Taipei Night Markets || The Best Markets, Snacks & Stalls To Discover

The Best Night Markets in Taipei || The Ultimate Guide

Some of the best, oldest, and largest night markets in Taiwan are those night markets in Taipei.

It only makes sense, being the capital after all.

Whilst night markets can be found all over Taiwan, from north to south, each district and county brings its own flavours to the night market culture. 

Lex the Lion

And the night markets in Taipei are no exception.

If you can only get to one night market in Taiwan, or one area, then Taipei is the one for you.

With Taiwan’s oldest night market (Shilin), it can be considered as the home of night markets in Taiwan. 

With the sheer size alone, the intensity of the night markets in Taipei are likely to shock even those well travelled. They are busy, bustling, and very crowded places with hundreds of different food stalls, arcade games, and areas for entertainment. 

The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the hundreds of different Taiwan Little Eats (Xiaochi, snacks) will leave your stomach satisfied but your tastebuds wanting for more. 

Below, we explore the culture and history of night markets in Taiwan before giving a full guide to night markets in Taipei.

We’ve tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to ensure you get the most out of your night market experience in Taiwan.

Although, with so many night markets in Taiwan – we just couldn’t feature them all here. 

We cover the most famous, oldest, largest, and best night markets in Taipei below. 

Night Markets in Taipei || Night Markets in Taiwan 

Night Markets in Taipei || Best Night Markets in Taipei

Night Markets in Taipei || List of Night Markets

Night Markets in Taipei || Shilin Night Market

Night Markets in Taipei || Raohe Night Market

Night Markets in Taipei || Tonghua Night Market

Night Markets in Taipei || Nanjichang Night Market

Night Markets in Taipei || Huaxi Street Night Market (Snake Alley)

Night Markets in Taipei || Ningxia Street Night Market

Night Markets in Taipei || Shida Street Night Market

Night Markets in Taipei || Taiwan 小吃

Night Markets in Taipei || Michelin Star Food

Night Markets in Taipei || FAQs

See which Taipei Night Market was the favourite of LTL students Tobias and Mikkel

Night Markets in Taipei || Night Markets in Taiwan 

So, what’s the deal?

What exactly are night markets in Taiwan?

Simply put, night markets in Taiwan are locations where groups of street vendors come together to sell a wide range of food and drinks. 

They have a history of over 100 years in Taiwan and more and more crop up annually.

DID YOU KNOW || There are almost 70 night markets in Taiwan now; 30 of which are based in Taipei.

So you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice when trying to find night markets in Taipei and it certainly makes it difficult to find the “best” one. 

Raohe Night Market is a popular choice with locals and foreigners

They can differ in many ways, often depending on which county or area they’re found in.

For example, in Tainan night markets are all open-air and take place in large empty car park areas, not streets.

They close generally before or around 12am and often include shops to sell clothing and arcade games.

In Taipei, however, night markets may go on until 1am or 2am and are more often found covering long street areas. 

NIGHT MARKET IN CHINESE || 夜市 yè shì

Some may concentrate on only Taiwanese food and more local affair, others may get more creative with their food and offer international cuisine, too.

Some night markets aren’t just food, either.

You can find anything from hand-made boutique clothing to standard cheap market produce. You can also find any number of entertainment ranging from fortune tellers to KTV.

What sets the night markets in Taipei largely apart from the rest, though, is that you can famously find some Michelin-quality food at some night markets in Taipei.

Below we provide a list for these; so skip to it if that’s what you’re after! 

What they all have in common is that over the years, the night market in Taiwan has become an important part of Taiwanese culture.

They’re a space for people to meet and gather, enjoy each other’s company and just relax after work, whilst also picking up some really tasty but inexpensive food.

Depending on your needs, there will be a perfect night market in Taipei for you. 

Chinese Food Culture // The 8 Great Chinese Cuisines Thumbnail

Chinese Food Culture // The 8 Great Chinese Cuisines

Chinese cuisines have typically been divided into ‘Eight Great Cuisines’ as a means of simplifying this vast and complex tradition.

