Shilin Night Market Cuisine – A Late-Night Street Food Paradise in Taipei

Shilin Night Market Taiwan (Shi Lin Night Market) is one of the true “paradises” for street food lovers. It is also a favorite travel destination for many Vietnamese visitors because this journey is not only fun but also satisfies the taste buds. If you’re curious about the mouthwatering dishes in Taipei, let’s explore the must-try food at Shi Lin Night Market in the article below.

Shilin Night Market attracts a large number of tourists from Vietnam

Shilin Night Market Taiwan offers countless exciting things to discover.

1. Irresistible Dishes at Shilin Night Market

What to eat at Shilin Night Market? This is a common question for many visitors as they face countless tempting stalls. Here are some of the hottest dishes you definitely don’t want to miss:

1.1 Stinky Tofu – The Most Iconic Dish at Shi Lin Night Market

Stinky tofu is undoubtedly the top dish on the list of must-try Taiwanese street foods at Shi Lin Night Market. The brown tofu cubes are fermented from vegetables, milk, and rice water, giving them a distinctive pungent smell. If you dare to challenge your sense of smell, your taste buds will surely be rewarded. Many even say “the more you eat, the more addictive it becomes.”

Stinky tofu at Shilin Night Market has a very unique flavor

The flavor of stinky tofu at Shilin Night Market leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

1.2 Shilin Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

At Shi Lin Night Market, you’ll easily find stalls selling Xiao Long Bao since this iconic dish is loved by many tourists. These dumplings attract foodies with their soft, chewy, and thin skin. With just one small bite, you’ll taste the rich filling inside. Paired with soy sauce mixed with garlic chili or black vinegar, it’s absolutely irresistible.

1.3 Crispy Fried Milk

For snack lovers, skipping fried milk at Shi Lin Night Market would be a big miss. Not only can you enjoy the taste, but you also get to watch skilled “street chefs” performing their cooking techniques. The result is fried milk with a crispy golden crust and a soft, creamy, milky inside that melts in your mouth.

1.4 Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea

Taiwan is known as the “capital” of bubble tea, so almost every visitor wants to try it at Shilin Night Market. This drink is perfect after enjoying fried snacks, thanks to its light sweetness and distinctive tea aroma. The honey boba pearls are chewy and flavorful, making it unlike bubble tea anywhere else.

Bubble milk tea at Shi Lin Night Market is absolutely delicious

Tourists are delighted when enjoying authentic Taiwanese bubble milk tea at Shilin Night Market.

1.5 Giant Hot Star Fried Chicken

The giant fried chicken cutlet at Shilin Night Market has won the hearts of visitors of all ages. This dish excites everyone with its crispy outer layer and juicy, flavorful chicken inside. Depending on your taste, you can enjoy Hot Star fried chicken with chili sauce or ketchup, and it will definitely satisfy your cravings.

1.6 Flavorful Oyster Omelet

Just hearing the name “oyster omelet” already makes many imagine its rich, creamy, and fragrant taste. This is one of the most famous dishes at Shi Lin Night Market, especially perfect to enjoy in the chilly evening air. The golden fried egg, combined with tender oysters inside, and topped with a smooth sweet-and-sour sauce, creates a dish that is both unique and irresistibly tasty.

1.7 Fragrant Black Pepper Pork Buns

The steaming hot, fluffy white buns neatly arranged in large bamboo steamers always stop visitors in their tracks. Just one small bite lets you feel the soft skin melting in your mouth, blending with the savory pork filling. Especially when paired with a cup of hot soy milk, every tourist will feel satisfied with this “taste adventure.”

1.8 Juicy Taiwanese Sausages

Recently, Taiwanese sausages have become a favorite snack among young Vietnamese. But to truly savor their authentic flavor, you must once experience them at Shilin Night Market, where the fragrant aroma spreads from bustling food stalls.

