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Night Market King
1-3th in Taipei
Ningxia Night Market
Located between Minsheng West Road and Nanjing West Road in Taipei, Ningxia Night Market is a street of gastronomical fun that extends a few hundred meters long. It was even named the most convenient, delicious, charming, people- and environment-friendly night market in Taipei. There are myriads of street food for you to explore, including deep-fried taro balls, oyster omelettes, freshly squeezed juice, and many more. Some historic eateries surrounding the night market are also worth a try such as Tofu Pudding Shop, Shuanglian Sweet Rice Ball, Shuanglian Duck and Xianglian Teppanyaki. Liu’s Taro Ball is an all-time crowd magnet. Stuffed with pork floss and salted egg yolk, these deep-fried taro balls are flavorful yet not overly greasy. If you want to try some tasty omelettes topped with a generous serving of fresh, briny, plump oysters, make your way to Laiji and Yuanhuanbian. To put a sweet end to your gastronomical scavenger hunt, a visit to Daqiaotou Xiangji is necessary, where the chewy, sticky rice cake (mochi) is rolled in the fragrant peanut powder and makes a perfect dessert to finish off a street food feast. Make sure you try some “hot mochi ice” here as the indescribable sensation of hot and cold mixing together will only leave you asking for more!
Shilin Night Market
Night markets are an essential part of Taiwanese culture and have been a longstanding tradition in the country. A trip to Taiwan would not be complete without a visit to one of these bustling markets. One of the most renowned night markets in Taipei is the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市), conveniently located near the Jiantan MRT station. Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) is divided into two main sections. The first section is a multi-level building with a food court on the bottom floor and various stalls offering a wide array of food, fresh produce, souvenirs, clothes, and accessories. The food court is a lively hub of activity, offering an abundance of delicious options such as deep-fried chicken steaks, stir-fried cuttlefish, and oyster omelettes. The second section spans several blocks and is home to a variety of vendors selling local delicacies like Shilin big sausages, Shanghai pan-fried buns, and lemon aiyu jelly. After indulging in these delectable treats, visitors can explore the diverse range of shops offering an array of fashion and accessories. While Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) is one of the largest in Taipei, it is not the preferred choice for most locals. The market is often crowded with tourists, and the food and prices may be disappointing. Additionally, the relocation of vendors indoors and the influx of Chinese tourists have led to a decline in variety and quality. For a more authentic experience and a wider selection of local cuisine, visitors may want to consider exploring Ningxia Night Market and Yansan Night Market. Those looking for a fashion night market should visit Shida Night Market. Happy shopping and dining!
Raohe Street Tourist Night Market
This little gem of a night market happens to be one of our favorites as well as one of the oldest in the Taipei area. As with many night markets in the country, a temple serves as the backdrop to this street of gastronomical fun. Whether as a pre-meal warmup or digestive workout, Ciyou Temple offers six richly decorate levels to explore and a good place to take in the sights of Songshan District. By other Taiwanese night market standards, Raohe Street Tourist Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市) is rather small, occupying approximately 600 meters along a single street. Don't be fooled by its relatively short length, as the delicious food offerings are what attract locals and tourists alike. Specialties such as black pepper cake (胡椒餅 - hújiāo bǐng), medicinal pork rib soup (藥燉排骨 - yàodùn páigǔ), and Mama Lin's Sesame Oil Chicken (林媽媽麻油雞 - lín māma má yóujī) bring foodies back time and again. While night markets are not known for their comfort, Raohe offers a special treat for curious explorers. Take any alley off the main street to head behind the market and you'll find a tall wall running along the road. Look for a sign marking the location of the Rainbow Bridge, which is where you can cross over to the riverside park. Here you'll be greeted with a dreamy night view of the Keelung River (基隆河- Jīlóng hé) and the illuminated bridge, which is the perfect spot to enjoy your night market treats and unwind after a fun-filled day in the city. Little do many know that night markets are administered by organizing committees of local residents. What can be sold, where vendors may setup shop, who (among the very long list of hopeful entrepreneurs) may open a new stall, how many security personnel are needed – this is all a tightly controlled operation. Can you spot the mascot of this night market? Look at the banner of the entrance to the market and notice the image of an owl. The owl is symbolic of the nature of night markets, but we won't give you all the answers right away. See if you can make sense of it!