Night Markets in Taipei || Best Night Markets in Taipei

It’s no secret that Taipei is home to some of Taiwan’s best night markets, with several stalls even making it into the Taiwan Michelin Guide.

There are five main ones in total, the Taipei Night Market “Top 5”.

Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua, and Huaxi

We will go over these below, as well as a couple of others that may not have been on your radar but deserve a mention.

In terms of finding the best night market in Taipei… that depends on what you want!

Some things you might want to consider are size and location.

You might also want to consider if there are any specific foods you’re after.

To get a good night market experience, go for a fairly big one and one that is convenient to get to.

Taipei is a big place and you don’t want to be travelling for too long!

Night Markets in Taipei || List of Night Markets

Here is a list of night markets in Taipei and New Taipei (source Wikipedia).

Taipei Night Markets

Night MarketName in Chinese
Dalong Night Market, Datong大龍街夜市
Gongguan Night Market, Zhongzheng公館夜市
Guangzhou Street Night Market, Wanhua廣州街夜市
Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market, Wanhua華西街觀光夜市
Jingmei Night Market, Wenshan景美夜市
Liaoning Street Night Market, Zhongshan遼寧街夜市
Linkou Night Market, Xinyi林口街夜市
Nanjichang Night Market, Zhongzheng南機場夜市
Ningxia Night Market, Datong寧夏夜市
Raohe Street Night Market, Songshan饒河街觀光夜市
Shida Night Market, Daan師大路夜市
Shilin Night Market, Shilin士林夜市
Shipai Night Market, Beitou石牌夜市
Shuang Cheng Street Night Market, Zhongshan雙成街夜市
Tonghua Street (Linjiang Street) Night Market, Daan通化街夜市
Yansan Night Market, Datong延三夜市
737 Night Market, Neihu737夜市

New Taipei Night Markets

Here are some of the best night markets in New Taipei City.

Night MarketName in Chinese
Datong Night Market, Sanchong大同夜市
Fu-Da Night Market, Taishan輔大夜市
Lehua Night Market, Yonghe樂華夜市
Luzhou Night Market, Luzhou蘆洲夜市
Nanya Night Market, Banqiao南雅夜市
Sanhe Night Market, Sanchong三和夜市
Sanxia Night Market, Sanxia三峽夜市
Sanzhi Night Market, Sanzhi三芝夜市
Tamsui Night Market, Tamsui淡水夜市
Xingnan Night Market, Zhonghe興南夜市
Xinzhuang Night Market, Xinzhuang新莊夜市
Zhongyang Night Market, Sanchong中央夜市
The Ultimate Taiwanese Street Food To Try (+ Bonus Video Content) Thumbnail

The Ultimate Taiwanese Street Food To Try (+ Bonus Video Content)

Taiwanese street food is world famous. Its day and night street food markets are a popular attraction both for tourists and locals.

Night Markets in Taipei || Shilin Night Market

Night Market NameShilin Night Market
Chinese Name士林夜市 shìlín yèshì
Taipei DistrictShilin District
AddressNo. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
Size539 stalls
Opening Times/Days of the weekEvery day 4pm-2am

士林夜市 in Taipei is often considered the biggest and most famous night market in the whole of Taiwan.

Because of this, it’s also the most touristy. But don’t let that put you off.

These things are usually touristy for a reason, and Shilin night market is popular with both foreign and domestic tourists.

FUN FACT || The night market has been around for over 100 years.

Taipei Night Markets

In 1909 the daytime Shilin Market was established, then in 1913 the Shilin night market was formally established.

Its proximity at the former location to the Keelung river (and therefore transporting produce etc) helped it to quickly get a name for itself.

The location of this Taipei night market today is convenient to get to as it’s located right next to the Jiantan Station on the Tamsui–Xinyi Red Line.

Shilin Night Market is kind of split into two parts; a food court area as well as the surrounding shops and businesses.

With 539 stalls you will be spoilt for choice here. You are best to get lots of 小吃 (little snacks) as you go around the various stalls – and not fill up just on one stall.

