Shilin Night Market: Taipei's Food Paradise - History, Access, Hours

Shilin Night Market: A Miniature of Taipei's Food Culture

Shilin Night Market is not only one of the most representative night markets in Taipei but also in all of Taiwan. It gathers a wide variety of foods, snacks, games, and clothing, attracting countless local residents and international tourists. Whether you want to taste authentic Taiwanese snacks or experience the lively night market culture, Shilin Night Market is a destination not to be missed.

The history of Shilin Night Market can be traced back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, the area in front of Shilin Cixian Temple became a market and local religious center. In 1909, Shilin Market was established, construction began in 1913, and it opened in 1915, gradually forming the prototype of the night market. In 1959, due to its excellent geographical location, it gradually developed into a distribution center for agricultural products. In the 1970s, a new road was built by covering the irrigation canals, and vendors and businesses flourished, greatly expanding the scale of the night market. With the increasing frequency of commercial activities, vendors began to gather, gradually forming the prototype of the night market. During the Japanese colonial period, the scale of Shilin Night Market further expanded, becoming an important commercial center in Taipei. After the Nationalist government moved to Taiwan, Shilin Night Market continued to develop, reaching its peak in the late 20th century and becoming one of the most representative night markets in Taiwan.

The variety of food at Shilin Night Market is dazzling. One of the must-try classic snacks is the Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken, an extra-large portion of fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a signature dish of Shilin Night Market. Small Sausage in Large Sausage is a combination of glutinous rice sausage and Taiwanese sausage, topped with garlic, preserved radish, and other ingredients for a rich taste. Shilin Sausage is a charcoal-grilled large sausage, with a fragrant aroma, and a unique flavor when paired with garlic soy sauce. In addition, a bowl of warm medicinal stewed ribs in winter is recommended. The soup is rich, the ribs are flavorful, and there is also stir-fried cuttlefish, which has a crisp texture, paired with a thick sauce and vegetables, making it sweet and sour. For a refreshing summer treat, try Xin Fa Ting's ice products, which offer a variety of shaved ice flavors and traditional Taiwanese shaved ice. Also, Good Friend Liang Noodles is a continuous Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation, with a refreshing and spicy flavor from the addition of lemon and pickled vegetables.

『Shilin Night Market』

Address:

Shilin Market Underground Food Court (Food area core): B1, No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City.

Main streets: Dadong Road, Danan Road, Wenlin Road, Jihe Road and surrounding alleys, Shilin District, Taipei City.

Opening hours: General street stalls: Usually open from around 16:00, with peak hours concentrated between 20:00 and 23:00, and most open until 24:00 or 01:00 am.

Shilin Market Underground Food Court: Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): Approximately 15:00 - 02:00, Weekends (Friday to Sunday): Approximately 12:00 - 02:00.

Transportation:

MRT: Take the Taipei MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) and get off at Jiantan Station. It is a 3-6 minute walk away, which is closer than Shilin Station.

Bus: Take routes such as 203, 255, 260, Red 9 and get off at MRT Jiantan Station or Ming Chuan University Station.

Driving: You can park in nearby underground parking lots, such as Shilin Market Parking Lot and Jihe Road Parking Lot, but it is more difficult to find a space at night, so it is recommended to arrive early.