士林夜市

We wanted to fully immerse ourselves in Taiwanese culture, so we visited the Shilin Night Market in search of plant-based native foods. We tried the grilled king oyster mushrooms, which were absolutely delicious, and the sweet potato balls, which were light and fluffy. We were daring enough to try The stinky tofu even though while we were waiting in line for about 30 minutes, we watched the vendor prepare several batches. While the odor during cooking was quite pungent, the tofu itself was surprisingly mild and flavorful once eaten. The addition of shredded cabbage and the sauce made all the difference. We also enjoyed the spicy cold noodles, which were tasty and refreshing, and ended our night with candied fruit on a stick, also known as tanghulu — sweet, colorful, and a perfect treat to finish our foodie adventure. Shilin Night Market is crowded, vibrant, energetic, and a must visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic Taiwanese street food and culture

I went to Shilin Night Market and it felt like one of the busiest and most energetic places I experienced in the city. The scale of it is quite large, and from the moment you arrive, there is a constant flow of people, lights, and sounds all around you. What stood out to me was how much variety there is. The market is not just about food, there are also clothing stalls, small shops, and game areas, which makes it feel more like a full night experience rather than just a place to eat. You can easily spend a few hours here without getting bored. The food is definitely a big part of the attraction. There are countless options, from classic Taiwanese street snacks to more filling dishes. It is a great place to try different things, especially if you like to sample a bit of everything instead of sticking to one meal. At the same time, the crowds are something to be prepared for. It can get very packed, especially in the evening, and moving through certain sections can take time. It feels more chaotic compared to smaller night markets, but that is also part of its character. I also noticed that some areas are more organized than others, with certain sections dedicated to food while others focus more on shopping. Once you get familiar with the layout, it becomes easier to navigate. Overall, I think this is a must visit if you want to experience a large and lively night market in Taipei. It is busy, loud, and a bit overwhelming at times, but that is exactly what makes it memorable.

Shilin Night Market is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, and it truly feels like a paradise for street food lovers. The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by endless food stalls offering everything from crispy fried chicken steak to bubble tea, grilled seafood, and unique Taiwanese snacks. The variety is incredible, and it’s the perfect place to try local flavors all in one spot. One of the highlights is the famous Taiwanese fried chicken cutlet—huge, crispy, and full of flavor. There are also plenty of adventurous options like stinky tofu, which is a must-try if you want the full experience. The market is divided into outdoor street stalls and an underground food court area, making it easy to explore regardless of the weather. Prices are generally affordable, so you can try many different foods without spending too much. It does get extremely crowded, especially at night and on weekends, so be prepared for a lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. But that’s part of the charm. Overall, Shilin Night Market is a must-visit if you want to experience authentic Taiwanese street food culture. 👉 Check my profile for more travel tips and deals.

What a huge area!! There are games, food stalls, and retail shops everywhere, with so many options to choose from. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great place to walk around, explore, and enjoy the local vibe. Definitely worth a visit!

My favourite night market in Taipei, the chicken at the Hot star stall alone is worth the trip but don’t eat it first or you’ll be full. Warning: Do not eat at the teppanyaki restaurant closest to Hot Star chicken. The large menu shows Porterhouse and Tenderloin steak and if you choose them, you will get what they call “similar” and it will be fake injected wagyu and some other horrible meat I wouldn’t feed my dog. See posted pic attached of the place. The consolation were the lovely friends we met and ate with who were so nice and changed USD to Taiwan dollars for us because the place only accepts taiwan cash. They need a visit from the health department.