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Nearest MRT Station: Songshan Station (Exit 5), 1 minute walk
Opening hours: 5pm – 12am
2. Ningxia Night Market
Nicknamed Taiwan’s Stomach, the Ningxia Night Market is home to more than 20 food stands that whip up some delicious food. Even from a distance, you’ll be able to hear the palpable and lively buzz of excitement from visitors eager to try the street food. As you walk towards the night market, don’t forget to snap a picture with the characteristic Qing-era arch that’s located at the eastern entrance.
Other than mouthwatering street food, there’s also plenty of game booths with prizes that are easy to win, such as plush toys. This makes Ningxia Night Market one of the best night markets in Taipei if you’re travelling with children.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Oyster Omelette from Yuan Huan Pien (NT85, ~SGD3.70): Michelin-approved restaurant that serves up hot and fluffy omelettes that are laden with briny Tainan oysters. The omelette also comes drizzled in homemade sweet and savoury sauce.
- Stinky tofu (NT60, ~SGD2.60): Fermented tofu that’s often deep-fried, creating a crispy exterior with a soft interior. It oftentimes also comes with a savoury drizzle and some vegetables as garnish. This dish is a must-try whenever you’re in Taiwan.
- Taro Egg Ball from Liu Yu Zi (NT25, ~SGD1.10): This stall is famous for its taro balls that are stuffed with pork floss and pickled duck egg yolk. The line was super long when I last visited, but you’ll be able to take a picture or two from the front as you watch them fry the balls fresh.
- Tong Nian Papaya Milk (NT80, ~SGD3.50): A cool refreshment for your walk down the street. It’s not too heavy, and it’s just the right amount of sweetness.
Address: Number 58, Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
Nearest MRT Station: Zhongshan Station (Exit 1), 10 minutes walk
Opening hours: 5pm – 12am
3. Shilin Night Market
This night market is one of the most iconic night bazaars that’s surely on every tourist’s mind when they’re thinking of the top things to do in Taiwan. Due to the food, shopping, and entertainment options located in this area, Shilin Night Market is also Taipei’s largest and most famous night market. The area is also forever bustling with visitors, both locals and tourists alike!
Unlike some of the other night markets, the historic Shilin Cixian temple is located right at the heart of this one. This makes it one of the best night markets in Taipei to visit after seeking some blessings from the deities. As the night market has various wings and sections, I recommend allocating a few hours to explore the area, as there’s a lot to do and see here.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Good Friend Cold Noodle (NT35, ~SGD1.55): Michelin-approved cold sesame sauce noodles, with a hint of lemon juice for a fresh and tangy twist. I’d suggest getting the miso egg soup to go alongside the noodles for a refreshing meal.
- Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao (NT16, ~SGD0.70): Another Michelin-recommended stall that offers crispy yet fluffy pan-fried buns with either Korean cabbage or pork filling.
- Hot Star XXL Fried Chicken (NT85, ~SGD3.70): The owners don’t lie when they claim that this chicken cutlet is XXL, because my friend and I couldn’t finish it even when we shared this indulgent snack.
Address: Number 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Nearest MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Exit 1), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours: 4pm – 12am
4. Linjiang Street Night Market
If you’re a first-time visitor to Taiwan, you’ll likely be stopping by Taipei 101 for some photos of the towering skyscraper. As you can’t possibly miss out on visiting the night markets while you’re in Taiwan, a stop by Tonghua Night Market is perfect if you’re looking for one that’s in the vicinity. That said, the market retains its neighbourhood charm and upholds reasonable prices. So, it’s a convenient yet attractive choice if you’re looking for the best night markets in Taipei that aren’t too far from the typical tourist attractions but still retain their authenticity.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Guabao from Shi Jia Bao Bao (NT50, ~SGD2.20): Taiwanese burgers with a generous slice of fatty pork belly, topped with pickled vegetables and peanut grounds.
- Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan (NT80, ~SGD3.50): Michelin-approved dessert with hot gooey tangyuan atop sweetened shaved ice. This looks delicious, but there was a snaking queue when I visited, and it was challenging to find a seat.
- Tien Hsiang Stinky Tofu: Another Michelin-rated stall that serves deep-fried cubes of stinky tofu with pickled cabbage.
- Xingfutang Boba Milk (NT55, ~SGD2.40): If you love this brand in Singapore like I do, you’ll love this brand even more in Taiwan’s night markets. The tapioca pearls are warm and complement the fresh milk well. I also love the decadent cream cap, and the torched brown sugar on top is the perfect touch to this drink.
