Taipei is known for its delicious (and spicy) local cuisine, and while there are many highly-rated restaurants in the city, some of the best food can be found at its local night markets. Although Taiwan has plenty, one of the most famous is the Shilin Night Market, which is open from dusk until past midnight every day.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the MRT to Jiantan Station (劍潭), not Shilin Station. After leaving Exit 1, diagonally cross the street to the left to enter the night market. Remember – Shilin Night Market is at Jiantan Station, not Shilin Station.
WHAT TO EAT
Everything!!!
But honestly, just follow your nose and it will probably lead you to something delicious. Personally, I had a massive spicy pork bun that cost me under a dollar, and it was one of the best meals I have ever had. Some popular Taiwanese delicacies that I highly recommend include grilled corn, scallion pancake, bubble tea, Taiwanese sausage, stinky tofu, fried buns (生煎包), or a big bowl of the famous Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE
Shilin Night Market has two major elements – the local cuisine and general retail. The alleys and side streets within Shilin Night Market are lined with storefronts and roadside stands, where you can buy everything from souvenirs to clothes to electronics! This is a market after all, so don’t forget to barter with the store owner to try to find the best deal!
Shilin Night Market also has plenty of services available, one of which being massages. If your feet are tired after a day of walking around, make sure to stop in for a Taiwanese foot massage. Don’t let the name fool you – these massages are PAINFUL. These traditional massages have been around for centuries, and follow the ancient Chinese belief that “qi” or “vital energy” flows through your body. When you are feeling tired, sick, or stressed, your “qi” can be knocked off balance. These massages aim to keep “qi” flowing properly by kneading, pinching, and rubbing pressure points on your feet that correspond directly with a part of your body. If soreness is felt in a particular part of the foot, the theory is that the corresponding part of your body has a problem.
Inside the market also lies the Cixian Temple. Originally known as Tianhou Temple, it was built in 1796 with funding from a local merchant named He Chin-tang at the site of the present-day Shilin Tourist Night Market. The temple was destroyed in a fire that engulfed Zhilan Street during a fight between rival immigrant clans from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou in mainland China. Through the efforts of Pan Yung-ching, a member of the local gentry, the street was rebuilt at Xiashulin, known today as Shilin New Street. Cixian Temple was subsequently built at the center of this new street. This temple is open to the public and free to enter, so feel free to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the market to appreciate the beautiful architecture and calm atmosphere of the temple, but be respectful to the worshippers within.
There’s always a lot going on in the night market, so go back more than once to fully explore all they have to offer!