Taiwan night markets are more than just food destinations—they’re living museums of local culture and cuisine. As the sun sets, these vibrant spaces transform into bustling hubs of activity, where the intoxicating aromas of street food mingle with the excited chatter of visitors. For tourists, experiencing these markets isn’t just about eating; it’s about immersing yourself in a centuries-old tradition that continues to evolve.
However, as Taiwan’s night markets have become a significant tourist attraction, some have become overly commercialized, losing their original charm. In the past, night markets were loved for their affordable prices, friendly vendors, and delicious food. But now, this has led to higher prices, and some vendors have become overwhelmed by the crowds, exhibiting less enthusiasm than before.
This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in well-known night markets that cater primarily to tourists. Prices here are generally higher than those in regular night markets. The upside, though, is that these markets tend to be more tourist-friendly, with many vendors able to communicate in English and menus available in English to help foreign visitors order. Therefore, when deciding between authenticity and convenience, it’s important to consider your own preferences.
Personally, I lean towards visiting well-known, tourist-friendly night markets. On one hand, it’s a chance to check them out for the experience, and on the other hand, I prefer to avoid the risk of encountering bad food. Famous night markets often have reviews online, so you can get a sense of the food’s quality before you go, ensuring that your dining experience won’t negatively impact your trip. While some popular stalls may require waiting in line, night market food is usually served quickly, so even if there’s a queue, it typically won’t take too long.
For those seeking more authentic experiences or avoiding crowded places, smaller night markets near residential areas may be a better option. However, there’s a risk of disappointment as it’s harder to find information about these lesser-known stalls online, and the food could be subpar. That said, there are ways to discover hidden gems that are both authentic and delicious.
Generally, you don’t need to go out of your way to find these small stalls. Simply wandering around local shopping streets near residential areas, away from tourist spots, will often lead you to them. My personal recommendation is to explore around university areas. Avoid newly opened stalls and opt for those that look a bit worn but have been around for a while. University areas are densely populated, so there are many food options, but they’re not tourist-centric, meaning they’re less commercialized. Also, if a stall near a university isn’t good, it usually won’t last long, since students, who are often on a budget, won’t keep returning to a place with bad food.
Additionally, many night market snacks are high-calorie, fried foods that tend to be popular with younger people, so they’re often found around university areas. Stalls that have been around in these areas for a while generally have good food, and students frequently discuss and share reviews of nearby eateries online. If you’re outgoing, you can even ask students directly for recommendations, and most Taiwanese university students can speak English.
Table of Contents
Essential Taiwan Night Market Foods You Must Try
Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)
Made with oysters, eggs, sweet potato starch, vegetables (usually water spinach), and sweet chili sauce, this dish combines oysters and eggs in a batter, which is then fried to a golden crisp before being drizzled with sauce. The flavor is a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet, with a chewy texture and a rich taste from the sweet chili sauce. Oyster omelette is a classic Taiwanese night market snack, but for those who aren’t fond of oysters, many vendors offer shrimp as an alternative.
Taiwanese Sausage with Sticky Rice (大肠包小肠)
This unique snack is made with sticky rice sausage, pork sausage, sauerkraut, garlic, and sauces like soy paste or sweet chili sauce. The sausages are grilled until slightly crispy and then wrapped together, topped with sauerkraut and sauce. The combination of chewy rice sausage and savory pork sausage, along with the tangy sauerkraut and garlic, creates a distinctive flavor. This snack is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors, but it’s best shared with friends as sticky rice can be quite filling.
Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) – Very Challenging Food！
Made with fermented tofu, kimchi, garlic, and chili sauce, stinky tofu lives up to its name with a pungent smell from fermentation. However, the taste is far from unpleasant. The exterior is crispy, while the inside is soft and tender, with a unique fermented aroma. The dish’s flavor profile is a mix of sour, spicy, and salty. While the smell may be off-putting, the texture and taste of the tofu, especially when fried until golden and crispy, make it a beloved night market snack, usually served with kimchi or chili sauce.
Pepper Bun (胡椒饼)
Pepper buns are made by wrapping pork filling, green onions, pepper powder, and sesame seeds inside dough, which is then pressed against the hot wall of an oven and baked until crispy. The result is a crunchy outer shell with a juicy filling that is rich in peppery aroma and savory pork flavor.
Salt and Pepper Chicken (盐酥鸡)
A beloved night market snack, salt and pepper chicken is perfect for walking and snacking. It’s a popular fried dish in Taiwan and is also commonly enjoyed in everyday life. The chicken pieces are coated in a light batter, deep-fried, and then sprinkled with salt, pepper, and Thai basil for extra fragrance. The result is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a salty, slightly spicy flavor and a fragrant herbal kick.
Braised Pork Rice (卤肉饭)
Different from the other snacks, braised pork rice is a budget-friendly staple commonly found in night markets or take-out restaurants. It’s made with fatty pork belly, soy sauce, rock sugar, onions, garlic, spices, and white rice. The pork is sautéed to release its aroma, then braised with soy sauce, sugar, and spices before being poured over a bowl of rice. The slow-braised pork is rich and savory, complementing the white rice perfectly.
Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)
Not only popular in Taiwan, but bubble tea has also taken the world by storm in recent years, becoming a go-to beverage for all ages. It’s typically made with black tea, milk, black tapioca pearls (boba), and syrup, but there are now many variations such as fruit tea and sweet soups. The classic bubble tea features chewy black pearls soaked in sugar syrup, mixed with ice-cold black tea and milk. It’s loved for its strong tea flavor, creamy milk, and chewy pearls.
Sizzling Beef (炙烧牛肉 / 骰子牛)
Unlike the traditional snacks, sizzling beef is a newer addition to Taiwan’s night market offerings and is a hit among meat lovers. Beef cubes are quickly seared on a hot plate and then flamed with a blowtorch to enhance the flavor, before being sprinkled with a mix of garlic, soy sauce, pepper, and salt. The result is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a strong beef aroma and a savory, peppery taste.
Sweet Plum Sweet Potato (甘梅地瓜)
A lighter snack compared to the others, sweet plum sweet potato is sweet and tangy. Typically sold at stalls that also offer salt and pepper chicken, it features sweet potato strips that are battered and fried, then sprinkled with sweet plum powder. This gives the snack a refreshing taste, balancing the oiliness of fried food with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. It’s a perfect small bite to satisfy cravings.
Takoyaki (章鱼烧)
Takoyaki is a Japanese snack commonly found at Taiwanese night markets and is especially popular with young people. Made with octopus, batter, green onions, seaweed powder, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, some vendors even offer cheese-flavored versions. The octopus is wrapped in batter and cooked in a takoyaki mold until it forms ball shapes, then topped with seasonings. The result is soft, savory, and delicious, with a crispy exterior and a wonderful flavor from the mayo and bonito flakes.
Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球)
A classic Taiwanese night market fried snack, sweet potato balls are simple to make. Sweet potatoes are steamed and mashed, then mixed with tapioca flour and sugar to form dough balls, which are deep-fried. During frying, the balls puff up to become hollow inside and turn golden brown. The fried sweet potato balls are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, offering a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Top 10 Night Markets that Worth Trying
Northern region
1. Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)
Shilin is undoubtedly the most famous night market in Taipei, offering a vast selection of food and shopping. It’s a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fried Chicken Steak (豪大大鸡排): A massive, crispy chicken cutlet, perfectly seasoned, and fried to golden perfection. Don’t be afraid of its size—it’s worth every bite.
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): A polarizing dish with a strong aroma, this fermented tofu is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Dip it in pickled cabbage or chili sauce to balance the flavors.
- Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎): A local specialty made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a gooey, starchy batter, topped with a sweet and spicy sauce.
Location: Near Jiantan MRT Station (Red Line)
2. Raohe Night Market (饶河夜市)
Raohe Night Market is known for its traditional Taiwanese atmosphere and a narrower, more intimate market feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pepper Pork Buns (胡椒饼): These buns are baked in a tandoor-like oven, filled with juicy pork and black pepper, and have a crispy, sesame-topped crust. There’s often a line, but the wait is worth it.
- Flame-Torched Beef Cubes (炙烧牛肉): Grilled right in front of you with a blowtorch, these beef cubes are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Choose from a variety of seasonings or toppings like garlic or pepper.
- Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶): You can’t leave without sipping on Taiwan’s iconic drink. Grab a cup with extra chewy tapioca pearls at one of the many stalls.
Location: Near Songshan MRT Station (Green Line)
3. Ningxia Night Market (宁夏夜市)
Though smaller than Shilin or Raohe, Ningxia Night Market is known for its emphasis on food rather than shopping. It’s a local favorite for its traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pork Liver Soup (猪肝汤): This rich and hearty soup is filled with tender slices of pork liver, offering a comforting taste that locals love.
- Sticky Rice Sausage (大肠包小肠): A Taiwanese take on a hot dog, this dish features a sausage wrapped in sticky rice and grilled over charcoal. It’s typically served with garlic, pickles, and sauces.
- Taro Balls (芋圆): Made from taro and sweet potatoes, these chewy balls are served in sweet soup or with crushed ice, making it a refreshing dessert on hot nights.
Location: Near Shuanglian MRT Station (Red Line)
4. Linjiang Street Night Market (临江街夜市)
Also known as Tonghua Night Market, this market is located near Taipei 101 and offers a mix of local and international foods.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pork Blood Cake (猪血糕): Not for the faint-hearted, this traditional snack is made from pork blood and sticky rice, coated in crushed peanuts and cilantro. The texture may be new, but it’s a beloved Taiwanese classic.
- Taiwanese Fried Dumplings (锅贴): These crispy-bottomed dumplings are filled with pork and cabbage, and are perfect when dipped in vinegar or soy sauce.
- Grilled Mochi (烤麻糬): Skewered mochi, grilled and brushed with a sweet or savory sauce, offering a chewy, delicious contrast to all the fried food.
