Must-Try Eats: Night Markets in Taipei

If you haven’t been to a night market, you haven’t been to Taiwan. This is our national pastime, a neon-lit sensory overload where the smells of sizzling steak, sweet taro, and "stinky" tofu fill the air. This is also one of Tom's favourite things to do in Taiwan.

🏮 Top 3 Night Markets in Taipei to Visit

While there are dozens of markets, I'd say these 3 are the most popular:

1. Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市): The most beautiful one. You enter through a massive, glowing traditional temple gate. It’s essentially one long street, making it very easy to navigate without getting lost.

   
   

2. Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市): The "Foodie’s Choice." It’s smaller and more focused on high-quality, traditional Taiwanese snacks. If you want a more authentic, less "touristy" taste, go here.

   
   

3. Shilin Night Market (士林夜市): The Legend. It is the biggest and most famous. It can be a maze, but it’s where you go for the full experience — food, shopping, and games all in one massive area.

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🍢 Must-Try Food & Drinks

• Fried Chicken Cutlet (雞排): Tom often tells his friend "Taiwan has the best fried chicken!" They are often bigger than your actual face! The chicken is hammered flat, breaded, and fried to a perfect crunch.

  
  

• Sausage in Rice Sausage (大腸包小腸): This is the Taiwanese version of a hot dog. A savoury but honey-tasted pork sausage is tucked inside a "bun" made of grilled sticky rice. It’s usually topped with garlic and pickled greens.

  
  

• Pork Pepper Buns (胡椒餅): Normally baked inside a clay oven. These are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with black pepper and scallions.

  
  

• Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎): Sweet and savoury. It combines small fresh oysters, leafy greens, and egg into a thick, translucent batter made of starch.

  
  

• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): You’ll smell it before you see it! If you’re brave enough to try it, the fermented flavor is actually much milder than the scent. Usually served deep-fried with crunchy pickled cabbage.

  
  

• Papaya Milk (木瓜牛奶): The perfect way to cool down. It’s fresh, creamy, and helps soothe your palate after the salty and spicy snacks.

  
  

• Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球): Hollow and golden-fried. Made by steaming sweet potatoes, mashing them, mixing with sugar and flour, shaping into balls, and deep-frying.

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🎯 More Than Just Food

Night markets are actually mini-carnivals. When your stomach needs a break, check out:

• Old-School Games: Try balloon popping with darts or bow and arrows, or the classic "ring toss."

  
  

• Claw Machines: You’ll find entire arcades filled with everything imaginable (not just toys)! For example coupons for restaurants, laundry detergent, snacks, and even tissue paper.

  
  

• Shopping: You can find everything from 5 USD iPhone cases and trendy socks to vintage clothes.

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💡 Tips for First-Timers

• Cash Heavy: Night market stalls are almost 100% cash only. Keep small bills and coins ($10/$50 coins and $100 TWD notes) ready to keep the line moving.

  
  

• Cleanliness & Quality: In 2026, Taiwan’s Food & Drug Administration has strict hygiene standards for street vendors.

  
  

• The Timing: Most markets start setting up at 5:00 PM and stay open until midnight or 1:00 AM. The sweet spot is 7:00 PM — it’s crowded, but the energy is peak!

  
  

• Share Everything: Portions are small, but you'd want to share with people with you so you could sample dozens of items. If your group has 3 people, don't buy 3 plates of oyster omelet! Save your stomach for more food.