There is also tons of entertainment here that sets it aside from most night markets that only have limited entertainment.

There is KTV, cinemas, and arcades, and can be a great start to a much longer night.

Night Markets in Taipei || Raohe Night Market

Night Market NameRaohe Night Market
Chinese Name 饒河街觀光夜市 ráohé jiē guānguāng yèshì
Taipei DistrictSongshan District
AddressRaohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, 105
Size400+ stalls
Opening Times/Days of the weekEveryday 5-11pm

This night market in Taipei stretches for 600m along Raohe Street; hence the name Raohe Night Market.

There is a temple called Ciyou Temple located at one end which, built in 1753, is enough of a site in itself.

There are three sections to this market, so all bases are covered.

The first section is your random goods, daily essentials etc, whilst the next one is more physical market stuff (i.e. everything you might find at a market apart from food), then the final – and main – section is the food.

Located just 100m from Songshan metro station, Raohe Night Market in Taipei is also very easy to access.

TOP TIP || As you enter the market under the big sign, grab yourself a 胡椒餅. You can’t miss it because the queue is typically sizeable but don’t let that put you off. It moves fast and it’s well worth it.

Not for veggies unfortunately
Vegan Food in Taiwan || Discover The Best Vegan Eats Thumbnail

Vegan Food in Taiwan || Discover The Best Vegan Eats

Finding vegan food in Taiwan is easier than you think, and the great thing? It’s only getting easier. Here is our complete guide to being Vegan in Taiwan.

Night Markets in Taipei || Tonghua Night Market

Night Market NameTonghua (Linjiang) Night Market
Chinese Name通化夜市 tōnghuà yèshì
Taipei DistrictDa’an District
AddressLinjiang St, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
Size200+ stalls
Opening Times/Days of the weekEveryday 6pm-12am

Tonghua Night Market is also known as Linjiang Night Market.

It’s located on Linjiang Road (hence the name) and makes it onto this list for its superb location right in downtown Taipei, as well as the fact that it’s a smaller, more intimate and local affair.

This doesn’t mean it won’t be any less lively or you’ll have any fewer choices.

On the contrary, the fact that it doesn’t have 500+ stalls means it’s not overwhelming. But you still very much get the Taiwan night market experience.

Linjiang Night Market may not have as much entertainment and other market stalls as Shilin or other bigger markets – but it still has lots of choices AND even some Michelin-recommended stalls.

Some typical dishes here include salt chicken and peanut powder pigs’ blood cakes.

But in reality, you won’t be disappointed with trying anything!

TOP TIP || This is the closest night market to LTL Taipei school. After a long day of studying, why not take a quick 12 minute stroll and explore the market.

Night Markets in Taipei || Nanjichang Night Market

Night Market NameNanjichang Night Market
Chinese Name南機場夜市 nán jīchǎng yèshì
Taipei DistrictWanhua District
AddressLane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
SizeUnknown
Opening Times/Days of the weekEveryday 5pm – 12am

A night market with an interesting history, Nanjichang Night Market is located on an old airstrip used for the Japanese military during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan.

There are also various Japanese government-constructed buildings in this area.

This explains the name. Nanjichang which literally means ‘South Airport’, as Songshan airport was located in the north.

This night market is one of the most famous and best night markets in Taipei to visit, with price being a major factor here, as many agree that Nanjichang is one of the most budget-friendly night markets in Taiwan.

Another thing setting this ‘night market’ aside is that it actually operates throughout the day; morning, noon, and evening. Each of these times offering different experiences!

Due to its smaller and low-key nature, it also doesn’t attract as many chain vendors so you’re in for a pretty local and unique experience.

Another thing setting this night market in Taipei aside from the rest is its offer of Michelin-recommended foods

Night Markets in Taipei || Huaxi Street Night Market (Snake Alley)

Night Market NameHuaxi Street Night Market
Chinese Name華西街夜市 huáxījiē yèshì
Taipei DistrictWanhua District
AddressHuaxi St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 108
SizeUnknown
Opening Times/Days of the weekEveryday 4pm-12am

The Huaxi Street Night Market is also known as Snake Alley.

