Top 5 Night Markets in Taipei (w/Plant-Based Options Too!)
My visit to Taiwan was relatively short, but it left a big impression. My friend Ashley and I were on our way to Thailand and had a 12-hour layover at the Taipei airport.
Instead of waiting around in the airport all night (since everything was closed), we decided to add another country to our list and explore Taipei’s famous night markets.
Despite almost losing my passport while getting through customs (whoops), I’m so happy we made that call. Taiwan is a beautiful country with a plethora of things to do and places of incredible natural beauty. We were also fortunate because that night in Taiwan was the night of their annual Lantern Festival.
Ashley and I hopped in a cab and headed straight for the Taipei night markets. These markets are the embodiment of pure Taiwanese culture.
If you do a quick Google search for how many night markets in Taiwan, you’ll come across hundreds! While visiting this country, you will be amazed at the vast variety of food selections (literally 100s of different options!) and get the whole experience of Taiwan street food.
If you’ve got a short visit to Taiwan as well, here is a list of the top 5 Taipei Night Markets! Even though I wasn’t a plant-based eater at the time, I’ve added some vegan & vegetarian options you’ll find, too!
1. Shilin Night Market
First on the list is the world-famous Shilin Night Market. This market is in the Shilin District of Taipei and is the largest and most renowned night market in Taiwan.
It originates back in 1899 and has grown to over 500 food vendors alone! It is often the most crowded market, so prepare to be shoulder to shoulder with many people!
Feel free to wander and get lost in the smells of the food and the smiles of local people. Make sure you come hungry, so you can try all the unique dishes here.
This market is famously known for its creative desserts and sweet, tasty treats. You’ll find crazy cakes in the shape of a penis and fun milkshakes like papaya milk.
The most popular recommended food at the Shilin Night Market is the Oyster Omelet which consists of a thick, fluffy omelet filled with small oysters.
Plant-Based options include braised tofu, grilled corn, grilled king oyster mushrooms, sweet potato balls, and stinky tofu fries.
Want a guided tour of Shilin Night Market? Be sure to check out:
2-Hour Shilin Night Market Walking Tour With a Private Tour Guide
from: Viator, A Tripadvisor Company
2. Raohe Night Market
This night market is listed as Taipei’s second most popular night market. It’s much smaller but still packs a powerful punch when it comes to the food scene.
Some things you absolutely must check out are the Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns at the east end entrance. Here, you’ll watch the cooks put on quite the show.
Plant-Based options include fried potato spirals, stinky tofu, Dorayaki with a matcha filling, and even boba milk tea (just substitute for soy or coconut milk).
Also, for plant-based eaters, check out Shi Boss Spicy Tofu! It’s an award-winning Taipei street food stall known for its delicious spicy tofu served with pickled vegetables.
Taipei Night Market Tour (Mandarin/English)
from: Viator, A Tripadvisor Company
Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience
from: Viator, A Tripadvisor Company
Taipei Street Food & Night Market Tour with a Local: Private & Custom
from: Viator, A Tripadvisor Company
3. Ningxia Night Market
An even smaller night market with incredible foodie vibes. People don’t mind getting up close and personal with each other to explore the narrow walkway of food selections.
Ningxia is located by the historic Dadaocheng and Dihua Street. It’s a great neighborhood to wander and see Taipei’s photography and art along the street.
This is a great short and sweet night market option if you’ve only got a short amount of time in the city. This market is famously known for its seafood, especially the oyster stalls. It’s also known for its monstrous mochi balls!
For plant-based eaters, you’ll find a few tofu and veggie options. Check out Taipei’s famous Strawberry Milk or even Avocado Milk! You can substitute the dairy milk for soy or coconut milk.
Unsure about eating street food? Check out my post on preventing food poisoning.
4. Tonghua Night Market
This Taipei night market is famously known as the “local hot spot” and where you’ll get a more authentic feel of what the food is like in Taiwan.
You’ll find classic dishes of prominent Taiwanese cuisine- original recipes that haven’t changed in decades. This night market is known for its stinky tofu bowls, Chinese herbal soup, and squid stew.
If you’re down to try a unique dessert shop, try Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan. This shop specializes in binghuo “frozen fire” tangyuan, gooey rice filled with peanut paste on top of shaved ice.
For plant-based eaters, be sure to try the stinky tofu bowls! You’ll also find a few vegetarian stalls on the west side of the market.
5. Huaxi Night Market (aka Snake Alley)
Located in Taiwan’s former red-light district, this world-famous night market is named after its former practice of formulating snake meat dishes and snake blood shots.
In Taipei’s early days, it contained restaurants that served all kinds of thrilling dishes. Is anyone in the mood for turtle blood or deer penis wine?
While this (thankfully) is no longer practiced due to animal rights activists, it’s still an interesting place to explore. It’s mainly for tourists now, but it used to be the hub of Taipei’s nightlife.
You will find stinky tofu options and some vegetable dishes for plant-based alternatives.
If you’re heading to Taipei, I hope you have a wonderful time, and be sure to wear some stretchy pants! Need to save this post for later? PIN ME!
