1、Shilin Night Market:
Located near Shilin MRT Station, this market is undoubtedly the most renowned among mainland Chinese visitors. It's a veritable haven for foodies, featuring an array of Taiwan's most iconic street snacks, making it a great choice for those on short one-week island tours or package tours. However, if you have more time to explore other night markets in Taiwan Province, Shilin might not be the best option as it offers variety but lacks authenticity. Nevertheless, for a quick taste of Taiwan's culinary delights, it's still worth a visit.
Must-try dishes include Large intestines wrapped in *** all intestines (Dà cháng bāo xiǎo cháng), Shilin Big Sausage (Shí lín dà cháng ròu), Coffin Bread (Guān fēi biān), Snowflake Ice (Xiě huā bīng), and Ten-Course Pork Ribs Soup (Shí quán páo tóu tāng).
2、National Taiwan Normal University Night Market:
Accessible from Guting or Tait Electric Power Co. MRT stations, this market is known for its beautiful people and fashionable clothing. While many food stalls have been closed due to residents' complaints about *** oke pollution, it remains a hub for stylish apparel, especially appealing to NTNU's predominantly female student population.
3、Thai Cuisine:
In addition to local Taiwanese fare, NTNU Night Market features several Thai restaurants. Among them:
- Yunnan Thai Town: Offers the best overall experience with a cozy ambiance, reasonable prices, delicious dishes, and friendly service. Their daily free desserts make it a steal. Try their Sesame Oil Chicken Set Meal and Purple Rice Porridge.
- Ayeyarwady: A well-known restaurant with limited options but decent quality, particularly their Ga Prow Chicken and Ga Prow Beef Rice. Prices are higher than Yunnan Thai Town.
- Cloudy Garden: Offers a warm, home-like atmosphere but ordinary dishes.
- Pacific Ocean: Avoid this place; it serves poor-quality food, few choices, and adds a service charge.
- Little Thai Restaurant: Not in NTNU Night Market but nearby on Putong Street. This street is lined with international cuisine, mostly excellent. Don't miss their Thai Fried Rice.
4、Guoguang Cake: At Dingzhou Road, this popular cake stall uses an old-fashioned method to create delicious cakes. No brand name, just follow the longest queue!
5、Red Sugar Milk Tea:
Try Chen San Ding's original red sugar milk tea, though personally, I prefer Kending Egg Milk or Barbecue Company's version with softer tapioca pearls.
6、Other Notable Eateries:
- NTU Salted Chicken: Famous for adding garlic.
- Arno Crepes: Known for its crepe wraps with ice cream, but without unique flavors.
- Tainan Eel Pasta: The pasta tastes like instant noodles, but their Oyster Omelette is said to be good.
- Marutama Ramen: Japanese cuisine with high prices but authentic miso soup.
- Lijiang: A *** all restaurant serving flavorful dishes at affordable prices.
- Fingertips Dajin: Mainly serves pork cutlet and omurice, nothing extraordinary.
- Indian Style: Heavier flavor compared to Thai cuisine. Popular among Indians on Putong Street, vegetarian options are also available but expensive.
- Guest House Squid Soup: Highly recommended for its authentic taste.
7、Gongguan Night Market:
Opposite National Taiwan University, accessible via Ximending MRT station. Renowned for bookstores, second-hand bookstores, and sports brands offering discounts.
8、Night Markets outside Taipei:
-宁夏夜市 (Nanjing Night Market): Close to Daan Forest Park and Taipei Circle, it represents Old Taipei's decline. Despite being lackluster, it's worth visiting Huzhuang Zhang Braised Pork Rice.
- 永康街 (Yongkang Street): Although more of a cultural district, it has gained popularity for dining. Expect pricier average meals and a literary vibe.
- Din Tai Fung: World-famous dumpling house, cheaper in Taipei and often crowded.
- Smooch Mango Ice: Real mango dessert, rumored to be visited by actress苍井优.
- Du Xiao Yue Noodle Shop: Avoid this overhyped spot.
- Good Value: Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine with传言来自鼎泰丰的退休厨师, reasonably priced.
- 50 Lan: Promotes fresh milk tea at their famous chain store located here.
- Any izakaya will do.
9、Wufenpu and Raohe Street Night Markets:
- Wufenpu is Taipei's fashion hub with wholesale clothing options.
- Raohe Street is praised for its traditional Taipei delicacies.
10、Jianguo Night Market:
Small and less impressive, skip it unless you're really hungry.
11、Tamsui Old Street:
Though not in Taipei City, it's located at the end of the Tamsui-Xinyi Line. Tamsui Old Street is a must-visit for its comprehensive selection of food and souvenirs.
Food highlights include Wheel Cakes, Ah Gee, Fried Squid, Almond Tofu, Sea Moss Jelly, Chicken Cutlet Rice, Grilled Eggs, Wild Boar Sausages, Fried Abalone Mushrooms, Pig Blood Cake, and Large Cups of Milk Tea.
Souvenir offerings include brown sugar, sea bird nest, fish crackers, various postcards, peanut brittle, and peanut cookies. Prices are generally lower than Taipei and conveniently concentrated.
12、Huaxi Street Night Market:
Near Longshan Temple MRT station, another glimpse into Old Taipei.
Snake meat was once the main attraction, but its popularity has declined.
Remember, these markets are constantly evolving, so new finds may await your exploration!