Location: Near Xinyi Anhe MRT Station (Red Line)
5. Lehua Night Market (乐华夜市)
Located in New Taipei City’s Yonghe District, Lehua Night Market is less touristy but still packed with authentic Taiwanese flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Braised Pork Rice (卤肉饭): A comforting bowl of rice topped with minced pork belly braised in soy sauce, garlic, and five-spice powder. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
- Taiwanese Spring Rolls (润饼): These soft, thin wraps are filled with an assortment of vegetables, meats, and sweet peanut powder, creating a healthy and flavorful snack.
- Fried Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球): Crispy on the outside and airy on the inside, these deep-fried sweet potato balls are lightly sweet and addictive.
Location: Near Dingxi MRT Station (Orange Line)
6. Luodong Night Market (罗东夜市)
Located in Yilan County, Luodong Night Market is one of the most popular night markets in eastern Taiwan. It combines local, traditional food with some unique specialties that reflect the tastes of the area.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼): Yilan’s famous scallion pancakes are crispy, flaky, and packed with the local variety of green onions, known for their distinct sweetness.
- Mutton Soup (羊肉汤): A flavorful soup made with tender mutton, ginger, and herbs, warming and perfect for chilly nights.
- Three-Cup Squid (三杯小卷): A local twist on the classic three-cup chicken dish, using squid instead. It’s fragrant with basil, soy, and sesame oil.
Location: Near Luodong Railway Station, Yilan County.
Eastern region
7. Dongdamen Night Market (东大门夜市)
Located in Hualien City, Dongdamen Night Market is eastern Taiwan’s largest night market. It offers a mix of Taiwanese, indigenous, and international street foods, showcasing Hualien’s cultural diversity.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Aboriginal Grilled Meat (原住民烤肉): Deliciously seasoned meats skewered and grilled, including wild boar and other indigenous specialties.
- Hualien Mochi (花莲麻糬): A local rice cake dessert that’s soft, chewy, and filled with various flavors like sesame or peanut.
- Sausage Wrapped in Glutinous Rice (花莲米肠): Similar to Taiwan’s “big sausage wraps small sausage,” but using local ingredients for a unique Hualien flavor.
Location: Near Hualien Railway Station, Hualien City.
Central region
8. Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)
Located in Taichung’s Xitun District, Fengjia Night Market is one of Taiwan’s largest and busiest night markets, drawing in locals, students, and tourists alike with its diverse and trendy food options. Known for innovative snacks and exciting flavors, it’s a must-visit destination for any food lover.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Grilled Squid (烤鱿鱼): Fresh squid grilled to tender perfection and brushed with a savory, spicy glaze.
- Cheese Potato (起司马铃薯): A baked potato filled with melted cheese, corn, bacon bits, and drizzled with creamy sauce.
- Taiwanese-style Popcorn Chicken (盐酥鸡): Crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in salt, pepper, and a hint of spice, perfect for munching while you browse.
Location: Near Feng Chia University, accessible by bus from Taichung’s main areas.
Southern region
9. Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市)
Located in Kaohsiung’s Xinxing District, Liuhe Night Market is one of southern Taiwan’s oldest and most well-known night markets. It attracts visitors for its lively atmosphere and delicious traditional dishes.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Papaya Milk (木瓜牛奶): A creamy and refreshing drink made from fresh papaya and milk, a Kaohsiung specialty.
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (虾仁肉圆): These dumplings are filled with shrimp and pork, steamed and topped with a sweet, savory sauce.
- Grilled Seafood (炭烤海鲜): Freshly grilled seafood, including prawns, scallops, and more, served with dipping sauces.
Location: Near Formosa Boulevard MRT Station (Red and Orange Lines), Kaohsiung.
10. Ruifeng Night Market (瑞丰夜市)
Located in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District, Ruifeng Night Market is another major night market in southern Taiwan. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and food diversity, it’s a favorite among both locals and tourists.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): Crispy on the outside and soft inside, the unique aroma and taste are a must-try experience.
- Braised Duck Blood (鸭血汤): A savory soup with tender duck blood curd, typically served with a flavorful, spicy broth.
- Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes (蜂蜜地瓜): Fried sweet potatoes coated in a honey glaze, creating a sweet and chewy treat.
Location: Near Kaohsiung Arena MRT Station (Red Line), Zuoying District, Kaohsiung.
Conclusion and Pro Tips for Night Market Visits:
- Go Hungry: With so many tempting options, it’s best to arrive with an empty stomach.
- Cash Only: Most vendors don’t accept credit cards, so make sure to bring enough cash.
- Pace Yourself: Night markets can be overwhelming with their vast selections, so it’s best to try a little from multiple stalls.
- Weekday Visits: Night markets can get crowded, especially on weekends. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, visit on a weekday.
Taipei’s night markets offer an immersive experience for food lovers, filled with a variety of dishes that range from comforting to adventurous. Whether you’re a fan of fried snacks, soups, or exotic treats, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to explore multiple markets to truly savor the diversity of Taipei’s street food culture!
Remember, most vendors at night markets only accept cash. If you’d like to learn how to withdraw cash in Taiwan, check out Where to Exchange Currency in Taiwan: A Comprehensive Guide
