Our last stop on our 3rd day in Taiwan was the legendary Shilin Night Market (ๅฃซๆๅคๅธ)—and even though we were already exhausted from a full day of walking, we still made sure we visited.
Because honestly…
you can’t go to Taipei without experiencing a night market.
Compared to Ximending Night Market, I found Shilin bigger, busier, and more organized. It felt like a whole mini city of stalls—selling everything from umbrellas and socks to endless street food that will make you forget how tired your feet are.
It was crowded, yes. Very crowded.
But it was also exciting, alive, and full of flavor.
๐ฎ Why Shilin Night Market is a Must-Visit
Shilin is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, and it’s known for:
✨ Classic Taiwanese street food
๐️ Affordable shopping stalls
๐ฏ Games, snacks, souvenirs
๐ International food options
๐ A vibrant local atmosphere
The market is so huge that you really feel like you’re exploring a maze of delicious discoveries.
๐ฏ Hidden Surprise: The Temple Behind the Market
When we were planning our itinerary, we didn’t even know there was a temple hidden behind the market.
We only found out while wandering around the stalls.
That’s one of the things I love about traveling—sometimes the best spots aren’t the ones you plan… they’re the ones you accidentally stumble upon.
So if you visit Shilin, take time to explore beyond the food streets. You might find quiet corners like this tucked behind all the noise.
๐ The Food Highlight I’ll Never Forget: Long Fries + Wasabi Sauce
Out of everything we tried, the one snack I can’t stop talking about is…
the LONG fries.
It was my first time seeing fries that long, and I dipped them in this creamy wasabi sauce that completely surprised me.
I fell in love instantly.
Every time I talk about Taiwan, that’s one of the first highlights I tell my friends:
“Shilin Night Market… and those long fries!”
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๐ข Must-Try Food at Shilin Night Market
If you’re visiting for the first time, here are the snacks you absolutely should not miss:
๐ฆช Oyster Omelet / Pancake
This iconic Taiwanese dish—egg, chives, and fat juicy oysters—is a must-try street food classic.
๐ง Stinky Beancurd
A specialty so famous (and
intimidating!) it deserves its own page.
It smells strong… but many travelers swear it’s worth it.
๐ Fresh Fruits You’ve Never Seen Before
Taiwan is known for fruit, but have you tried:
- Pineapple apple
- Custard apple
- Exotic tropical varieties
Each one tastes unique and refreshing.
๐ฅค Chilled Fruit Drinks & Smoothies
Not just orange or apple—think cherries, custard apple, and other rare flavors.
Perfect after salty snacks.
๐ Rice Noodles with Pickles & Spices
Sounds simple, but once you add the toppings and sauces, it becomes comfort food.
๐ Deep Fried Chicken Steak on a Stick
Only in Taiwan can chicken become a snack this satisfying.
Crispy outside, juicy inside.
๐ฅค Fresh Sugar Cane Juice
Sweet, nostalgic, and freshly squeezed right in front of you.
๐ฅ Spit-Roasted Chicken Wings & Legs
Smoky, savory, and hard to resist.
๐ฝ Charcoal Roasted Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn with bold seasoning—perfect street snack.
๐ญ Grilled Sausages
Taiwanese sausages are slightly sweet and super flavorful.
๐ข Chicken Gristle Skewers
For the adventurous eater—crispy, chewy, and very popular.
๐ก Sweet Dumplings in Ginger Syrup
Warm, comforting dessert especially on cooler nights.
๐ฅ Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Savory dumplings filled with meat and soup inside—one bite and you’ll understand the hype.
๐ International Food Choices
Shilin also offers Singaporean, Japanese, European, and American-style stalls if you need a break from local flavors.
๐ Shilin Night Market Updates (2026)
๐ Location: Shilin
District, Taipei City
๐ Nearest MRT: Jiantan Station (Red Line), Exit 1
⏰ Operating Hours:
Daily, around 4:00 PM – 12:00 MN
(Some stalls stay open until 1:00 AM)
๐️ Entrance Fee: FREE
Related Post: ๐ How to Get to Shilin Night Market (Taipei MRT Guide + Food Tips)
๐ก Tips Before You Go
✔ Go hungry — you’ll want to try
everything
✔ Bring cash — many stalls don’t accept cards
✔ Wear comfortable shoes — the market is huge
✔ Be patient — it gets very busy at night
✔ Visit on weekdays if you want fewer crowds
✔ Don’t rush — exploring is part of the experience
๐ Shilin Night Market wasn’t just a place to eat.
It was one of those travel moments where you’re tired, your feet hurt, and you think you’re ready to rest…
But then you take one bite of something new, hear the noise of the crowd, smell the food grilling nearby, and suddenly you’re wide awake again.
That night market became one of my favorite highlights of Taipei—not because it was perfect, but because it felt alive.
And honestly, I’ll always remember Taiwan through the taste of long fries and wasabi sauce.
๐ฟ Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
✨“Some travel memories aren’t monuments… they’re midnight snacks, crowded streets, and fries dipped in wasabi.๐
๐ข Have you been to Shilin Night Market?
๐ฌ What was your favorite snack?๐
Save this post for your Taipei food trip
๐ฒ Tag me if you try the long fries—I want to know if you fall in love
with them too!
More Taiwan night market stories coming
soon ๐๐น๐ผ
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