Quick answer
Shilin Night Market boasts culinary delights ranging from NT$15 to NT$200, with Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken being our top recommendation for a shareable and iconic experience. Despite some local preferences for other markets, Shilin's Michelin-recognized stalls and unique vendors make it a worthwhile destination if you know where to go. We've curated a list of the best stalls based on Reddit recommendations, Michelin recognition, and local insights.
- Best overall
- Zhong Cheng Hao (忠誠號蚵仔煎)
- Price/value range
- $90 – 60
- Top-ranked pick
- Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排) — NT$90–100
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排): The OG Shilin icon since the 1990s.
- A Hui Vermicelli Noodles (阿輝麵線): There's a reason Michelin flagged this one.
- Zhong Cheng Hao (忠誠號蚵仔煎): The sit-down option for people who want to sample multiple classic Taiwanese dishes without fighting the crowds.
Shilin Night Market boasts culinary delights ranging from NT$15 to NT$200, with Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken being our top recommendation for a shareable and iconic experience. Despite some local preferences for other markets, Shilin's Michelin-recognized stalls and unique vendors make it a worthwhile destination if you know where to go. We've curated a list of the best stalls based on Reddit recommendations, Michelin recognition, and local insights.
Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) has been Taipei's most famous night market since the 1990s. At its peak, over 500 food stalls packed these narrow streets. Today, it's smaller and undeniably more touristy — many locals will tell you to skip it for Raohe or Ningxia instead.
But here's the thing: Shilin still has five Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls , an underground food court that just reopened after a major renovation, and iconic vendors you genuinely can't find anywhere else. The trick is knowing exactly where to go — and which sections to skip entirely.
We dug through hundreds of Reddit posts from r/taiwan, r/Taipei, and r/taiwantravel to separate the genuinely great stalls from the tourist-trap noise. Here are the 10 that are actually worth your time.
Night Market Map
1. Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排)
How we built this list
We analyzed 150+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/taiwan, r/Taipei, r/taiwantravel, and r/chinesefood — spanning 2022 to 2026. Stalls were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. We cross-referenced with Michelin Bib Gourmand listings and gave extra weight to picks from Taiwan residents over first-time visitors.
1Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排)
Iconic Fried Chicken
Verdict: The OG Shilin icon since the 1990s.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Iconic Fried Chicken in Near main entrance, Jihe Road with a $90–100 spend range
- Strengths
- 3.5★ from 1,282 Google reviews · Iconic Fried Chicken · Near main entrance, Jihe Road
- Limitations
- the chicken is genuinely excellent — the 24-hour marinade and massive size aren't gimmicks
- Price / value
- $90–100 · 3.5★
- Why it made the list
- The OG Shilin icon since the 1990s. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, there's always a line. But the chicken is genuinely excellent — the 24-hour marinade and massive size aren't gimmicks. Share one between two people and save room for everything else.
- What to order
- Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排), near the main entrance on Jihe Road, offers an iconic fried chicken experience for NT$90–100. Order the original spicy (辣的) chicken cutlet — literally larger than your face. It's marinated for 24 hours and fried golden and crispy, big enough to share between two people. Choose spicy or original (原味).
🕐 Closed now
Mon3:30 PM – 12:00 AMTue3:30 PM – 12:00 AMWed3:30 PM – 12:00 AMThu3:30 PM – 12:00 AMFri3:30 PM – 12:00 AMSat3:30 PM – 12:00 AMSun3:30 PM – 12:00 AM
"Visit Shilin night market with an empty stomach. The street foods are endless."
— r/Taipei · Shilin night market tonight, Sep 2024
"Hot Star has the best deep fried chicken cutlets you can find in the city."
— taiwanobsessed.com · How to Eat at Shilin Night Market
2A Hui Vermicelli Noodles (阿輝麵線)
Michelin Bib Gourmand
Verdict: There's a reason Michelin flagged this one.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Michelin Bib Gourmand in Near Cixian Temple, main strip with a $50–80 spend range
- Strengths
- 3.6★ from 157 Google reviews · Michelin Bib Gourmand · Near Cixian Temple, main strip
- Limitations
- works beautifully
- Price / value
- $50–80 · 3.6★
- Why it made the list
- There's a reason Michelin flagged this one. The vermicelli is impossibly slurpable — thick, starchy, deeply savory. The mix of oysters and intestines sounds challenging but works beautifully. At NT$50–80, it's one of the best food deals in Taipei, period.
- What to order
- A Hui Vermicelli Noodles (阿輝麵線), a Michelin Bib Gourmand stall near Cixian Temple on the main strip, serves vermicelli noodles for NT$50–80. Order the mixed vermicelli with oysters and intestines (綜合麵線, large bowl). The thick, gooey broth with tender vermicelli, fresh oysters, and braised pork intestines is pure comfort food. Add the condiments they provide — it transforms the bowl.
Hours
Mon3:30–11 PMTue3:30–11 PMWed3:30–11 PMThu3:30–11 PMFri3:30–11 PMSat3:30–11 PMSun3:30–11 PM
"You can try out ah hui vermicelli soup. Remember to add in the extra condiment they provide for a better taste!"
