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Visiting the night markets in Taipei will be one of the most important, unique and culinary-rich experiences you’ll have. Not only because they are such a strong part of the Taiwanese culture but also because there are so many different foods to try, it will be really hard to skip them.
They are the best way to grab a quick and affordable dinner while exploring a different corner of Taipei as there are numerous markets across the city. During our 5 weeks in Taipei we managed to visit a few of them and some were even suggested to us by our Taiwanese friends.
👉 If you prefer to explore the food markets in Taipei with a local guide or with a group, check out the Taipei food tours on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Food Markets in Taipei – What to Expect
Before I get to the list of the best night markets in Taipei, I want to share the following important tips:
- Many menus are laminated or just plain paper and you need to circle the menu items you want to order and the quantity so most times you don’t even have to talk to the waiter.
- Have a translator app on your phone as in some cases you’ll need it to translate the menu. Certain food stalls that offer easy and quick snacks are easier to navigate but other places might offer noodle soups or other quick meals and might have a longer menu to choose from.
- All night market food stalls accept only cash, so make sure you carry enough. We use the free ATM Fee Saver app (Apple / Google Play) to find ATMs that charge the lowest (or in some countries zero) withdrawal fees. In Taiwan specifically, we withdrew most of our money from Chang Hwa Bank.
The 6 Best Night Markets in Taipei & Street Food Districts
1. Ningxia Night Market (my favourite)
Nearest MRT: Shuanglian Station or Zhongshan Station
Hours: Approx. 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Nearby: Dihua Street & Dadaocheng Historic District
This was the closest night market to our Airbnb and the first one we visited after we checked in so it has a special place in our hearts. It is packed in a single pedestrian-only stretch in the Datong district, it is quite large and very close to other food markets, districts and the Tamsui river if you fancy a walk after eating.
We loved this place because it is purely focused on food, and it gives an authentic, local atmosphere while still being close to touristy areas and locations.
Things to try there:
- Yuan Huan Pien: To try the popular and unique oyster omelette made of fresh plump oysters (sourced from Tainan), eggs, starch, and greens. Be prepared, it will be quite gooey.
- 方家雞肉飯: For a comforting bowl of shredded chicken rice if you’re feeling like eating simple that day
- Liu Yu Zi (Taro balls): For the deep-fried taro balls stuffed with salted egg yolk and pork floss that completely live up to the hype
- Master An’s Ice Fire Pineapple Bun: To finish off with something sweet and savory, head to this place to try the delicious pineapple bun (it only has the look of pineapple, it doesn’t contain pineapple) with ice cream inside. We want back there 2-3 times because it was really good.
- 雅米花生捲冰淇淋: The peanut ice cream roll was by far my favourite dessert in Taiwan. It’s basically a thin spring roll wrap with flaky chunks of peanut shaved from a huge block of peanut candy, loaded with scoops of ice cream and tightly rolled like a burrito. Yummy!
2. Raohe Street Night Market (my second favourite)
Nearest MRT: Songshan Station
Hours: Approx. 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Nearby: Songshan Ciyou Temple
One of the oldest night markets in Taipei, Raohe, sits next to the beautiful Songshan Ciyou Temple. It is located at a straight pedestrian stretch, making it super easy to walk down one side and back up the other without bumping into people.
But despite all this, we felt it still retains an authentic atmosphere since it hosts loads of food stalls that have been operating for decades. The second you arrive in the market you’ll notice the red lanterns, and charcoal smoke coming out of most food stalls. Come hungry!
Things to try there:
- Fuzhou Pepper Buns: You can’t miss it because it is right at the main entrance near the temple. Don’t let the massive queue scare you though. It moves fast because they only sell one thing: crispy clay-oven baked buns packed with juicy minced pork and heavy black pepper.
- 台北炸蛋蔥油餅（Taipei Bomb Scallion Pancake): For a crispy, deep-fried scallion pancake topped with a soft-cooked egg that bursts with flavor on your first bite.
- 蔥海手工蔥油餅: Another popular scallion pancake place. Easily spotted by its massive prep table covered in a “carpet” of fresh green onions. Unlike many stalls, there is actual indoor seating here if you want to escape the crowded lane for a minute.
- Strawberry Daifuku: Sold by mobile vendors, so keep an eye out. We chose a strawberry wrapped in mochi and red bean paste. It was a refreshing break from all the savory meat.
- 松山割包: Not inside the market, but the buns were so delicious I couldn’t leave it out. We had the classic pork belly Gua Bao and the black sesame buns and they were incredibly tender and delicious.
3. Shilin Night Market
Nearest MRT: Jiantan Station
Hours: Approx. 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Nearby: Cixian Temple, Old Place Airplane Observation Deck (hiking trail we did to watch planes land at Songshan airport and then visited the market for food)
This is considered the largest of the night markets in Taipei but it is not only focused on food like the previous two I mentioned. There were arcade games, shops to buy clothes, shoes, souvenirs and the list goes on. Although it is one of the most popular night markets in Taipei, I felt like we didn’t eat as well as we did in other markets.
Things to try there:
- Aye Hey Thin Noodles: Here we tried for the first time the famous oyster vermicelli thin noodle soup. It wasn’t anything too special but it’s worth trying it if you’re around.
- Hot-Star: Famous for offering fried extra-crispy chicken cutlets the size of your face. It was alright to eat once.
