Discover the best night markets in Taipei


Taipei's night markets offer much more than shopping and food, they are cultural melting pots that offer a glimpse into the city's vibrant lifestyle. As you wander through the bustling streets, you'll be immersed in a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. Uncover hidden gems – smaller night markets offering a more intimate and authentic experience. If you’re seeking a truly unforgettable culinary adventure, we’ll highlight Michelin-recognised stalls in the various night markets serving award-winning street food. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Taipei's night markets are sure to leave a lasting impression.


Top 3 Taipei Night markets 

Experiencing Taipei's vibrant nightlife and local culture starts with visiting its renowned night markets. Famous for their lively and bustling atmosphere, these markets offer an array of delicious street food, trendy fashion, and unique souvenirs. Here are the three major night markets in Taipei you shouldn't miss:

 

SHILIN NIGHT MARKET

Located in Taipei, Taiwan, is one of the largest and most famous night markets in the country. Conveniently accessible via the Jiantan MRT Station, it is known for its lively atmosphere, offering a vibrant mix of street food, shopping, and entertainment. A unique aspect of Shilin Night Market is its underground food court, which sets it apart from many other night markets. This area, known as the Shilin Night Market Underground Bazaar, is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a spacious, organized setting for enjoying a wide variety of Taiwanese dishes and snacks.

Unlike the bustling, open-air streets above, the underground food court provides a slightly calmer and more structured environment, making it an ideal spot for families or visitors who prefer to sit down and enjoy their meals away from the crowd. It's a hidden gem for indulging in authentic Taiwanese flavors, including:

Iron-plate Teppanyaki: Watch chefs prepare sizzling dishes right in front of you.
Seafood Specialties: Fresh catches served grilled, steamed, or stir-fried.
Sweet Potato Fries with Plum Powder: A uniquely Taiwanese snack that’s both sweet and tangy.

🍽️ Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection: Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao

Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao

 

 



RAOHE NIGHT MARKET

Situated near Songshan station, a unique aspect of Raohe Night Market is its traditional and picturesque entrance, marked by the stunning Ciyou Temple at one end. This historic temple, dedicated to the goddess Mazu, serves as both a spiritual and cultural landmark. Its intricate architecture, vibrant decorations, and glowing lanterns create a charming and inviting atmosphere, setting the tone for the market's experience.

Raohe Night Market is definitely a haven for food lovers, offering a wide range of unique and delicious Taiwanese street food. Here are some standout options you should try:

 

Songshan Ciyou Temple


Pepper Pork Buns (Hújiāo Bǐng)The most famous snack at Raohe is the pepper pork bun. These buns are baked in a clay oven, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy filling of pork, spring onions, and black pepper. The long queue near the market entrance is a testament to their popularity.

🍽️ Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection: Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Cake

Pepper Pork Bun

Grilled Squid
Fresh, tender squid is grilled to perfection and often brushed with sweet and savory sauces. It’s a flavorful snack that's fun to eat on the go.

Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun
Similar to the pepper pork bun but with a spicier kick, this is another variation beloved by visitors.

Flaming Beef CubesSizzling beef cubes are seared with a blowtorch right in front of you, creating a tender, smoky, and umami-packed treat.

The market's compact, single-street layout makes it easy to explore, and its diverse offerings provide a taste of Taiwan’s rich food culture. Whether savoring snacks or admiring the temple's architecture, Raohe Night Market offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.

 

 

Fried Taro Balls




NINGXIA NIGHT MARKET

A unique aspect of Ningxia Night Market is its focus on traditional Taiwanese flavors and its reputation as a foodie's paradise. Unlike the larger, sprawling night markets like Shilin or Raohe, Ningxia has a more compact and intimate layout. This traditional and authentic night market experience reminiscent of Taipei’s street food culture in its earlier days. Despite its limited space, Ningxia Night Market efficiently packs in some of the best and most iconic heritage-focused Taiwanese dishes, making the experience well worth the slightly snug quarters. 

 

 

Brickfields

 


Signature dishes include:

  • Oyster Vermicelli: A hearty bowl of thin noodles with flavorful broth, fresh oysters, and tender pork intestines.
  • Pork Liver Soup: Known for its rich, comforting taste, it's a local favorite that showcases traditional cooking techniques.
  • Sweet Peanut Soup with Tangyuan: A dessert made with soft rice balls in a warm, sweet peanut soup, offering a nostalgic taste of Taiwanese cuisine.
  • Pan-fried Pork Dumplings: Crispy and juicy, these dumplings are prepared fresh and served hot.


 

This focus on high-quality, traditional fare has earned Ningxia Night Market a reputation as the “stomach of Taipei”, offering a deep dive into Taiwan's culinary roots in a cozy, welcoming environment.

🍽️ Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection: Yuan Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette 

 

Hidden Gems – Smaller Night Markets in Taipei

While the bustling Shilin and Raohe Night Markets often steal the spotlight, Taipei is also home to a collection of smaller, lesser-known night markets that provide a more intimate glimpse into local life. These hidden gems offer an authentic experience, where the charm lies in their simplicity, traditional flavours, and connection to the community. 

NANJICHANG NIGHT MARKET

Steeped in history, the market’s name, “Nanjichang,” reflects its origins as a former military airport during the Japanese era in Taipei’s Wanhua District, adding cultural depth to its charm. Known for its strong local atmosphere, the market draws primarily neighbourhood residents, making it a hidden gem for visitors seeking genuine Taiwanese culture. The intimate layout, featuring narrow alleys and low-rise buildings, enhances the cozy vibe, with many stalls offering seating areas for diners to enjoy their meals on-site. Though slightly off the beaten path, Nanjichang Night Market remains accessible via a short walk from Longshan Temple MRT Station, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to experience Taipei’s vibrant street food culture. 

Nanjichang-Night-Market

 

A few of the standout offerings include

Sesame Oil Chicken Soup: A comforting and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich broth infused with sesame oil and rice wine.

Tube-shaped Sticky Rice: A savoury delicacy made of glutinous rice packed with minced pork and mushrooms, then proceeded to be steamed to perfection.

🍽️ Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection: Unnamed Clay Oven Roll
Known for its flaky and delicious clay oven rolls, which are cooked to order on a round griddle. They come in a variety of flavors, including scallion, salty pork, red bean, and sugar.

 

Clay Oven Rolls

 

SHIDA NIGHT MARKET

Shida Night Market, located near National Taiwan Normal University (Shida University) in Taipei, has a rich history intertwined with the area’s academic and cultural growth. Established in the mid-20th century, the market initially catered to the needs of students and faculty, offering affordable meals, stationery, and everyday essentials. Over time, it evolved into a vibrant hub for food, fashion, and culture, reflecting the youthful energy of the surrounding university community. While smaller and less chaotic than other Taipei night markets, Shida offers a mix of stylish boutiques, affordable clothing shops, and quirky accessories, making it a hub for bargain hunters and fashion enthusiasts. 

Sausage on skewers

 

 

Braised Food




Although Shida Night Market does not feature any eateries holding the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand title, head down to one of the more popular stalls:

Deng Long Lu Wei 
Specializing in braised snacks, customers are allowed to select from an array of ingredients, which are then braised in a flavorful broth, offering a customizable dining experience.

 

Scoot to Bangkok