Address: Linjiang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Nearest MRT Station: Xinyi Anhe Station (Exit 4), 15 minutes walk
Opening hours: 6pm – 12am
5. Nanjichang Night Market
Unlike other night markets in Taiwan that are simply named after the streets that they’re found on, this one owes its unique name to its geographical location as an old Japanese military airstrip. While it first started as a zone for vendors to provide the community with affordable food and necessities, its popularity skyrocketed thanks to the low prices and wide diversity of food options. Nanjichang Night Market is food-centric, so it’s one of the best night markets in Taipei if you’re not too interested in shopping or roadside games.
Must-try food and drinks:
- A Nan Sesame Oil Chicken (NT150, ~SGD6.50): A hearty sesame oil chicken dish that’s spotlighted by the Michelin Bib Gourmand – a distinction award which recognises restaurants that serve high-quality food at reasonable prices. The owner is involved in the cooking of every dish, and the soup is meticulously slow-cooked for a minimum of 12 hours every day.
- Unnamed Clay Oven Roll (NT45, ~SGD2): A no-frills push cart near the end of the street that’s famous for its sweet pastry and long shaobing. Elders without a sweet tooth will also like this as it’s very palatable.
- Roll Roll Village Tiramisu Cilantro Ice Cream Wraps (NT65, ~SGD2.85): Where other stalls have peanut ice cream wraps, this store offers a generous slab of Tiramisu that’s enveloped within the wrap. The combination is unique but delicious!
Address: Lane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Nearest MRT Station: Xiaonanmen Station (Exit 2), 15 minutes walk
Opening hours: 6pm – 12am
6. Huaxi Night Market
Huaxi Night Market was once a red-light district. While there has been a crackdown on unlawful activities in recent years, the area hasn’t been completely cleaned up. Here, you’ll also see some stores offering exotic options like snake and turtle meat. So, I’d say that this is one of the more interesting night markets in Taiwan if you truly want to get down on the ground and interact with locals.
Although it’s not the most family-friendly, this night market is still worth visiting if you don’t let its history cloud your judgment. With four interconnected markets – Guangzhou Street Night Market, Wuzhou Street Night Market, Huaxi Night Market and Xichang Street Night Market – the area offers an extensive variety of street food and (legal) activities like fortune telling or tea sampling at the teahouse located right below the temple.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Wang’s Broth (NT65, SGD2.85): Michelin-recognised store that’s famous for its steamed minced pork with pickles in a savoury broth, and the steamed rice with “black gold” pork sauce. The owner does everything by hand, so you’re guaranteed a meal that’s made with love.
- Yuan Fang Gua Bao (NT50, ~SGD2.20): Two-time holder of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, so you know the food is good.
7. Shida Night Market
This night market is near the second-largest university in Taipei – the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). On my last visit, my friend and I even got mistaken for local students, so you can tell that it’s a hotspot for many university students to find affordable street food and fashionable clothing.
The streets here are significantly less crowded than those of the more popular Raohe and Shilin night markets in Taiwan. So, it’s a great place to be if you want to experience Taiwan’s unique nightlife without jostling against others. Along Shida Road, you’ll also find many pastry and dessert shops. These make for great gifts if you’re thinking about getting some souvenirs from Taiwan for your family and friends back home!
Must-try food and drinks:
- Shi Yun Fried Chicken (NT70, ~SGD3.05): Succulent and tender chicken that’s fried to a crisp, golden brown. The chicken is then dusted with seasoning powder that’s both umami and spicy, making it unexpectedly addictive. The store also offers other food options that can be deep-fried if you’re not a fan of fried chicken.
- Lantern Braised Food Flagship Store (NT80, ~SGD3.50): Pick your favourite ingredients from the wide selection, and the workers will help to cook them in a fragrant broth. The food is relatively affordable and consistently draws a large crowd. The storefront is also adorned with red lanterns and a giant yellow signboard, so it’ll be easy to spot from afar.
- Ho Ho Mei Pineapple Buns (NT40, ~SGD1.75): If you’re in the area, you have to get your hands on one of these Hong Kong-style pineapple buns. These bo lo baos are warm when you get them, and the top is caramelised to a crisp.
