Dive into Taiwan’s vibrant street food scene at its lively night markets

You won’t find Michelin-worthy banquets here, nor meals that are postcard-perfect. But in Taiwan’s night markets, the creativity and flair in even the humblest food stalls are truly remarkable.

From timeless traditional dishes that have been perfected over generations to inventive street food twists that make you pause and take note, the variety is something you can’t miss.

Join us for a quick guide to the best night markets in Taiwan’s top cities, and the 10 must-try dishes that will leave you craving more.

1. Stinky tofu – the bold, iconic Taiwanese street food that’s a flavor experience like no other

It’s like the controversial durian – some love it, some can’t stand it. Fermented tofu is deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage, carrots, and chili sauce.

I wasn’t a fan of stinky tofu when I tried it in mainland China, Hong Kong, and other Chinatowns across Asia, but Taiwan’s version is a whole different story. You’ll find it at nearly every market – just follow the pungent scent!

Find your stinky tofu at: Raohe Night Market, Taipei

2. Rice and Taiwanese Sausage

Sticky rice is packed into a sausage casing, grilled, then split open to serve as the ‘bun’ for a sweet Taiwanese sausage. It’s not quite the street meat you’d find in New York, but it’s definitely worth a try.

Get your rice sausage fix at: Ruifeng Night Market, Kaohsiung

3. Coffin Bread

A Tainan night market classic: thick-cut white bread deep-fried to a crisp golden brown, then hollowed out and filled with creamy seafood chowder. It’s like Tainan’s own take on San Francisco’s famous bread bowl.

Best served at: Xiaobei Night Market, Tainan

4. Deep-Fried Prawns

The secret to perfect deep-fried snacks is the contrast of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This Tainan treat nails it, with fresh prawns battered and fried to perfection, paired with a sweet brown sugar sauce, pickled ginger, and a zing of wasabi for a delightful sweet-sour kick.

Find it at: Xiaobei Night Market, Tainan

5. Stewed Pork Rice

Tender pork belly or shoulder is slowly stewed with a blend of at least 10 ingredients from morning till the night market opens. The secret to its irresistible flavor? Leftover sauce from the previous day, making it even more delicious the next time around.

In northern Taiwan, minced pork is the choice, while in the south, pork cubes take the spotlight. This beloved dish is a night-market staple, and sometimes shredded chicken is added to the bowl of stewed pork rice.

Find the best at: Dai Tian Gong Night Market, Kaohsiung

6. Baked Black Pepper Pork

Baked black pepper pork pockets are the signature treat at Taipei’s famous Raohe Night Market. Just outside the Ci You Temple, vendors bake these savory pockets in a traditional clay oven, against the hot oven wall.

There’s always a long line, but once these hot, steaming pork pockets come out, golden and full of flavor, you’ll gladly queue up for another round.

Look for the ovens at: Raohe Night Market, Taipei

7. Scallion Pancakes

While you’ll find scallion pancakes all over China, Taiwan’s take is unique: crispy and golden, sold in nearly every night market, and with a distinctly less doughy texture.

Scallion lovers, head to: Liuhe Night Market, Kaohsiung

8. Squid Stuffed with Risotto

Inspired by Italian flavors, this Taichung favorite from the massive Feng Jia Night Market features pan-fried risotto stuffed into a whole squid, deep-fried to a perfect al dente crisp, and topped with sweet Dijon mustard and mayo sauce.

It’s big enough to be a meal on its own, but don’t plan on sharing – there’s plenty of squid goodness to go around!

Get your squid fix at: Feng Jia Night Market, Taichung

9. Barbecued Delights

From seafood to chicken wings, cow’s stomach, tofu in every shape, and even snake beans – the possibilities are endless when it comes to Taiwanese night market barbecues.

Choose from a variety of dipping sauces: sweet and sour brown sugar, sweet chili, or sha cha (dried shrimp) chili sauce. Some prefer it without sauce, and trust me, it’s just as delicious. Barbecue stalls are a staple at every night market in Taiwan.

Find the best at: Feng Jia Night Market, Taichung

10. Sweet Glass Rice Dumplings

Dessert isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind for a Chinese diner, but these delicate sweet rice dumplings are a perfect way to wrap up your night market adventure.

These dumplings are crafted from twice-steamed rice flour, with options like red bean, green tea, egg custard, taro, and even green tea mochi fillings. While they’re available at most night markets in Taiwan, it’s the sweet-toothed southerners who truly perfect them, earning Willy Wonka’s approval.

Find them at: Liuhe Night Market, Kaohsiung

Derrick Chang is a Canadian photojournalist based in Hong Kong. This article was originally published in 2011 and republished with updates in 2017.