Raohe Street Night Market is a great place to taste a variety of authentic Taiwanese street food.
To say that night markets are popular in Taiwan would be an understatement as there are over 100 night markets in Taiwan. The Shilin Night market is the most famous and the largest night market in Taiwan but it might also be a little too popular for visitors that are just trying to experience a Taiwan Night market. The Raohe Street Night Market is a more manageable size and it has a reputation for having really good food.
The Raohe Street Night Market stretches for about 600 meters and there are an estimated 400 small restaurants and food stalls. This market is one of the city’s oldest night markets and it is the perfect place for first timers to get the complete Taiwanese street food experience.
Truly a “Night Market”
The Raohe Street Night Market is truly a “night market”. There is no need to come early because during the day it is almost empty but once night arrives so does the action. Vendors open there stalls or restaurants and the people arrive in mass.
Fresh off the grill
One of my favorite aspects of going to street food markets it to see the food being cooked and when it is ready, it goes straight from the grill into my hands. The food doesn’t get any fresher than being at a street food market.
Food is the main attraction
Going to a night market in Taiwan is like going to an event and the food is the main attraction. The Raohe Street Night Market is packed every night with people checking out the food being prepared. Some of the food is exactly what would be expected at a Chinese food market and then there are other dishes that are completely unimaginable. Passing from vendor to vendor the is a seemingly never ending variety of food that is being grilled, fried, steamed, torched, skewered and glazed.
Fuzhou’s Black Pepper Buns
The most famous food stall at the Raohe Street Night Market is Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns. The stall’s only item on the menu is buns stuffed with pork, green onions and black pepper then broiled on the inner walls of a charcoal fired clay and brick oven (tandoor style oven). Fuzhou’s black pepper buns are so popular that they are considered a must try item when visiting the Raohe Street Night Market.
Places to Eat
Most night markets are not known for comfortable places to sit and eat but some restaurants have small spaces to quickly eat but most places basically serve food to go.
The Raohe market has an alternative that most markets doesn’t, a short distance away is the Riverside Park. The park has spectacular night time views of the bridges crossing the Keelung River and of the Taipei Skyline. It is the perfect place to get away from the busy market and enjoy the take away food from the market.
The Dust on My Shoes
Going to a night market is an essential part of experiencing Taiwan. It is part of the countries culture, it is a great place to try a variety of authentic Taiwanese street food and it is fun to look at all of the different styles of food being cooked. There are many options for night markets to try but the Raohe Street Night Market is probably a good place for first time visitors to Taipei.
The market will get crowded between 7 to 10 PM so it is easier to stall hop before seven. This will allow you to quickly try food from several different stall without waiting too long. After 10 PM the crowds will get thinner again.
Like most street food markets, it is difficult to choose what to eat and what to pass up. My suggestion is to not be shy and order whatever looks tasty. Have fun and enjoy the feast!
I almost always visit a street food market during my travels. Street food markets are great places to have a culinary adventure!
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