Address: Lane 39, Shida Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Nearest MRT Station: Taipower Building Station (Exit 3), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 4pm – 11pm
Sat – Sun: 4pm – 12am
8. Shuangcheng Street Night Market
Shuangcheng Street Night Market is one of the best night markets in Taipei if you’re looking for street food that has the heart of the locals. Most of the stalls here serve hearty fare, having been in the business for years. While the area isn’t as large as some of the others, it’s still well organised and easy to navigate for tourists. It’s also the first night market in Taipei to hold the title of Regional Demonstration Night Market, so this one sets the benchmark high when it comes to upholding hygiene standards and providing authentic Taiwanese delicacies. If you feel like doing some shopping, Qingguang Market is located right behind.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Scallion pancake (NT30, ~SGD1.30): A must-try whenever you’re in Taiwan. These pancakes are fried from a plentiful batter filled with eggs and scallions. I’d recommend opting for additional toppings such as bacon or pork floss for an even heartier meal.
- Squid soup (NT70, ~SGD3.05): An interesting option that you don’t see every day.
Address: Shuangcheng Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Nearest MRT Station: Zhongshan Elementary School Station (Exit 1), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 12am
9. Gongguan Night Market
The Gongguan Night Market, like the Shida Night Market, is popular among students because of its proximity to several universities. It’s also visited by many expats and foreigners due to the variety of cuisines that it offers. Lane 108 has a relatively large variety of vegetarian-friendly options, whereas Lane 78 is where you’ll find the meat dishes. Hence, Gongguan Night Market is undoubtedly one of the best night markets in Taipei if you’re visiting with a large group, as there’s something for everyone to feast on.
Must-eat food and drinks:
- Liu Ji’s Classic Green Onion Pancakes and Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes (NT35, ~SGD1.55): This store has a long name, but it’s not nearly as long as its queues. As the only Michelin-approved store in this night market, the fried pancake is crispy and delicious. For a twist, top it off with some mustard drizzle for a flavourful combination of sweet and savoury flavours.
- Vegan Sweet Potato Balls (NT35, ~SGD1.55): This option is perfect for our vegetarian friends. The potato balls are carefully fried to create this beloved airy snack that’s both crispy and chewy. The queue moves fast, so prepare your payment in advance to avoid holding up the line.
- Hong Ji Purple Rice Milk (NT50, ~SGD2.20) If you like smoothies like I do, you’ll (probably) enjoy this drink. The purple rice is freshly boiled, so you know you’re getting all that good stuff like antioxidants and protein. I’d recommend sharing this with a friend, as it can get filling very quickly.
Address: Lane 90, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Nearest MRT Station: Gongguan Station (Exit 1/4), No additional walking time
Opening hours: Daily, 3pm – 11.45pm
10. Yansan Night Market
If you’ve been looking for a night market in Taiwan that serves up some reliable street food, this is it! Here, you’ll see many more locals than tourists. After all, this nostalgic night market was set up as an easy way for blue-collar workers to purchase quick and affordable meals during their commute to and from the districts of Dadaocheng and Dalongdong. So, the spread here includes popular local delights such as gua bao and mochi. Many of the stalls have also been here for more than 30 years, so the food here is as authentic as it gets. That said, there are no elaborate decorations like those of popular night markets, so I’d suggest lowering your expectations to avoid disappointment.
Must-eat food and drinks:
- Goose Soup (NT40, ~SGD1.75): An interesting option that many visitors rave about. While it’s not my cup of tea, many claim that the goose tastes like a rich and fattier version of duck or beef. The essence of the goose is infused in the soup, creating a masterful blend of various flavours.
- Shi Jia Meat Soup Dumpling: If you’re a fan of typical soup dumplings, this one has more of an interesting mouthfeel. The outermost skin is mochi-like and chewy, with a generous amount of savoury meat filling that’s stuffed inside. This store was also awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand a few years back.
- Cabbage Rice and Pork Rib Soup: A Michelin-recommended meal that’s comforting and light on the stomach. Paired with rice that’s cooked with cabbage, the soup is sweet, and the meat falls straight off the bone. It also goes well with dark soy sauce as a dip. Go early if you’re keen to try, as they tend to sell out early.
Address: Section 3, Yanping North Road, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
Nearest MRT Station: Daqiaotou Station (Exit 1), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours: Daily, 6pm – 12am
11. Jingmei Night Market
This night market in Taiwan is home to more than a hundred vendors, and is perpetually teeming with visitors! In the morning, it serves as Jingmei Public Market and provides delicious food and groceries at an affordable price. Upon sunset, it transforms into a night market that’s bustling with excitement and packed with crowds. Other than the food, pay a visit to the various clothing stalls to get a taste of local clothing styles. Tired of walking around? Head to one of the many massage parlours to experience the unique knife massage or a relaxing facial. You’re bound to enjoy it!
