As we wandered through the vibrant streets of Ximending, the heart of Taipei’s youth culture, we were surrounded by bright neon lights, trendy shops, and the mouth-watering aroma of Taiwanese street food. Every corner buzzed with energy — from locals chatting over bubble tea to tourists hunting for the best bites in town.
Our first stop? The legendary Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (θ±ͺ倧倧ιζ) — one of the most famous street foods in Taipei and an absolute must-try in Ximending! π
Although Hot-Star has expanded internationally (with many branches in the Philippines as of 2025), eating it **right here in Taiwan** is a special experience. The atmosphere, the freshness, the sheer size of that chicken chop — it all hits differently.
On our visit to the original Ximending location, the line was long but moved fast. The smell of freshly fried chicken was absolutely irresistible. Each piece was literally bigger than our faces — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. One order can easily feed two or three people!
π 2025 Update & Menu Highlights
Hot-Star started at Shilin Night Market in 1992 and has grown into a global favorite — yet many travelers agree: nothing beats the original Taiwanese street-stall flavour.
π½ Typical Menu Items & Prices (Ximending location, approximate)
XXL Large Fried Chicken Chop – the flagship item. Approx. NT$70 (~₱130) for the original version.
Fried Snacks & Sides - Approx. NT$60 (~₱110) each.
Boneless Chicken Nuggets
Shutter Bean Curd
Deep Fried Squid Rings
Tempura
Tainan Fried Shrimp Winding
Taiwanese Fried King Oyster Mushroom
Fried Scallop and Squid Balls
Fried Sweet Potato Strip
Crispy Fried Fries
Flavour Variations – spice/dust options (chilli powder, 5-spice seasoning) available, usually included in price.
They also have their own variations of fresh drinks such
Fresh Passion Fruit Kanten
Honey & Pomelo Tea
Tie Guan Yin Tea Roses
Fresh Pineapple & Orange Tea
and the very popular Balsam Pear Juice with Honey
Dried Longa, Red Dates and Wolfberry Brown Sugar Tea
Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea
Dried Rose and Four Brown Sugar Tea
Dried Osmanthus Brown Sugar Tea
Dried Longan Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea
Brown Sugar Pomelo Lemon
π Quick Info
- π Location: No. 2, Lane 8, Emei St., Wanhua District, Taipei City (near Ximen MRT Exit 6) – Ximending area
- π° Price: Approx. NT$70 for the main chicken chop (2025 estimate)
- π Best Time: Late afternoon to evening (4:00 PM – 10:00 PM) when the market is most active
- π§ Serving size: One piece is very large — good for sharing if you have more food ahead
π‘ Travel Tips
- π₯ Eat it while hot! The crispy coating softens quickly once it cools.
- π΅ Most stalls are cash-only — bring NT$ bills or small change.
- πΈ Great photo-op: show the size relative to your face or phone for the “bigger-than-your-face” effect.
- πΉ If you’re doing a food crawl, share one order among two or three so you have room for the next snack!
π The father-figure among Taiwanese street food, the Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken, isn’t just a meal — it’s part of the Ximending Night Market experience. Crispy, juicy, oversized, and wildly popular — it’s something you’ll remember long after the trip is over.
π Ready to explore more in Ximending?
Full of bold flavours and late-night delights, Ximending is a street food playground. After this chicken stop, check out nearby highlights like:
- π₯ Blow-Torched Beef Cubes – Ximending’s Fiery Street Food
- π§ CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice – A Taiwanese Classic
- π Candied Fruits – Taiwan’s Sweet & Shiny Street Snack
- π₯ Corn & Cheese Baked Potato – A Curious Ximending Street Snack
π Want the full guide? Visit the complete Ximending Night Market Food Guide and map your way through the best eats in Taipei!
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