4-6th in Taipei
South Airport Night Market
In Taipei, popular night markets are usually for sightseeing, but not an ideal place to enjoy a meal as the food are mostly disappointing and in unreasonable price. For those who are looking for some unfeigned delicious street foods, they might want to pay a visit to South Airport Night Market in Wanhua District. Visitors would find the atmosphere of middle and south Taiwan here without taking a single step out from Taipei downtown - stall’s owners here are still capable to communicate in Min Nanm (閩南語). Nevertheless, not only foreigners, but also a considerable portion of locals do not even know the place. Though this recommended night market takes a distance away from a MRT station, it is absolutely worth for people had visited Taiwan for several times and nearby residents to make a visit. It is notable that although the term ‘airport’ is included in its name, this place is neither located in Songshan District nor neighboring an airport, as it simply adapted the century-old name. During Japanese-ruling period, Japanese army set up its military airport here. Later on, after Nationalist Government retreated to Taiwan, the area was rebuilt into military dependents’ village and public housing. Because of the huge number of population moving and residing nearby, little by little, it slowly develops into a place currently known as ‘South Airport Night Market’.It is probably one of the smallest night markets you could ever see in Taipei, but what you find at every corner inside is finger-licking delicacies. For example, Shannei Chicken (山內雞肉) at the entrance serves chicken on ice with its unique saucing; Anan Sesame Oil Chicken (阿男麻油雞) is always long-queued in winter; regard of their high price, Stinky Tofu Boss (臭老闆現蒸臭豆腐) serves a real-smelly (which is indicator of a “good” stinky tofu) and good one in soup; dumpling shops from military dependents’ village attracts gourmet afar to here for its fame; papaya milk is everyone’s favorite drink during hot summer. Either for people used to eat while walking or have no idea how to chew without a seat, they could always find a stall they see fit to enjoy.The night market is surrounded by old public housing, providing a living landscape of overcrowding living environment in past Taipei. Raising your head, worn iron windows and balconies full of hanged clothes would enter the sight; walking in the alley connecting streets, the space flooded with parked scooters, mailboxes and spiral staircases you are in is a favored scene for directors and photographers.
Linjiang Street Night Market
For tourists visiting Taipei for the first time, Taipei 101, which used to be the tallest building in the world, cannot be missed. Neither can the rich culture of Taiwanese night markets. Ever since the Xinyi MRT line came into operation, it has been even easier to visit Taipei 101 and Linjiang Street Night Market (which used to be called Tonghua Night Market, 通化夜市), situated less than one MRT stop away from Taipei 101. Many foreigners and tourists walk to this nearby night market to enjoy their dinner after watching the sunset on the observation deck of Taipei 101. Although Linjiang Street Night Market is not as famous as Shilin Night Market, at least you won’t find stalls that rip off tourists here. Although it is not as full of character as Raohe Street Night Market, it still successfully captures the atmosphere of normal people’s lives in this highly developed urban city. Although the clothes stalls are not as popular as Shida Night Market, you are sure to find some quirky accessories among the goods on sale. And although the Taiwanese snack foods are not as “local” as those you might find at Yansan Night Market, there is even more choice of delicacies here. Linjiang Street Night Market extends 400 meters, from Keelung Road to Anhe Road. Even though it is not very big, at least you won’t get lost wandering along this stretch of road! If you are coming from the direction of Keelung Road, the first thing you see will be a long queue of customers waiting for Shanghai Fried Pork Buns (上海生煎包). Then you will see mobile phone accessories and clothes shops, before coming across a whole row of steakhouses. Because the price is not high, the quality of the meat is nothing more than ordinary. But you are provided with the unique experience of savoring a flat iron steak on the street, which is probably only possible in Taiwan! Yakou Steak (雅口牛排), which also sells stinky tofu, is definitely up to standard in the Taipei region. The back part of the street also has many food stalls, and you will probably even see “old grandma” with her dedicated thick makeup selling Angelica pork knuckle noodles (當歸豬腳麵線). Also there, you can find Liangji Braised Dishes (梁記滷味), for which you will probably need to queue 30 minutes before you get your dish. At the end of the street, you can find Dahua Sausages (大花香腸), of which there are many flavors. But the place most recommended for good food is also the one that most people queue for, salt chicken (鹽水雞), which doesn’t have a signboard and is situated in front of the Qingdao Soy Milk shop (青島豆漿店). After you pick which vegetables you want, the boss combines your choice with chicken, scallions and seasoning, before mixing it up and giving it to you in a plastic bag. Trust us, this delicious combination even makes eating out of a plastic bag memorably tasty!
