6 of the best night markets in Taipei that foodies shouldn't miss

Why you shouldn't miss a night market in Taipei

Ask anyone who has ever been to Taipei about the food, and chances are the conversation will turn to the night markets within a minute . As soon as the sun sets, you pull up a chair at plastic tables, there are long lines for the most popular snacks, and you smell something different on every street corner.

A night market is much more than just a place to eat. You see how locals spend their evenings, discover new flavors, and taste local dishes that you often won't find anywhere else. From classic oyster omelets to grilled pepper buns and freshly made bubble tea, these are the best night markets in Taipei that you don't want to miss during a trip through Taiwan.

| TIP: Are you still looking for great hotels for your tour of Taiwan? Check out the YLBB shortlists here with the most beautiful hotels throughout Taiwan , trendy hotels in Taipei , and boutique hotels in Tainan.

These are the 6 best night markets in Taipei and everything you want to taste. 

Raohe Night Market

Do you only have time for one night market during your trip? Then head to Raohe Night Market. This is my personal favorite because the market is well-organized and you can easily walk past all the stalls without getting lost.

Right at the entrance, you'll find the famous Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun, a crispy bun fresh from a traditional clay oven. The long line usually says it all. Also, try an oyster omelette, grilled squid, or a bowl of herbal pork rib soup.

Be sure to also walk over to the adjacent Ciyou Temple. Especially when the temple and the market are illuminated in the evening, this is one of the most beautiful places in Taipei.

Raohe St, Ciyou Village, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

Raohe Night Market © Your Little Black Book

Ningxia Night Market

Ask a local about their favorite night market for food, and chances are Ningxia Night Market will be mentioned. Here, practically everything revolves around food and much less around shopping.

Almost every stall has its own specialty. Try, for example, oyster vermicelli, braised pork rice, sweet potato balls, mochi, or the famous peanut ice cream roll. Because the market is relatively compact, you can easily try different dishes during a single visit.

Do you want to get to know Taiwanese cuisine better? Then Ningxia is perhaps the most interesting night market in Taipei.

Ningxia Rd, Xingming Village, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

sweet potato balls © Your Little Black Book

Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is without a doubt the most famous and largest night market in Taiwan. So expect many visitors, a huge number of food stalls, and endless choices.

In addition to street food, you will also find arcades, shops, and small restaurants scattered across various streets. Order classics like XXL fried chicken, tanghulu, stinky tofu, or Taiwanese sausages.

Are you mainly looking for a local atmosphere? Then I would choose Raohe or Ningxia instead. If you want to try as many different snacks as possible in one place during your first visit to Taipei, then Shilin really shouldn't be missed.

No. 101, Jihe Rd, Yixin Village, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

tanghulu © Your Little Black Book

Nanjichang Night Market

Nanjichang Night Market feels very different from the more well-known markets in the city. Here, you mainly encounter locals grabbing a bite to eat after work or picking up a takeaway meal.

That is precisely why you get a nice glimpse into the daily life of Taipei. Order a bowl of lu rou fan, try the fried chicken, the clay oven rolls, and be sure to check where the longest line is. Usually, that is the best place to join.

One advantage of this market is that most stalls are numbered. Less English is spoken here, but that actually makes the experience even more authentic.

Lane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Rd, Zhongqin Village, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

clay oven rolls © Your Little Black Book

Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Night Market)

Are you already near Taipei 101 ? Then walk on to Tonghua Night Market, also known as Linjiang Night Market. Within a few minutes, you will be among the first food stalls.

The market is located in the middle of a residential area and therefore feels very local. You see local residents doing their shopping, families eating together, and friends meeting up for a quick meal.

Order a scallion pancake, a few BBQ skewers, and finish with a bubble tea before walking back towards the Taipei skyline.

Linjiang St, Da'an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

BBQ skewers © Your Little Black Book

Huaxi Street Night Market

Huaxi Street Night Market might be less well-known, but that makes it an interesting addition to your list. The covered street is known for its history as the former Snake Alley and reveals a very different side of Taipei.

Among the food stalls, you will find traditional spice shops and shops selling medicinal products that you are less likely to come across at other night markets. It is a nice place if you are curious about older Taipei and want to see something different from the most famous hotspots.

Huaxi St, Qingshan Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Taiwanese sausage © Your Little Black Book

Handy tips for a visit to a Taiwanese night market

Always bring cash. Do you want to avoid the biggest crowds? Then go shortly after opening. Most night markets are at their busiest between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Above all, do not order one large meal right away. The best part of a Taiwanese night market is actually trying and sharing various small dishes to taste as much as possible.

Which night market in Taipei are you going to visit?

Are you visiting a night market in Taipei for the first time? Then I would start at Raohe Night Market. For the best local food culture, Ningxia Night Market is a favorite, while Shilin Night Market impresses mainly due to its sheer size. Do you have more time? Then visit multiple markets during your tour of Taiwan . Each night market has its own atmosphere, specialties, and crowd, ensuring that no two evenings feel the same.

Oyster Omelette © Your Little Black Book

Just a quick update on the YLBB shortlist for the night markets in Taipei.

Best all-round night market: Raohe Night Market
Best for foodies: Ningxia Night Market
Largest night market: Shilin Night Market
Most local: Nanjichang Night Market
Best combined with Taipei 101: Tonghua Night Market
Most historic: Huaxi Street Night Market

More tips for Taipei on Your Little Black Book 

• The finest hotels in Taipei.
• The best creative parks.
• View our Taiwan itinerary here.
• Discover the best hotels in Taiwan.
• These are the tastiest night markets throughout Taiwan.
• Explore the food capital Tainan.
• Fun things to do in Tainan.

seasoning for night market snacks © Your Little Black Book