Taipei Street Food Adventure (2025): Night Markets, How to Visit & What to Eat

2025/09/24
Taipei Street Food Adventure (2025): Night Markets, How to Visit & What to Eat

No trip to Taipei is complete without diving headfirst into its electrifying night market culture. From sizzling skewers and stinky tofu to sweet potato balls and bubble tea, these bustling bazaars are where the city's soul truly comes alive. This updated 2025 guide introduces five of the best night markets in Taipei—each with its own flavors, energy, and must-try snacks. We'll share the stories behind the food, how it tastes, and how to visit with ease.

 

1. Shilin Night Market 士林夜市

Taipei's largest and most famous night market, Shilin, is ideal to put into your trip to the National Palace Museum, Yangming Mt. or Tansui. 

Must-Try Foods:

  • Hot Star Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排):
    This iconic stall serves oversized chicken cutlets that are deep-fried to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. Coated with a blend of five-spice powder, salt, and optional chili, it's a bold, flavorful snack that's become a symbol of Taiwan’s street food culture.

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  • Ahuei Vermicelli (廟口阿輝麵線):
    A beloved stall known for its rich, umami-packed oyster or pork intestine vermicelli. The thin noodles are simmered in a thick bonito-based broth and served with garlic paste, vinegar, and fresh cilantro. It's comforting, slightly tangy, and deeply savory—a true local favorite.

     

  • Prince Cheese Potato (王子起司馬鈴薯):
    A baked potato split open and loaded with butter, corn, bacon bits, and a generous helping of gooey cheese sauce. It's warm, creamy, salty, and indulgently satisfying—a favorite for cheese lovers.

     

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2. Raohe Night Market 饒河街夜市

Located near the historic Songshan Ciyou Temple(松山慈祐宮), Raohe is one of the oldest night markets in Taipei. Recommend for those who visit trade shows from Nangang Exhibition Center. 

Must-Try Foods:

  • Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Pork Bun (福州師祖胡椒餅):
    This legendary vendor is known for its clay oven-baked buns filled with marinated pork, scallions, and black pepper. The crust is crunchy and blistered, while the inside is piping hot and juicy with a peppery kick. It’s a must-have for spice lovers and a signature treat at Raohe. 

     

  • Barbecued King Oyster Mushrooms (欣哥碳烤):
    These thick, juicy mushroom skewers are grilled over charcoal and basted with a sweet-salty glaze. With each bite, you’ll taste rich umami and gentle smokiness wrapped in a meaty texture that even carnivores love. The cooking performance alone is part of the experience—watch as the owner enthusiastically roasts each skewer to perfection, accompanied by the soundtrack of Western classical oldies playing in the background. Pro tip: try them with lemon pepper seasoning to bring out their best. 

     

  • Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup (陳董藥膳排骨):
    Famous for its rich, herbal pork rib soup slow-cooked with Chinese medicinal ingredients like angelica root, goji berries, and star anise. The broth is aromatic and warming, with a slightly bitter depth balanced by the tenderness of the ribs. They also offer a highly sought-after herbal mutton soup, equally nourishing and deeply flavorful.  

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3. Ningxia Night Market 寧夏夜市

Loved by locals, Ningxia is compact and full of old-school Taiwanese flavors. Ideal to go after cruising Dadaocheng. 

Must-Try Foods:

  • Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette (圓環邊蚵仔煎):
    A legendary version of Taiwan’s iconic night market dish. This oyster omelette combines fresh oysters with a gooey potato starch batter and egg, then pan-fried to crisp the edges and topped with a signature sweet-savory sauce. The contrast between textures—crispy, chewy, and creamy—is what makes this a must-try.

     

  • Liu Yu Zi Fried Taro Ball (劉芋仔蛋黃芋餅):
    A golden, crispy taro ball stuffed with savory salted egg yolk and pork floss. The outer shell is crisp, the taro paste inside is smooth and subtly sweet, and the filling adds a rich umami kick. It’s a textural and flavorful bomb that perfectly captures the creativity of Taiwanese street snacks. 

