The 11 best night markets in Taiwan to visit during your tour

Where is the best place to get to know Taiwan's local food culture? As far as I'm concerned, at the night markets, where you can sample all kinds of Taiwanese snacks and regional specialties in a single evening. From the famous night markets in Taipei to street food in Tainan and fresh seafood on the coast: every region has its own character.

In northern Taiwan, you will find many classic snacks and seafood dishes, while the south is known for larger portions and distinctive flavors. If you travel further east, you will also discover dishes from Taiwan's indigenous cultures. Are you touring the country? Then put these eleven best night markets in Taiwan on your list. Don't forget: bring enough cash and napkins or wet wipes for your hands when visiting the night market.

| 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.

Raohe Night Market © Your Little Black Book

1. Raohe Night Market in Taipei

Are you visiting only one night market in Taipei during your trip ? Then I would choose Raohe Night Market. The market is compact and easy to navigate, making it easy to sample various dishes without walking endlessly through busy streets. Its location next to the richly decorated Ciyou Temple is an added bonus.

Upon entering, be sure to order the famous Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun (I am eating it in the photo below), which is baked on the spot in a clay oven. The crispy buns are filled with juicy pork, black pepper, and scallions. I found this incredibly delicious! You can find them near the entrance close to the temple.

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

2. Shilin Night Market in Taipei

Shilin Night Market is Taiwan 's most famous night market and feels almost like an attraction in itself. The area is large, bustling, and consists of a maze of streets filled with food stalls, shops, games, and entertainment. For many locals, a visit to Shilin is part of a complete night out in Taipei , and when you are there, you understand why.

Definitely come here if you want to experience the lively and sometimes slightly chaotic side of Taiwanese night markets. Popular snacks include XXL fried chicken, Taiwanese sausage (I found this really tasty here!), bubble tea, and stinky tofu. The latter has a distinct smell, but it really tastes much better than it smells. I promise! Discover which other night markets in Taipei are worth a visit in this YLBB shortlist >>

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

Stinky Tofu © Your Little Black Book

| TIP: Go to a creative park before your visit to the night market . Check out the best creative parks in Taipei here >>

3. Keelung Miaokou Night Market in Keelung

Are you taking a trip from Taipei to Jiufen, Shifen, or Yehliu? Then a visit to Keelung Miaokou Night Market is a nice way to end the day. This market is situated around a temple in the port city of Keelung and is best known for its many dishes featuring fresh fish and shellfish.

Here, for example, try crab soup, seafood noodles, or fried and grilled squid. Thanks to its location on the north coast, this market feels very different from the night markets in Taipei. Especially around dinnertime, many locals queue up here for a quick meal.

Keelung Miaokou Night Market, 200, Taiwan, Keelung City, Ren'ai District, 玉田里仁三路

grilled squid © Your Little Black Book

4. Fengjia Night Market in Taichung

Fengjia Night Market is one of the largest night markets in Taiwan and is known as a place where new street food trends emerge. The market is located next to Feng Chia University, which attracts many students and young locals, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Besides classics like fried chicken and bubble tea, you will constantly come across new snacks and striking food concepts here. Also try the fluffy sweet potato balls, which are freshly fried in many places. Are you looking for a night market where traditional Taiwanese street food and new trends come together? Then Fengjia is highly recommended.

Fengjia Night Market, Wenhua Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407

sweet potato balls © Your Little Black Book

5. Garden Night Market in Tainan

Ask a local about a famous night market in the food capital Tainan, and chances are Garden Night Market will be mentioned first. It is one of the city's largest night markets, and besides food, you will also find stalls selling clothing, accessories, and games. I thought the food selection was really amazing. You can literally get anything here! 

As far as I'm concerned, the food stands remain the main reason to go. Order grilled seafood, an oyster omelette, Taiwanese fried chicken, braised pork rice, and a fresh fruit drink. Garden Night Market is large and popular, so allow plenty of time to look around at your leisure and share several dishes. Good to know: this night market is only open on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Also check out the best hotels in Tainan here >>

Garden Night Market, No. 533號, Section 3, Hai'an Rd, Chengde Village, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704

Garden Night Market © Your Little Black Book

6. Dadong Night Market & Dadong Dong Night Market in Tainan

Dadong (Dong) Night Market is the local counterpart to the more famous Garden Night Market. Many locals actually prefer this night market because the emphasis is stronger on food and there are generally fewer visitors from outside the city. Recently, the market was split into two side-by-side markets that are open on different days. 

