What are the best night markets to visit in Taipei?

Shilin Night Market is the largest and best for food and shopping. Raohe Night Market is recommended for foodies, and Ningxia Night Market is great for traditional local treats.

Do Taipei night markets accept credit cards?

Most stalls only accept cash (New Taiwan Dollar). It is highly recommended to bring plenty of cash and small change before visiting.

How much does street food cost in Taipei?

Most snacks range from NT$20 to NT$100 (approx. $0.60 to $3.00 USD). Larger items like Giant Squid or Cube Steak may cost up to NT$200.

How do I order food if I don't speak Chinese?

You can simply point at the item you want and say 'Zhe-ge yi-ge' (This one, please). Many popular stalls also have menus with pictures.

What is the most unique food to try in Taiwan?

Stinky Tofu is a must-try unique dish. It has a strong smell but a savory taste. Fried Stinky Tofu is recommended for beginners.

Taipei Night Market Food Guide: Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods & Prices

If you're wondering what to eat at the night markets, a must-visit course for any trip to Taiwan, look no further. We've selected the top 10 most popular menu items for travelers among the countless Taipei night market foods, complete with price information.

Raohe Night Market

Tips Before Visiting Night Markets

Top 3 Taipei Night Markets

Shilin Night Market: The largest and most famous night market, perfect if you want to enjoy food, shopping, and entertainment all in one place.
Raohe Night Market: Highly recommended if you want to focus solely on food. It is a gastronomic hub packed with famous food stalls.
Ningxia Night Market: A great place to visit if you want to taste traditional foods favored by locals.

Essential Prep & Tips

Bring Plenty of Cash: Most stalls at night markets only accept cash. It's best to prepare plenty of Taiwan Dollars (NT$) to try a variety of foods.
Simple Ordering Method: If there is no menu or there is a language barrier, simply point to the food you want and say "Zhe-ge yi-ge" (這個一個, This one, please) to order easily.
Bring Wet Wipes: Your hands can easily get messy while tasting various finger foods. Bringing a small pack of wet wipes is very convenient for keeping your hands clean.

Don't Miss Out! Top 10 Taipei Night Market Foods

Cube Steak

Bite-sized beef cubes quickly grilled with a torch on a hot iron plate or grill. The spectacular fire show is a bonus, and it's a popular menu item that captivates the taste buds of everyone, regardless of age.

Price: Approx. NT$120 ~ 200 ($3.70 ~ $6.20 USD)

Cube Steak

Ji Pai (Fried Chicken Cutlet)

Ji Pai is a Taiwanese-style chicken cutlet made by flattening and frying a chicken breast. It features an overwhelming size, famously known as "bigger than your face," and a crispy batter. It is usually sprinkled with spicy seasoning to balance the grease and add a savory kick, making it a perfect match for beer.

Price: Approx. NT$80 ~ 100 ($2.50 ~ $3.10 USD)

Ji Pai (Fried Chicken Cutlet)

Pepper Bun (Hu Jiao Bing)

Also called "Pepper Bun," this is made by sticking buns to the inner wall of a hot clay oven to bake. The outside is crispy, while the inside is filled with juicy minced pork and green onions with a peppery aroma. Be careful as the hot juice bursts out when you take a bite.

Price: Approx. NT$60 ($1.85 USD)

Hu Jiao Bing (Pepper Bun)

Fried Giant Squid

A street food where a whole chubby squid is deep-fried intact or cut into bite-sized pieces. It features chewy squid covered in crispy batter, and you typically sprinkle your choice of seasoning such as salt, pepper, or chili powder.

Price: Approx. NT$150 ~ 200 ($4.60 ~ $6.20 USD)

Fried Giant Squid

Scallion Pancake (Cong Zhua Bing)

A Taiwanese pancake made by layering dough with green onions and grilling it on an iron plate. It is characterized by a crispy outside and a chewy, flaky inside. While delicious on its own, it is commonly eaten with added toppings like eggs, cheese, or ham. It's hearty enough to serve as a meal substitute.

Price: Base approx. NT$30 ($0.90 USD) + Toppings NT$10~20

Cong Zhua Bing

Fried Milk

A unique dessert made by freezing condensed milk batter and frying it, creating a texture that is crispy on the outside and soft like milk pudding on the inside. It is sweet and soft, suiting the tastes of both children and adults.

Price: Approx. NT$20 ~ 30 ($0.60 ~ $0.90 USD) per skewer

Fried Milk

Tanghulu (Candied Fruit)

A street dessert made by hardening sugar syrup on fresh fruits like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and grapes. The combination of the crispy, shiny sugar coating and the freshness of the fruit makes it a great after-meal snack.

Price: Approx. NT$50 ~ 80 ($1.55 ~ $2.50 USD)

Tanghulu

Stinky Tofu

A fermented tofu dish famous for its unique and strong aroma. Although opinions are divided due to the smell, many people get addicted once they taste it. If you are trying it for the first time, we recommend the fried stinky tofu, which is crispy and eaten with sauce.

Price: Approx. NT$60 ~ 80 ($1.85 ~ $2.50 USD)

Stinky Tofu

Bubble Tea (Pearl Milk Tea)

A world-famous drink that originated in Taiwan. The harmony of rich milk tea and chewy tapioca pearls is perfect for balancing the greasiness of night market food. There are various brands, and you can adjust the sugar level and amount of ice.

Price: Approx. NT$50 ~ 70 ($1.55 ~ $2.20 USD)

Bubble Tea

Peanut Ice Cream Roll

A dessert made by shaving a block of peanut candy with a plane over a thin crepe, adding two scoops of ice cream, and rolling it up with cilantro (coriander). If you don't want cilantro, please say "Bu-yao xiang-cai" (不要香菜, No cilantro) when ordering.

Price: Approx. NT$50 ~ 60 ($1.55 ~ $1.85 USD)

Peanut Ice Cream Roll

So far, we have looked at the top 10 representative Taipei night market foods that you shouldn't miss. From savory dishes to sweet desserts, tasting street food is one of the great pleasures of traveling in Taiwan. Use this guide to make unforgettable memories with delicious food at the lively Taipei night markets.