This is due to its controversial past with various shops serving snake meat.

There would also be performances here where they would kill and cook the snakes live.

Don’t worry, though, these practices were outlawed and the last shop selling this snake meat closed down some years ago now.

Nevertheless, the name has somewhat stuck.

But the food apparently has gotten much better! As of 2019, the whole market received recognition from the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide.

It is located over two blocks and largely covered, and features shops that have been there since the start over 50 years ago.

Walkable distance (500m) from Longshan Temple Taipei Metro station, this market is convenient to access.

It’s also located in Taipei’s oldest district; Wanhua District, which can be a nice place to just walk around.

Although it does have a bad reputation with the locals as this area used to be a red light district before Taiwan outlawed prostitution in the early 2000s.

Food in Taiwan || Top Taiwanese Food You Simply Cannot Miss Thumbnail

Food in Taiwan || Top Taiwanese Food You Simply Cannot Miss

Food in Taiwan is full of flavour and variety. Using a base of noodles and rice, with strong flavours and lots of meat (mainly beef and pork) and fish.

Night Markets in Taipei || Ningxia Street Night Market

Night Market NameNingxia Street Night Market
Chinese Name寧夏夜市 níngxià yèshì
Taipei DistrictDatong
Address103, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 寧夏夜市
SizeUnder 200 stalls (300m)
Opening Times/Days of the weekEveryday 5pm-1am

The people have spoken! In 2015, the government held a vote for the best night market in Taipei.

Ningxia Night Market in Taipei won in several categories, including;

  • “Best Night Market”
  • “Most Delicious Night Market”
  • “Most Charming Night Market”
  • “Most Environmentally Friendly Night Market”
  • “Friendliest Night Market”

So, don’t let its small size put you off.

And if you don’t take our word for it – at least listen to the people! And, of course, Michelin!

DID YOU KNOW || Three stalls in this night market were listed in the Michelin Guide Taipei 2019 Bib Gourmand selection.

It also has an interesting and difficult history including going through a fire before being rebuilt into what it is today.

Night Markets in Taipei || Shida Street Night Market

Night Market NameShida Street Night Market
Chinese Name師大夜市 shīdà yèshì
Taipei DistrictDa’an District
AddressLane 39, Shida Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
SizeUnknown
Opening Times/Days of the weekEveryday 4pm – 11pm

The Shida Street Night Market is located next to National Taiwan Normal University; which in Chinese is quite simply 師大 shīdà.

Located in a student area, you can expect cheaper prices and more of a student vibe; especially around 6-8pm as hungry students finish classes, let off some steam, and fill their bellies.

It also has some popular fashion stores with closes and accessories, and the vibe is pretty trendy and bohemian.

You might also find some interesting businesses here lining the streets or buskers playing music.

Night Markets in Taipei || What To Eat

Since stalls are changing all the time, and everyone’s tastes are different, we didn’t offer a section in this post for the best foods for each market.

Unless they’re Michelin recommended stalls, you’re usually better off trusting your own sights and smell senses.

TOP TIP || As much as you might try to avoid them, look out for those stalls with massive queues. They are typically well worth the wait. Trust the locals!

Nevertheless, if you’ve never been to a night market before, the choice can be overwhelming and daunting.

You may also not understand just quite what you’re looking at.

So, below is a small list of the kinds of choices of food you might find at the Taipei Night Markets.

To help you we’ve included the Chinese name so you can look out for them and find them.

Snack 小吃Chinese Name
Pepper Bun胡椒餅
Barbecued Sausages烤香腸
Braised Duck Tongue紅燒鴨舌
Beef Noodles牛肉麵
Fried Taro Balls炸芋頭球
Guangdong Porridge廣東粥
Fried Chicken炸雞
(Any form of) Pancakes… 餅
Mee Sua (Flour Vermicelli)麵線
Stinky Tofu臭豆腐
Beef Steak牛排
Oyster Omelette蚵仔煎
Oyster Vermicelli蚵仔麵

How many have you tried before? Let us know in the comments below.

