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Taiwan is a great place for food lovers, and its night markets are full of local snacks to try. If you are looking for Taiwan night market foods to try, these seven snacks are a good place to begin. You will find fried food, sweet treats, and traditional dishes at markets in Taipei, Taichung, and other cities.
Why Visit Taiwan’s Night Markets
Night markets put many snacks in one place, so you can try several dishes in a single evening. Snacks are small, so you can share a few plates with friends and still have room for dessert. Sort out your Taiwan eVisa early, so you can spend the trip eating instead of dealing with paperwork.
7 Foods to Try at Taiwan’s Night Markets
1. Stinky Tofu
- The smells of Stinky tofu are very strong, but many people like the taste. It is often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage or a spicy sauce. The smell is the hardest part, but the taste is milder than the smell suggests. If you are curious, try it once.
2. Oyster Omelet
- This dish is made with eggs, oysters, and vegetables, topped with a thick sauce. It is soft and savoury, and the sauce adds a little sweetness. You will see it at most Taiwanese night markets, so it is easy to find.
3. Pepper Buns
- Pepper buns are baked until the outside turns crisp. Inside is seasoned pork with spring onions and black pepper. They come out hot, so be careful with the first bite. The black pepper gives them a strong, warm flavour.
4. Taiwanese Fried Chicken
- Taiwanese fried chicken is a popular street snack. The chicken is seasoned and fried until crispy. Some stalls add chilli powder or other spices, so ask about the flavour before you order. It is easy to eat on the go, so it works well as a first stop.
5. Scallion Pancakes
- These flat pancakes are made from flour and spring onions. They are cooked on a hot pan until golden on the outside. Some vendors add egg, cheese, or other fillings, so check what each stall has before you choose.
6. Sweet Potato Balls
- Sweet potato balls are small and round, with a chewy centre and a crisp outside. They come in paper bags, so they are easy to eat while you walk around the market.
7. Bubble Tea
- Bubble tea is one of Taiwan’s best-known drinks. It is made with tea, milk or fruit flavours, and chewy tapioca pearls. Many shops let you choose the sugar level and how much ice you want.
Tips for Visiting a Night Market
Bring some cash, because smaller food stalls might not take cards. Go hungry so you can try a few different snacks, and check the ingredients if you have food allergies. Popular stalls often have queues in the evening, so go earlier if you prefer fewer crowds. Order one or two items at each stall instead of a full meal, so you have space to try more.
Add Night Markets to Your Taiwan Trip
Night markets are a simple way to try Taiwan’s food in one evening. Pick a few dishes you have not tried, choose a drink you like, and take your time at the stalls. Also check Taiwan’s entry requirements for your passport before you book.
