If Shilin is the biggest night market in Taipei, Raohe is the most satisfying. It is a single straight street of about 600 metres, so you cannot get lost, and the whole thing can be eaten from end to end in an evening. A grand, brightly painted gate marks the start near Songshan station, and the far end finishes at Ciyou Temple, a richly decorated Mazu temple where locals stop to pray between snacks. In between, stalls sell the dishes that made Taiwanese street food famous: oven-baked pepper buns with a peppery pork filling, herbal pork rib soup, stinky tofu, grilled squid, beef noodle soup, sweet potato balls, handmade sausages, fried chicken and fruit teas. Many vendors have been here for decades, and the queue at the pepper bun stand near the gate is a fixture of the evening. Raohe feels more local than its bigger rivals, and its compact layout makes it easier to eat and watch without being swept along by a crowd. It is an excellent introduction to night markets if you are new to the genre.
How it works
Entry is free, and you pay for each dish as you go. The market opens in the late afternoon and runs until around midnight, and it is one of the few that gets going slightly earlier than most. The easiest way to arrive is by MRT to Songshan station, which is right beside the entrance gate.
Most stalls take cash only, so bring small notes and coins, though a few accept mobile payments. If you would like to have someone steer you towards the best stalls, there are short guided food walks that cover the market with tastings, but it is also easy to explore alone.
What to expect
The lane is narrow, with stalls on both sides and a stream of walkers down the middle, so you will shuffle rather than stroll on busy nights. Some dishes have long queues that move faster than they look. Seating is limited, and many people eat standing at the edge of the stall.
Smells range from sweet to strongly fermented, and stinky tofu is easy to find if you are brave. Games stalls offer shooting, ring toss and fishing for prizes, which children enjoy. At the far end, Ciyou Temple is beautifully lit at night, and the steps outside are a good place to sit with your haul.
Making the most of it
Arrive around 17:30 on a weekday, before the crowds, and make a first pass to see what looks good before you buy. Share dishes so you can try more. After the lane, walk up the steps onto the raised riverside park by the Keelung River if the weather is clear, or head to nearby Xinyi and Taipei 101 for a different kind of evening. Wear closed shoes, as the pavements can be greasy after rain, and carry tissues and a small bag for scraps.
If you only have time for one night market, many travellers choose Shilin for its size and Raohe for its ease, and the two together make a good pair on separate evenings. Locals often finish with a sweet course, such as shaved ice, a bubble tea or a sugar-dusted peanut roll, so leave a little room, and keep a plastic bag handy for wrappers since public bins are scarce.
What to expect
The experience
A free-to-enter evening street market along a single 600-metre lane, with a temple at one end.
Best time
Weekday evenings from about 17:30, before the crowds build.
How long
Ninety minutes to three hours.
Tips
Bring small cash notes, share dishes and look for the longest queues.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want a manageable night market.
- Families
- Games, snacks and sweets keep children interested.
- Couples
- Share a dozen small dishes and finish at the temple.
- Pair with
- Taipei 101 or a stroll in Xinyi.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes to three hours.
Good questions
How do I get to Raohe Street Night Market?+
Take the MRT to Songshan station, which is beside the market’s entrance gate.
What are the opening hours?+
Stalls open in the late afternoon and most stay open until around midnight.
What should I try at Raohe?+
Pepper buns, herbal pork rib soup, grilled squid, stinky tofu and fruit tea.
Is it cash only?+
Most stalls take cash only, so carry small notes and coins.
Raohe or Shilin?+
Raohe is smaller and easier, while Shilin is larger with more variety and bigger crowds.