You will find Taiwanese barbecue, fresh seafood, noodle dishes, and regional snacks there that you won't come across at every market. Do you want to experience why Tainan is known as the culinary capital of Taiwan? Then Dadong or the neighboring Dadong Dong is the place where you will certainly discover it. Good to know: Dadong is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; Dadong Dong on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Dadong Night Market, No. 276號, Section 1, Linsen Rd, Deguang Village, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701

oyster omelette © Your Little Black Book

7. Anping Old Street in Tainan

Anping Old Street is not officially a night market, but I think this historic district still belongs in this overview. The street is located in one of the oldest parts of Tainan , where you can visit various heritage buildings, such as Anping Tree House and Fort Zeelandia. Nowadays, it is primarily a lively place full of street food, shops, and local specialties.

Here, sample coffin bread, shrimp crackers, and other snacks Anping is known for. Combine your visit with the historic sights in the neighborhood and then go in search of something tasty. Keep in mind that Anping Old Street is most enjoyable during the day, as most establishments close around 18 p.m.

Anping Old Street, Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

8. Ruifeng Night Market in Kaohsiung

Ruifeng Night Market is particularly popular among young residents of Kaohsiung. The market features a modern food scene with a mix of classic Taiwanese snacks and newer concepts. Despite the relatively compact site, many food stalls are located close together.

Go here for barbecue skewers, fried chicken, and various types of bubble tea. The crowds and wide selection make Ruifeng one of the liveliest places to experience Kaohsiung's nightlife. Good to know: this night market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Ruifeng Night Market, 813, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Zuoying District, Yucheng Rd, 南屏路

grilled beef © Your Little Black Book

9. Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung

Liuhe Night Market is the most famous night market in Kaohsiung and has been a firm favorite for seafood lovers for years. The market is located centrally in the city, making it easy to combine with other sights.

Crab, lobster, and seafood congee are among the popular orders. Afterwards, have a glass of papaya milk, a local classic you will find in several places at this market. Liuhe is accessible and well-organized, making it a pleasant first introduction to Kaohsiung itself.

Liuhe Night Market, Liuhe 2nd Rd, Sinsing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800

10. Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien

Dongdamen Night Market is the most important night market in East Taiwan. What sets this market apart is the presence of dishes and flavors from Taiwan's various indigenous cultures. That is why this night market is high on my list of places to visit the next time I am in Taiwan.

Try wild boar sausage, grilled meats, and mochi, for example. The market is spaciously laid out and consists of various sections, each with its own character. If you are in Hualien, Dongdamen is an accessible place to discover multiple local specialties in one evening.

Dongdamen Night Market, No. 415號, Chongqing Rd, Minzhu Village, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

11. Kenting Night Market in Kenting

After sunset, Kenting's main street transforms into one long night market. Kenting Night Market perfectly matches the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside town, with stalls filled with seafood, barbecue dishes, tropical drinks, and sweet snacks.

After a day at the beach or in Kenting National Park, this is a lively place to grab a bite to eat. The combination of street food and holiday vibes makes this night market feel different from the markets in the big cities.

Kenting Night Market, 海濱巷, No. 5號, Kending Rd, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

Kenting Night Market © Your Little Black Book

Which night markets in Taiwan shouldn't you miss?

Depending on your itinerary through Taiwan, you can visit a great night market at almost any destination using the tips on this list. For a first evening in Taipei , Raohe Night Market is my favorite. In Tainan, I would combine Garden with the more local Dadong, while in Kaohsiung you can choose between the modern Ruifeng and the classic Liuhe.

Whichever market you visit, go hungry and don't forget to bring cash. And: sharing is caring, because that really is the way to taste as much as possible at a night market.

Have fun! 

More tips for Taiwan on Your Little Black Book 

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