Night Markets in Taipei || Michelin Star Food

You may have heard that some night markets in Taiwan offer Michelin-quality foods.

With their tiny price tags, how is this possible?!

Well, this is basically down to Michelin’s Bib Gourmand List.

It’s a list of restaurants that serve amazing dishes with affordable price tags. Basically recognising some of the amazing food you can get that’s actually worth the money you’ll pay.

As of 2023, there are 8 night markets in Taipei and 24 food stalls that are recognised on this list. And out of these 8, three night markets actually include several stalls.

Let’s take a closer look…

Raohe Night Market (4)

  • A Kuo Lu Wei
  • Beef Noodles & Beef Entrails Soup
  • Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup
  • Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun

Linjiang Street Night Market (4)

  • Lo Chi Hsiao Chao
  • Tien Hsiang Stinky Tofu
  • Liang Chi Lu Wei
  • Golden Fried Chicken

Nanjichang Night Market (4)

  • Sung Ching Taiwanese Burrito
  • A Nan Sesame Oil Chicken
  • Stinky Tofu Boss
  • Unnamed Clay Oven Roll

Shilin Night Market (3)

  • Good Friend Cold Noodles
  • Hai Yu Pork Ribs
  • Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao

Ningxia Night Market (3)

  • Fang Chia Shredded Chicken
  • Liu Yu Zi
  • Rong’s Pork Liver

Yansan Night Market (3)

  • Da-Qiao-Tou Tube Rice Pudding
  • Shih Chia Big Rice Ball
  • Cabbage Rice and Pork Rib Soup

Gongguan Night Market (2)

  • Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake
  • Lan Chia Guabao

Huaxi Street Night Market (1)

  • Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake With Pickles in Broth

That concludes our extensive look at the best night markets in Taipei and the surrounding areas.

Night markets are a huge part of Taiwanese culture and if you come to visit one day, we highly recommend you tick off as many of these as possible to get a true flavour of local life (excuse the pun).

Come along to Taipei to study Mandarin with us and discover everything about this amazing little island including the night markets 🤩


Night Markets in Taipei || FAQs

What’s the best night market in Taipei?

Shilin is often regarded as the best night market in Taipei, but in reality, it depends on what you want out of your night market experience.

Ningxia has been regularly voted at the best night market in Taipei.

How many night markets are there in Taipei?

There are around 30 night markets in Taipei.

What time do night markets in Taipei open and close?

Stalls start to set up around 4pm and close as late as 1am or 2am in Taipei.

The busiest time is between 7-10pm.

WHat should you eat at a night market in Taipei?

There is so much to choose from in reality.

We understand this might be a bit daunting!

We’ve made a list of some of our favourites in this blog, with their Chinese name so you can find them easily.

Is there Michelin Star food at the Taipei night markets?

You may have heard that some night markets in Taiwan offer Michelin-quality foods.

With their tiny price tags, how is this possible?!

Well, this is basically down to Michelin’s Bib Gourmand List.

It’s a list of restaurants that serve amazing dishes with affordable price tags.

Basically recognising some of the amazing food you can get that’s actually worth the money you’ll pay.

As of 2023, there are 8 night markets in Taipei and 24 food stalls that are recognised on this list. And out of these 8, three night markets actually include several stalls.

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  1. Where to eat and drink in Taipei, Taiwan (2023) – Travel Up
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    […] One experience that most foodies usually include in their itinerary is a visit to a night market (or two) for unique eats. In fact, there are almost 70 night markets in Taiwan, with around 30 based in Taipei alone, which you can read more about in this ultimate guide to Taipei Night Markets. […]

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    […] One expertise that almost all foodies often embrace of their itinerary is a go to to an evening market (or two) for distinctive eats. In actual fact, there are virtually 70 evening markets in Taiwan, with round 30 primarily based in Taipei alone, which you’ll be able to learn extra about on this final information to Taipei Evening Markets. […]