     

  • Rong's Pork Liver (榮仔豬肝湯):
    A signature bowl of silky pork liver slices cooked to perfection in a rich, ginger-infused broth. Balanced with sesame oil and rice wine, it's aromatic, warm, and surprisingly light—beloved by locals for both its flavor and nostalgia.

Information:

  • Opening Hours: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM

  • How to Get There: MRT Orange Line to Zhongshan Station, 10-min walk

  • Nearby: Dadaocheng Wharf, Dihua Street

 

4. Nanjichang Night Market 南機場夜市

Tucked away in a quieter neighborhood, this market is a local gem with down-to-earth pricing and authentic eats. Here is not close to any MRT station, but Wanhua train station.

Must-Try Foods:

  • Unnamed Clay Oven Roll (無名炭烤燒餅):
    A flaky, charcoal-baked flatbread filled with your choice of egg, pork, or youtiao (fried dough). Smoky on the outside and savory within, it’s a hidden gem often missed by tourists but cherished by locals.

     

  • Wu Wang Tsai Chi (五王蔡記潤餅):
    This beloved stand specializes in traditional Taiwanese popiah (潤餅), or soft spring rolls. Packed with shredded vegetables, egg, pork, peanut powder, and sometimes noodles, all wrapped in a handmade crepe, each bite offers a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Light yet satisfying, it's a nostalgic snack with generations of loyal fans.

  • Shannei Chicken (山內雞肉):
    A popular stand serving tender, flavorful chicken prepared the Taiwanese way—either shredded over rice or paired with garlic sauce and cucumbers. The chicken is juicy and aromatic, with clean flavors that highlight the freshness of the meat. 

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5. Linjiang (Tonghua) Night Market 臨江夜市 / 通化夜市

Just a short walk from Taipei 101, this night market is where locals go for dinner after work. It’s smaller, but full of great bites.

Must-Try Foods:

  • Shanghai Fried Bun (上海生煎包):
    These juicy pork buns are pan-fried until the bottoms are crisp and golden, while the top remains soft and fluffy. Each bite releases a burst of savory broth, making it both crunchy and soupy—a street food classic with irresistible contrast.

     

  • Liang Chi Lu Wei (梁記滷味):
    A night market staple offering a build-your-own braised snack experience. Choose from tofu, duck wings, pig ears, seaweed, and more—all simmered in a master stock rich with soy sauce, star anise, and Chinese herbs. Savory, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this stall is a favorite among locals for late-night comfort.

  • Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan (御品元冰火湯圓):
    A dessert stall famous for its unique twist on tangyuan. These glutinous rice balls are served warm with molten sesame or peanut filling, paired with icy toppings like shaved ice or cold syrup. The contrast between hot and cold, chewy and gooey, makes for a truly delightful ending to your night market food tour.

    (photo credit: 御品元冰火湯圓)

 

Information:

  • Opening Hours: 5:30 PM–12:00 AM

  • How to Get There: MRT Red Line to Xinyi Anhe Station, Exit 3

  • Nearby: Taipei 101, Xinyi Anhe MRT bar Area

 

Final Tips for Your Night Market Adventure

  • Bring Cash: Most vendors don’t accept cards

  • Go Hungry: Eat small portions so you can try more

  • Use EasyCard: Convenient for MRT and YouBike rental

  • Look for Lines: Popular stalls often mean better flavor

  • Night Markets DO NOT OPEN All Night Long: Beat the crowd by arriving early, or soak in the atmosphere around 8 PM. Most of the stops end before 11PM.

Whether you're chasing new flavors or soaking in local life, Taipei's night markets promise an unforgettable taste of Taiwan. Let your appetite lead the way!

Want to explore more with the help of a local guide? Join the Ultimate Taipei Day Tour and get insider access to the city's best food, history, and hidden gems—all in one unforgettable day.

To book a tour, please email to service@mytaiwantour.com
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