The Shilin Night Market is a night market in the Shilin District of Taipei. It is often considered to be the largest and most famous night market in the city.
Its renowned view isn’t just shared between the tourists, but the locals, too. They all flock here for a vibrant night filled with superb food, dazzling clothes and amusing games.
The night market encompasses two distinct sections sharing a symbiotic relationship: a section formerly housed in the old Shilin Market building, containing mostly food vendors and small restaurants.
1. Grilled Prawns ($100)
The grilled prawns are one of the most popular eating attractions at the Shilin Night Market. This is because you must fish them for yourself first before they are grilled, ready for you to eat.
The vendor sells you 7 little wooden fishing sticks ($100), These are wooden chopstick-sized sticks connected by a small thread to a small hook). You can fish them as much as you want until the thread breaks, a little bit like a game!
Even with several changes, I only manage to successfully fish about 4 prawns, to then be grilled…
From here, head down the stairs which is just nearby to the food court in the basement (B1).
2. Stinky Tofu ($60)
Yes, it may the vastly shared reputation of smelling like the sewers, but it’s known, too, for its huge difference in delicious taste, be that an acquired one.
This dish makes it in my top 10, as, in all fairness, it’s a true delicacy that has a crisp and puffy texture, along with a punch from the pickled vegetables. Seriously, overcome its deceiving smell and give it a try!
The Stinky tofu stall is located by the entrance of the B1 Basement. Note, if you have trouble finding the stinky tofu, follow the putrid smell.
3. Oyster Omelette ($60)
This has to be my personal favourite on the list. It’s a sweet and simple starchy omelette, mixed with vegetables, then topped with sweet chilli sauce.
What’s more, the beauty of this is that you may ask for oysters, or prawns, or a mixture of both.
4. Seafood ($50-$200)
A typical vendor like this would offer a fair selection of seafood. The vendor’s seafood would commonly range from sea snails, scallops, prawns, fried baby soft shell crabs.
5. Aiyu Jelly ($40)
You’ll find this at most drink stores. It is made from fig seeds, and the gelatinous jelly is formed by washing the seeds.
They are best eaten with sugar syrup and a drizzle of lemon juice. The Aiyu originates from Chia, the Alishan region of Taiwan.
Moving on to the street vendors…
6. Honey Barbecue ($50)
All the barbecue meats have an extra coating of honey to make it all the more sinfully delicious!
7. Giant Grilled Squid ($100)
I’ve always been a seafood lover, so this has always come as a delight to eat.
You can even smell the grilling scent from afar which lassos people towards these vendors, to try the sensational giant grilled squid.
8. Giant Sausages ($100)
Another popular night market delicacy you mustn’t miss is the king-sized sausages!
It also comes with optional coats of sauce, served with a stick that goes through it to hold and eat like you would ice cream.
9. Shaved Ice ($60)
‘Shaved ice’, or as known as ‘snowflake ice’ is an ice-based dessert made by shaving a block of ice (or frozen milk).
Various flavours are available here, such as peanut, mango, chocolate and sour plum.
10. Bacon Wraps ($25)
These bacon wraps are a delicious bundle of happiness. Lightly grilled bacon wrapped around scallion.
When eating them, you must be wary of the small toothpick inside which keeps the bacon wrapped together.
For more information, check out the English version of the official website of the Shilin Night Market.
Shilin Night MarketTransportation: Nat’l Hwy 1 → Exit at Taipei Interchange → Sec. 4, Chongqing N. Rd. → BaiLing Bridge → Sec. 4, Chengde Rd. → Ln. 292, Sec. 4, Chengde Rd. → Danan Rd. → Jihe Rd. You should see the Shilin Night Market once you leave the station exit. Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure. Opening Hours: Daily, from 5pm – 12am Night Market Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 |
🗓️ Updated: June 2017 – Taipei.Expats