Shida Night Market
Shida Night Market (師大夜市), named after the nearby teachers college, is a popular spot for young adults, particularly those with a penchant for fashion. Unlike other night markets in Taiwan, Shida Night Market (師大夜市) is primarily focused on trendy shopping and delicious food rather than games and rides. It has become the go-to eating and shopping area for students of Shida. The night market offers a wide array of trendy and affordable clothing options, making it a great place to discover the latest fashion trends in Taiwan. While the food choices may have become more limited due to government regulations, Shida Night Market (師大夜市) still offers famous luwei stalls, pan-fried buns, and various cold beverage vendors. Additionally, nearby restaurants like Out of India and KGB Kiwi Gourmet Burgers provide plenty of options to satisfy post-shopping cravings. Shida Night Market (師大夜市) is conveniently located near the Taipower Building MRT Station, making it easily accessible to visitors. Overall, Shida Night Market (師大夜市) is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the vibrant atmosphere, trendy fashion, and delicious food that define the night market culture in Taiwan.
7-9th in Taipei
Huaxi Street Night Market
Huaxi Street Night Market is too famous among foreign visitors. Maybe you know more about the blocks than I do. This is the first market aiming at tourists in Taiwan. This market probably has hundreds of years of history. The location, Wanhua (Manka), used to be the third largest port in Taiwan, second to Tainan and Lukang. After the tourism business prevailed in Taiwan, Huaxi night market lost its prime time, but it is still a popular one because the most famous temple in Taipei, Manka Longshan Temple, is right next to the market. The most famous food here is of course the snake and softshell meals. People are saying that these foods are good for defying the poison in human body. Except for the not-so-loved-now exotic snake soup, there are also many other delicacies here. Oyster omelet can be found elsewhere, but according to my tongue, they are all different in texture and taste. The famous Danzi noodles are also originated here. Many Japanese are fond of the food. There are also bowl rice cake from Tainan, jelly with lemonade, and wine shrimps. You probably won’t go wrong finding food for most restaurants here have lasted for more than thirty years. After visiting Longshan temple and many other temples around the area, Huaxi Night Market is the best final destination of your day.
Jingmei Night Market
In Taipei where the prices of land and housing are high, night markets have a different operation mode from traditional ones of early Taiwan. Whether it is Shilin Night Market or Raohe Street Night Market, their lack of hospitality and uniqueness is obvious, not to mention the food. Located in the area far from downtown, Jingmei Night Market does not have the issues of excessive rent rise or resident protest that would force vendors of traditional cuisine to move away or agree with certain compromises. These vendors have gathered here for years and accumulated numerous loyal customers. Many of them often wait in lines just for a taste of delicacies, such as Shanghai Pan-fried Bun (上海生煎包), Mama Goose Soup Noodles (鵝媽媽切仔麵), Tseng’s Sesame Oil Chicken (景美曾家麻油雞) and Achang Thin Noodles (阿昌麵線). Despite people waiting in lines, Jingmei Night Market has fewer crowds than downtown area, allowing visitors to stroll comfortably. Notwithstanding the nice food, youngsters might have less fun of shopping here as the common styles are close to those mostly favoured by elder women. However, its convenient location near MRT station enables foreign visitors to get a better understanding of the culture of traditional Taiwanese night market.
