One of Taiwan's largest and most popular open-air markets can be found in its capital Taipei at the famous Shilin night market.  This bustling, labyrinth of food stalls and shops draws in tourists and locals alike who are looking for delicious food, fun, and, of course, shopping.  Conveniently located, the Shilin night market is a 2 minute walk from the Jiantan train station.  Follow the signs for the Shilin night market, or you can follow the unmissable crowds who are also heading toward this famous market.  Get ready for your senses to go wild with the many different smells, sounds and sights that this busy market has to offer!  

Bring Your Appetite

You will definitely want to bring your appetite with you because the Shilin night market is a food paradise!  You can spend a few hours in the Shilin market and still not get to experience all the different foods and shops.  It is a huge maze of hundreds of tantalizing food stalls where local vendors offer a variety of prepared traditional foods, snacks, and beverages.  On a hot day, try bubble tea or lemon aiyu jelly juice.  Made with a type of fig blended with lemon juice, the cold, sweet drink is very refreshing while walking around in Taipei's subtropical climate.  Some of the Shilin night market's most popular food stalls include local foods like pepper pork buns-- a hot sandwich filled with marinated pork and green onions.  Known for fresh seafood, the fried fish balls are another popular dish, as well as the famous oyster omelette and oyster vermicelli, and much, much more! 

 

The line for the hot star fried chicken stall is one that wraps around street corners in the Shilin market.  If you can wait for it, the thin and crispy fried chicken is seasoned with local spices and chili powder if you like it hot.  Taiwan's most notorious food, stinky tofu, is a wildly popular dish served at several different stalls around the market.  Made with fermented tofu, this intense smelling food is definitely worth a try for the more adventurous foodies.  You can also find lots of local fresh fruit and traditional Taiwanese sweets and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.  The Shilin night market also has several restaurants in the downstairs food court where you can sit down and order other local Taiwanese dishes.  The stalls and restaurants are all reasonably priced, and it is highly recommended to bring cash as most stalls only accept cash.  While the market is open daily from 5:00pm - 2:00am, many food vendors begin closing up shop around midnight, so it's best not to arrive too late. 

Shopping and Games

The Shilin night market also has countless shopping stalls where you can find deals on everything including clothing and shoes, handbags and accessories and costume jewelry.  You can find different brand outlets such as Nike and Adidas as well.  There are also various stalls selling electronic gadgets, toys, and unique souvenir items.  With it's arcade and carnival game area, the Shilin market is a great place for kids to play and win prizes as well.

 

The best time to visit Taiwan is between April and June and September through November for better weather and less tourists.  If you are looking for one of the best night markets in southeast Asia, you won't want to miss the Shilin night market!   Why not book your next tour to Taiwan with Atlas Travel Web today?