Shilin Night Market
Food for
All
GREAT EXPERIENCES
Welcome to Shilin Night Market! Taiwan's largest and most famous night market has been serving authentic street food since 1909, evolving from a simple riverside market into today's culinary destination with over 539 food stalls in the underground food court alone. This isn't just tourism—it's where Taipei locals have been gathering for over a century to share meals, stories, and traditions.
When your appetite calls after sunset, Shilin delivers every craving imaginable. From four Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning stalls to beloved family recipes passed down through generations, our vendors offer everything from traditional Taiwanese xiaolongbao to innovative fusion creations. Whether you're seeking the famous stinky tofu (臭豆腐) or the crowd-pleasing pepper buns (胡椒餅), each bite tells the story of Taiwan's rich culinary heritage.
🕐 Quick Visit Guide
Peak Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (most crowded but most atmospheric)
Best for First-Timers: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (easier navigation, shorter queues)
Budget: NT$300-500 for a satisfying food tour
Duration: 2-3 hours for full exploration
- History
- Taiwan Food Guide
- Raohe vs Shilin
- All Night Markets Comparison
- Seasonal Visiting Guide
- From Ximending
- From Taoyuan Airport
- From Taipei Station
- From Taipei 101
- Taiwan Night Market Culture
- Night Market Etiquette
- Executive Business Guide
- Luxury Taipei Experiences
- Nearby Hotels
- Other Markets
- Marriot Taipei Hotel
📚 A Century of History: From River Wharf to Cultural Icon
Step into more than 116 years of living history. What began as a humble agricultural marketplace by the Keelung River has evolved into Taiwan's most celebrated night market, witnessing the island's remarkable transformation from Japanese colonial period through to modern Taiwan.
🚢 1909: Agricultural Beginnings
Established during Japanese colonial rule as a riverside trading post where Shilin farmers shipped produce to Taipei's Banka and Dadaocheng districts via the Keelung River.
Original function: Agricultural trade hub
🏛️ 1913: First Market Building
Two covered brick and timber market buildings constructed across from Cixian Temple, creating the structured marketplace that would grow into today's night market.
Cultural anchor: Cixian Temple (established 1796)
🌟 1990s-2000s: Golden Era
Peak popularity with over 500 food stalls, becoming Taiwan's most famous night market and a must-visit destination for locals and international visitors.
Peak status: Taiwan's largest night market
🔄 2002-2025: Modern Renaissance
Original building demolished for safety; vendors relocated, then returned to a modern underground food court in 2011. Recent 2025 renovation brings enhanced facilities while preserving authentic atmosphere.
Current era: Heritage meets innovation
🏮 Living Heritage Experience
- Cixian Temple: The spiritual heart where it all began—visit this 229-year-old temple at the market's center
- Generational vendors: Many food stalls have operated for 30-50+ years, passed down through families
- Architectural evolution: From wooden market buildings to modern underground complex spanning 3 hectares
- Cultural continuity: Still serves its original community while welcoming 15,000+ daily visitors
🎯 Essential Visitor Information: Navigate Like a Local
Master your visit with insider knowledge about facilities, transportation, and crowd navigation. These practical tips ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
🚇 Getting There & Navigation
- 🎯 Jiantan MRT Exit 1: Main entrance (5-min walk to market center)
- 🎯 Shilin MRT Exit 2: Northern access point
- 🗺️ Route: Exit → Ji He Road → Chang's ShaoBing corner → Cixian Temple
- 🔄 Complete loop: Continue to Wen Lin Road, turn right to return
Pro tip: Best food often found in side alleys off main roads
🚻 Restroom & Facilities
- 🚽 Jiantan/Shilin MRT stations: Clean, accessible restrooms
- 🚽 Underground food court: Facilities within market area
- 🛜 Free WiFi: Available in MRT stations and some areas
- 🏧 ATMs: Located at MRT stations and convenience stores
Family tip: Baby changing facilities available in MRT station restrooms
⏰ Smart Timing & Crowd Strategy
🌅 Avoid Crowds
- Arrive 4:00-4:30 PM for smaller crowds
- Weekdays less busy than weekends
- Avoid Mondays (vendor rest day)
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Tips
- Baby carriers work better than strollers
- Keep children close in crowds
- Game areas separated from food areas
💳 Payment & Prep
- Bring NT$100 notes and coins
- Many vendors accept LINE Pay
- Limited seating (mostly walking experience)
🌧️ Weather & Comfort Notes
Rain or shine: Markets operate in all weather conditions with covered areas throughout the complex.
Air conditioning: Underground food court provides climate-controlled dining areas.
Trash disposal: Bins available throughout market or use convenience store receptacles.
🏆 Michelin Bib Gourmand Stalls
Shilin Night Market is home to four Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning stalls, recognized for exceptional quality at incredible value. These aren't just tourist favorites—they're where locals have been eating for decades.
🍜 Good Friend Cold Noodles
好朋友涼麵 • 31 Danan Road
Famous for thick noodles with signature peanut sauce and fresh cucumbers. Perfect for Taiwan's hot weather.
NT$50-65 • Closed Thursdays
🥟 Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao
鍾家原上海生煎包 • 38 Xiaodong Street
Shanghai-style pan-fried buns with crispy bottoms and soft, pillowy tops. Contains hot soup—bite carefully!
NT$32 • Closed Wednesdays
🍲 Hai You Pork Ribs
海友十全排骨 • 49 Dadong Road
50+ years serving herbal pork rib soup made with 15+ traditional Chinese herbs. Celebrity-endorsed comfort food.
NT$100 • Closed Tuesdays
🍝 A Hui Vermicelli
阿輝麵線 • 52 Danan Road
Traditional Taiwanese vermicelli soup with squid and pork intestines. Eat at the temple steps behind the stall.
NT$55 • Open 7 days
💡 Insider Tips for Michelin Stalls
- Best days to visit: Friday through Monday (all four stalls open)
- Timing: Arrive before 7:00 PM to avoid heaviest crowds
- Payment: Bring cash and small change—most stalls are cash-only
- Queues: Don't be intimidated by long lines—service is remarkably fast
Shopping AND sightseeing
Shilin Night Market is not just the Shilin Market food hall, but also the neighboring streets packed with funky little shops, roadside stalls, and vendors of fashion, trinkets and souvenirs.
VIP Experiences for discerning travelers
Elevate your Shilin Night Market experience with exclusive access, private guides, and luxury services. From Michelin-starred chef tours to five-star hotel partnerships, discover Taiwan's culinary capital in uncompromising style.
🍽️ Private Chef Tours
Behind-the-scenes access with Taiwan's most celebrated chefs. Limited to 4 guests maximum.
From NT$4,500 • 2 hours
🏨 Luxury Hotel Packages
Mandarin Oriental, Villa 32, and Grand Hotel exclusive night market experiences.
From NT$12,000 • Including transport
🚗 Mercedes S-Class Transport
Climate-controlled luxury vehicles with English-speaking drivers and refreshments.
NT$1,500/hour • 3-hour minimum