Yansan Night Market
For people in Taipei, it's evident that Shilin Night Market is for tourists, while Shida Night Market is for young girls to buy clothes. If you want to enjoy authentic Taiwanese snacks at the downtown, and you want a convenient place where you can reach just by stepping out of an MRT station, you should visit Yansan Night Market at the Daqiaotou Station on the Orange Line. In the paradise of delicacies only known to the locals in Taipei, you see no groups of foreign visitors. Nor can you see restaurants with fancy decor. What greets your eyes are middle-aged men wearing blue-white rubber flip-flops (藍白拖) and white tank tops. Sitting in a veranda, they are enjoying sticky tofu and huazhigeng (squid thick soup, 花枝羹). You may also see women riding a scooter stop in front of stalls for takeaways. In this modest night market, there are three delicacies that you must not miss out: fried noodles, guabao (steamed sandwich, 刈包), and mochi ice (麻糬冰). Fried noodles is a common delicacy enjoyed all over Taiwan. But the eatery established in 1961, Chaomian Zhuanjia (Master of Fried Noodles in Mandarin, 炒麵專家) does not perform the fancy tricks usually seen in other eateries. Cooks in Chaomian Zhuanjia do not flip food on blazing flames. Instead, before scooping out the noodles, they add broth into the wok and put a lid on it so as to simmer the noodles, which then absorb the fragrance of the broth. Although the ingredients they use are simple, every night the eatery is brimming with food aficionados. The fragrant, chewy noodles leave the guests with such an unforgettable impression. Moreover, the guabao offered in Taipei Bridge Luroufan (台北橋魯肉飯) features a rich aroma. Inside the guabao, fatty pork belly and fine peanut powder go perfectly well with coriander. But nothing is more special than the mochi ice provided by Xiangji Pure Sugar Mochi (祥記純糖麻糬). The cooks add pieces of steaming hand-made mochi into soft creamy shaved ice. Doused with milk and sprinkled with peanut powder, the dish blends ice and heat, making people wonder why the fantastic dessert is only available here.
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🇨🇦Edith
Private Charter in Northern Taiwan
Joseph was an excellent guide for our family. We appreciated his wealth of knowledge about each place we visited and learned quite some interesting facts and historical details about Taiwan. Everyone of us enjoyed yesterday's tour despite the rain. Joseph's attention to detail and patience for the kids were amazing as well. Thank you for helping us arrange such a great guide!
🇩🇪Larissa Penner
Hualien Charter + River Rafting
The whole experience with Joseph and the Taiwan team was well organized. We felt safe in his hands and really appreciated the thorough planning and knowledge during the trip. He made a lot of effort to ensure my elderly father and young child were comfortable. The car was clean and the routes were efficient. Would definitely book again for a multi-generation trip.
🇺🇸Vivian Chung
Private Charter in Eastern Taiwan
Tony was a wonderful guide! He was really kind and was so knowledgeable about all of the places we visited. He made sure we felt safe, adjusted the itinerary as he saw fit, and also honed in on our needs. He made the tour easy and enjoyable for the elders in our family and encouraged us to get as many pictures as possible.
🇺🇸Amelita Escudero
Private Charter in Central Taiwan
We had a great driver and very accommodating, friendly, well-informed guide. He was clear and took our suggestions before customizing our stops to better optimize our day. It is so easy on our minds to follow a plan and trust the recommendations that made the most sense for what we wanted. If you are planning to visit Taiwan for a group or family trip, this is a great service to book. Even for small hiccups, we had a great journey with them.
🇺🇸Nemanja Djuric
Private Charter in North Coast Taiwan
John Chang was amazing! He was very polite, calm, and knowledgeable, and made things so flexible for us. He gave good advice on the route and helped manage time well. He even took some pictures for us and gave restaurant recommendations. Super easy to work with and fun to coordinate. Thanks John!