Taiwan is a land of vibrant culture and culinary delights, and nothing showcases this better than its famous night markets. These bustling markets offer a feast for the senses, each with its own dazzling array of street food, shops, and entertainment. When traveling through Taiwan, visiting at least one night market is a great way to get an idea of local family-oriented nightlife. Here are five of the top night markets in Taiwan that you won’t want to miss, along with the exotic flavors you should look for in each.
Traveler’s Tip: Night markets in Taiwan predominantly sell small snacks. The best way to enjoy the greatest amount of snack without filling up too quickly is by ordering single servings and sharing each portion with friends or fellow travelers.
Keelung Night Market in Ren’ai District, Keelung City
Northern Taiwan’s Most Delicious Port Night Market
Keelung Night Market is located in one of Taiwan’s rainiest port cities, Keelung City. The market is located only a few blocks away from Keelung’s Inner Harbor and Keelung Train Station, making it a reasonably easy destination for individual travelers to reach. Due to its proximity to Keelung Harbor, the seafood here is as fresh as can be.
Inside the market, over 200 food stands offer what some food experts remark as “the largest variety of dishes in the whole of Taiwan”. The market is home to a variety of classic night market snacks. Standouts include charcoal-cooked glazed fruit skewers, and a large variety of fresh seafood.
Ningxia Night Market in Datong District, Taipei City
Taipei’s Neighborhood Night Market
Ningxia Night Market is one of the oldest and most traditional night markets in Taipei. The market is relatively small compared to some of Taipei’s other markets, but it’s packed with food vendors offering a wide variety of authentic no-frills snacks and dishes. Over the years, several of the market’s stalls have been honored by the Michelin Guide, including Yuan Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette (2023) and Fang Chia Shredded Chicken With Rice (2019).
Some of the other must-try items at Ningxia Night Market include classics like oyster omelet, fried chicken cutlets, and peanut soup. In the middle of the market, one can find a number of Taiwanese staple dishes such as braised pork rice, beef noodle soup, and stinky tofu, and a famous sesame noodle shop located right in the middle of the market. On the southern side of the market, there is a range of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
The market opens in the evening and runs until just before midnight. It’s a great spot to soak up the local culture in a non-touristy setting and try some of the best street food Taipei has to offer.
Raohe Night Market in Songshan District, Taipei City
Night Market With the Best Eats in Taipei
Raohe Night Market, located in Songshan District, is Taipei’s second famous and second biggest night market after Shilin Night Market. Unlike Shilin Night Market, Raohe is usually visited by locals and food pilgrims from Taipei’s suburbs. The market is known for its historic buildings and delicious food stalls, local favorites include the black pepper buns and stinky tofu.
Raohe Night Market is unique in that both sides of the market are home to multiple massage parlors and the streets surrounding the market offer many more options including Thai massage and Tui-na style massages. Just across from the night market’s eastern entrance is the 270-year-old Mazu-worshiping Songshan Ciyou Temple. A few steps further, the Songshan Station offers an easy MRT connection. Like most other night markets, a large section of the market is dedicated to vendors selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Zhongli Night Market in Zhongli District, Taoyuan County
A Truly Local Night Market
Zhongli Night Market, located in Central Zhongli, is unique in that the night market’s location is actually a busy thoroughfare during the day. Each evening around 5 PM, the street shuts down and vendors begin to set up their stalls along three main rows. The crowds are mostly local and students from the nearby universities form a large percentage of the market’s visitors.
While it has no particular highlight, this night market is an excellent example of a night market that exists simply because there is a demand for it, and not to offer tourists another destination. Zhongli Night Market is known for its complete selection of Taiwanese street food. All of the classics are available, including grilled meats and seafood, as well as traditional Taiwanese snacks like stinky tofu and oyster omelets. As with other night markets, you’ll also find shops selling clothing, accessories, and household goods.
Feng Chia Night Market in Xitun District, Taichung City
Taiwan’s Most Innovative Night Market
Located in Taichung, nearby Feng Chia University, Feng Chia Night Market famous for its size and popularity with youngsters. The market is known for its trendy fashion and accessories shops, as well as its delicious and innovative street food. While classic dishes are available here, this is one of the best places in Taiwan to try out new variations on traditional snacks. The market is also home to numerous stores selling athletic apparel from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour.
Ruifeng Night Market in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Kaohsiung’s Foodie Paradise
Ruifeng Night Market is home to hundreds of stalls arranged in 20-something rows. As one of Kaohsiung’s biggest night markets, this is a great destination for pioneering foodies. It is known for its wide variety of street food, including seafood, grilled meats, and local delicacies like papaya milk and taro balls. There are also shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. One of the highlights of Ruifeng Night Market is its large outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy your food and soak up the lively atmosphere. The market is especially popular on weekends, when it can get quite crowded.