Must-try food and drinks:
- Jingmei Tofu Pudding (NT45, ~SGD1.95): This dessert store is best known for its sweet and silky traditional beancurd, though it also sells other popular icy treats that come with an assortment of toppings.
- Gao Jia Four Spirits Soup: This stall is a longtime vendor that sells herbal soups. The nourishing concoctions come with a generous amount of innards, so you’ll enjoy this dish if you fancy entrails.
Address: Jingmei Street, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Nearest MRT Station: Jingmei Station (Exit 2/3), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm – 12am
12. Dalong Night Market
As one of the smaller night markets in Taiwan, Dalong Night Market often flies under the radar of many tourists. The food here is cheap and delicious, and you won’t have to wait long before finding a seat. Thanks to its convenient location, it’s a great place to stop by if you’re visiting the Taipei Confucius Temple or the Bao’an Temple, both of which are located nearby. That said, the items being sold here are catered towards locals, so you can expect to see multiple stalls selling things like fresh fruits and dried nuts.
Must-try food and drinks:
- Lao Dian Mi Fen Tang: This stall isn’t one of the roadside booths. Instead, it’s located in one of the small alleyways along the street of the night market. If you’re craving something comforting, their thick and chewy rice noodle soup is sure to hit the spot.
- Dalong Fried Egg Pancake: This stall has been around for over 40 years, and it’s loved by many locals who grew up in the area. Outside is a shell that’s fried to a crisp golden brown, and inside is a medley of fresh vegetables. If you like strong flavours like I do, the sweet and spicy chilli sauce will be to your liking!
- Taiwanese tempura (NT30, ~SGD1.30): This fragrant snack is made of fish paste that’s delicately shaped into various forms and deep-fried. To complement the fish, don’t forget to ask for the red sweet sauce that store owners also offer.
Address: 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Dalong Street, 296-298
Nearest MRT Station: Yuanshan Station (Exit 2), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 4pm – 11.20pm
Sat – Sun: 4pm – 12am
13. Xichang Street Tourist Night Market
Looks familiar? This night market in Taiwan is worth a visit alone if you’re a staunch fan of the movie Monga, which was launched back in the day. Here, you’ll see many vendors lay out mats to sell their antique wares. If you’re up for a challenge, go ahead and sieve through the pile. Who knows, you might just find some vintage treasures! This night market is also primarily visited by locals, so keep your expectations low to avoid being disappointed if you’re expecting a spread like that of Shilin or Ningxia Night Markets.
Must-eat food and drinks:
- Beancurd pudding: A sweet treat to refuel after a long day of exploring Taipei.
- Taiwanese Mochi (NT45, ~SGD1.95): Soft mochi that’s dusted with peanut grounds and sugar.
Address: Xichang Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Station: Longshan Temple Station (Exit 3), 5 minutes walk
Opening hours: Daily, 3pm – 9pm
What are some tips for visiting night markets in Taiwan?
To ensure that your trip goes without a hitch, here are some tips for a seamless and pleasant experience:
- Prepare ample cash: Cash is king in Taiwan’s night markets. Make sure to prepare lots of spare change (NT100 or NT500 notes) as stall owners dislike large bills.
- Dress light for comfort and bring a portable fan, as it can get stuffy
- Ensure that your bags stay in your line of sight at all times: While Taiwan is generally safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution to prevent your items from getting stolen.
- Prepare a language translation app in advance: If you aren’t fluent in Mandarin, download a translation app in advance. Apps like Google Translate even have image recognition abilities, which can help translate signboards and menus.
- Abide by the flow of traffic and walk on the right side of the road.
- Arrive slightly after the night market opens to avoid large crowds.
- Visit the washroom beforehand, as not every night market has toilets that are readily available. Most metro stations have toilets and water coolers that are readily available.
Feast on at the best night markets in Taipei!
With knowledge of all the best spots to chow down at the best night markets in Taipei, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. In between night market runs, check out our guide on other fun things to do in Taiwan on your next adventure there. Can’t wait for your trip and need some local activities to keep you entertained till then? We’ve got your back with some exciting things to do in Singapore this weekend! If you’re saving up diligently for the trip, here are some free things to do in Singapore that’ll surprise you with how fun they are!