- Xiao Yue Pastry House: for crispy milk donuts and pineapple buns with cheese or ice cream.
- Grilled Quail Eggs: we saw several food stalls serving freshly grilled quail eggs on skewers and decided to give them a try. As most other things in this market, they were alright, but to try once only.
4. Ximending District
Nearest MRT: Ximen Station
Hours: Active all day; street food stalls and shops peak from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Nearby: The Red House
Unlike the other traditional night markets in Taipei, Ximending is primarily a commercial district serving as a culture and fashion hub. It is full with neon-lit alleyways, street art and performers, shopping districts, and it offers a unique evening energy that you shouldn’t miss.
While it’s mostly famous for retail and pop culture, Ximending is known for its numerous dining options and street food, and the main reason why I included it in this guide. Towards the end of our time in Taipei, we moved to another Airbnb within Ximending only to experience being close to such an active and vibrant district/market.
Things to try there:
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle: A legendary Ximending place with usually a queue waiting to try their signature bowl. It includes silky rice noodles in a smoky bonito broth loaded with pork intestines.
西門夜市超大雞排: You’ve got to try this delicious fried chicken place. There are other stalls nearby offering fried chicken but this one had better reviews and a little longer queue and for a good reason.
大眾食堂: After 6 weeks in Taipei we wanted to try something different and we opted for Japanese which didn’t disappoint at all.
50 Lan: We had a delicious (isn’t it always delicious?) Taiwanese bubble tea here.
Yong He Soy Milk & Ximending Soy Milk: Typical Taiwanese breakfast places in case you visit the district in the morning.
5. Huaxi Street Night Market & Guangzhou Street Night Market
Nearest MRT: Longshan Temple Station
Hours: Approx. 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Nearby: Longshan Temple
They are located right next to each other in the historic Wanhua district, Huaxi Street and Guangzhou Street Night Markets merge into one continuous evening food hub. Huaxi Street is famous for being Taiwan’s first tourist night market and has a covered arcade section. The covered walkway now houses some really good food stalls worth trying.
Head then to Guangzhou Street market which is more chaotic open-air stretch with many meat grills, fruit vendors, and local game stalls. You can easily combine them with the famous Longshan Temple where you’ll see signs of Chinese influence to get an incredible blend of religion and culture and delicious street eateries all in one go.
Things to try there:
Yuan Fang Gua Bao: A Michelin stall right on Huaxi Street that serves what is arguably the best braised pork belly bun in the city. The pork melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced with sweet peanut powder and pickled mustard greens.
Wang’s Broth: A little further down there is another Michelin-recognized staple famous for its rich, slow-simmered minced pork rice (Lu Rou Fan) and herbal soups.
Lung Tu Shaved Ice Specialist: Technically a step outside of the markets, but it is popular amongst tourists and locals for the shaved ice and dessert toppings.
6. Nanjichang Night Market
Nearest MRT: Xiaonanmen Station or Longshan Temple Station
Hours: Approx. 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Nearby: Taipei Botanical Garden, Youth Park
Nanjichang Night Market is the ultimate local secret. Because it doesn’t have an MRT station right at its doorstep and lacks the flashy tourist polish of the other larger markets, it remains very authentic and affordable.
Exploring this market might make you feel that you went back in time a little as you won’t find any gourmet dishes or fancy restaurants but rather small family-run stalls where locals eat on a daily basis. This is what makes it so unique though.
Things to try there:
- Shan Nay chicken: A legendary Michelin Bib Gourmand stall serving incredibly succulent, thick-cut poached chicken over a simple, deeply flavorful bowl of rice with savory drippings.
- Lai Lai Dumpling Restaurant: Famous for their pan-fried dumplings with juicy pork-and-cabbage fillings.
- A-Nan Sesame Oil Chicken: For a warm bowl of rich, rice-wine and sesame oil-infused chicken soup that melts in your mouth. Most places are there offer traditional recipes rather than gourmet dishes.
- 黃豆家: for a refreshing dessert stop.
Final Thoughts on the Night Markets in Taipei
Visiting the food markets in Taipei was my favourite thing to do as I really like trying different foods and flavours and they delivered exactly that. The food has left such a strong impression on me that even today, almost a year after we visited Taiwan, I remember every single thing we ate and the exact locations of the food stalls.
⏰ Planning the rest of your trip? Don’t miss our other Taiwan guides:
→ Is Taipei Worth Visiting? My Honest Review & 12 Reasons To Go
→ Best Places to Eat in Taipei: 15 Spots You Can’t Miss
→ What to eat in Taipei: 32 Iconic Foods You Can’t Miss
→ Is Elephant Mountain Worth It? My Honest Review & Tips
→ The 2 Best eSIMs for Taiwan: My Top Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Traditional street food stalls are strictly cash-only. While some indoor or modern spots accept international cards, physical cash remains an absolute must for street vendors.
Vegetarians will find plenty of great plant-based staples like sweet potato balls, taro balls, scallion pancakes, and grilled king oyster mushrooms.
However, travelers with severe food allergies should be cautious because broths often contain meat or seafood bases, and shared cooking equipment means cross-contact can happen.
Ningxia and Raohe night markets in Taipei offer the best vibe and huge selection of different kinds of foods. If you don’t have time to go to all of them, these two are the absolute musts.