The sausages here are special because they are mainly made from finely ground lean pork, plump and visually appealing. Moreover, when dipped in chili powder, they become even more delightful, with a light spiciness and extra rich taste.

Numerous snack stalls at Shi Lin Night Market

Shi Lin Night Market excites tourists with its wide variety of snack stalls.

2. Fun Activities at Shilin Night Market Taiwan

When visiting Shilin Night Market, you’re not only captivated by the delicious food but also immersed in the lively atmosphere. At the same time, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the culture and people of Taipei—one of the reasons why tourists keep coming back again and again.

2.1 Shopping at the Vast Marketplace in Shi Lin Night Market

Shilin Night Market covers an area of about 100,000 square meters, with hundreds of outdoor shopping stalls. Tourists can freely browse and choose from a wide variety of items such as clothes, accessories, toys, and more. It’s also the perfect place to buy souvenirs for loved ones, with diverse designs and affordable prices suitable for everyone.

Shilin Night Market is known as a shopping paradise

Enjoy browsing countless items at Shilin’s shopping stalls.

2.2 Explore Entertaining Cultural Activities

Like many other night markets in Taipei, Shilin often hosts fun games for tourists, such as darts, toy fishing, balloon shooting, and more. Visitors are also treated to mesmerizing street performances, making you feel as if you’ve truly immersed yourself in the local lifestyle.

3. How to Get to Shilin Night Market

In recent years, the number of Vietnamese tourists traveling to Taipei has been steadily increasing. It’s not only because of the scenery and food but also thanks to the convenient transportation system, which makes traveling much easier.

3.1 Traveling from Vietnam to Taipei (Taiwan)

Most tourists choose direct Vietjet flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) or Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei. The flight time is a little over 3 hours, with daily flights available, making it convenient for all kinds of travel plans.

3.2 How to Get to Shilin Night Market

It’s best to research in advance and choose a hotel or accommodation near the main attractions in Taipei. Transportation here is very modern, and tourists can choose one of the following ways to get to Shilin Night Market:

Bus: There are many bus routes to Shi Lin Night Market, such as numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, which stop at Yangming Theater, or routes 41, 529, 620, 30, which stop directly at the market.
High-speed rail & MRT: Many Vietnamese tourists prefer this option because of its convenience, plus the chance to capture some very scenic photos along the way.
Taxi: The advantage of taking a taxi is saving time, making it suitable for those who prefer comfort and privacy.

There are many ways to get to Shilin Night Market

Various means of transportation are available to reach Shilin Night Market.

4. Tips for Exploring Shilin Night Market Taiwan

To make your Shilin Night Market adventure smooth and enjoyable, remember the following tips:

Most stalls open from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, with the busiest and most exciting time starting from 7:00 PM onward.
The market gets very crowded, so always be mindful of your personal belongings.
Plan in advance which foods you want to try so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the wide variety once inside.
Some stalls don’t accept credit cards, so prepare some cash in advance. It’s best to exchange currency before your trip for a better rate. If you’ve already booked a round-trip ticket with Vietjet, you can simply enter your PNR code on the Vietjet website or app to use their secure online currency exchange service at competitive rates.
Learn to bargain when shopping at Shilin Night Market, as most vendors are open to negotiation.
Since the market covers a large area, wear comfortable shoes or sandals to walk around easily.
To save money on your trip, plan ahead, especially by booking Vietjet tickets early to enjoy plenty of promotions.

Shilin Night Market’s food scene has left tourists satisfied with countless dishes—from easy-to-eat favorites to rare, unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere. So, quickly plan your trip to Taipei to experience it for yourself. This will surely be a journey that excites your taste buds and leaves unforgettable memories.

In addition, to make your Shilin Night Market trip even smoother, don’t forget to book your Taipei tickets early with Vietjet. The airline is currently offering a 0 VND ticket promotion every day during the golden hours from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Don’t miss your chance HERE!

Follow Vietjet’s official channels for the latest flight deals and updated travel guides.