— r/Taipei · Shilin vs Raohe vs other night markets for food, May 2024
3Zhong Cheng Hao (忠誠號蚵仔煎)
Oyster Omelet Specialist
Verdict: The sit-down option for people who want to sample multiple classic Taiwanese dishes without fighting the crowds.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Oyster Omelet Specialist in Just inside covered arcade, right side with a $80–150 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 20,005 Google reviews · Oyster Omelet Specialist · Just inside covered arcade, right side
- Limitations
- Price band: $80–150
- Price / value
- $80–150 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- The sit-down option for people who want to sample multiple classic Taiwanese dishes without fighting the crowds. The oyster omelet is legitimately good — chewy starch, plump oysters, sweet sauce. Perfect for first-timers who want the full night market food experience in one spot.
- What to order
- Zhong Cheng Hao (忠誠號蚵仔煎), located just inside the covered arcade on the right side, specializes in oyster omelets priced between NT$80–150. The oyster omelet (蚵仔煎) is the signature — starchy, eggy, loaded with plump oysters and sweet chili sauce. Also try the Keelung-style tempura (甜不辣), braised pork rice (滷肉飯), and the adventurous pig brain soup (豬腦湯) if you dare.
🕐 Closed now
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue4:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed4:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu4:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
"Yessssss my fav 🥺😍"
— r/chinesefood · Oyster omelette from Zhong Cheng Hao at Shilin Night Market
"If you want try it all without having to navigate the crowds deeper inside the night market, this spot is for you."
— taiwanobsessed.com · Shilin Night Market Walking Tour
4Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao (鍾家原上海生煎包)
Michelin Bib Gourmand
Verdict: At NT$15–20 per bun, this is arguably the best value in all of Shilin.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Michelin Bib Gourmand in Wenlin Road section with a $15–20/bun spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1,666 Google reviews · Michelin Bib Gourmand · Wenlin Road section
- Limitations
- Price band: $15–20/bun
- Price / value
- $15–20/bun · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- At NT$15–20 per bun, this is arguably the best value in all of Shilin. Michelin agrees — the sheng jian bao here earned a Bib Gourmand. The contrast between the crackling crispy bottom and the juicy pork interior is textbook perfect. Buy four minimum.
- What to order
- Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao (鍾家原上海生煎包), a Michelin Bib Gourmand stall in the Wenlin Road section, sells delicious buns for NT$15–20 each. Order four pork buns (四個鮮肉包) — crispy golden bottom, juicy pork filling, thin doughy top. The cabbage buns (高麗菜包) are excellent too. Prepared in batches so expect a 10-15 minute wait, but it's worth every minute.
"If you want to go for a quick massage. Shilin is the place to go. But the street food in Shilin is overrated. Most of the shops provide similar food."
— r/taiwan · Shilin Night Market street food, Dec 2019
5Good Friend Cold Noodles (好朋友涼麵)
Michelin Bib Gourmand
Verdict: The unsung hero of Shilin.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Michelin Bib Gourmand in Danan Road with a $60–90 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 1,642 Google reviews · Michelin Bib Gourmand · Danan Road
- Limitations
- Price band: $60–90
- Price / value
- $60–90 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- The unsung hero of Shilin. While everyone's fighting over fried chicken, locals quietly line up here for Michelin-recognized cold noodles. On a hot Taipei night (which is most nights), these cool, nutty, perfectly chewy noodles are an absolute revelation. Don't sleep on this one.
- What to order
- Good Friend Cold Noodles (好朋友涼麵), a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick on Danan Road, offers cold noodles for NT$60–90. Order the cold noodles with sesame sauce (芝麻涼麵). Chewy, cool noodles tossed in rich sesame paste — the perfect palate cleanser after heavy fried foods. Add their miso soup (味增湯) for the complete experience.
6Taiwanese Sausage in Sticky Rice (大腸包小腸)
Night Market Classic
Verdict: Available at every night market in Taiwan, but something about the Shilin version hits different.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Night Market Classic in Multiple stalls throughout market with a $70–80 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 20,005 Google reviews · Night Market Classic · Multiple stalls throughout market
- Limitations
- something about the Shilin version hits different
- Price / value
- $70–80 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- Available at every night market in Taiwan, but something about the Shilin version hits different. Maybe it's the atmosphere, maybe it's the charcoal grill smoke mixing with the night air. Either way, the sticky rice "bun" with sweet sausage and raw garlic is essential Taiwan eating. Get one early in your crawl.
- What to order
- Taiwanese Sausage in Sticky Rice (大腸包小腸) is a night market classic available at multiple stalls throughout the market for NT$70–80. Order the standard combo — sweet Taiwanese sausage tucked inside a grilled sticky rice "bun." Load it up with garlic (蒜泥), basil (九層塔), pickled vegetables (泡菜), and chili sauce. It's basically Taiwan's answer to the hot dog, and it's better.
🕐 Closed now
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue4:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed4:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu4:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
"大腸包小腸 taiwanese sausage with grilled sticky rice that looks like a sausage."
— r/taiwan · Best Night Market snack?, Jun 2025
"The taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice, I LOVED IT"
— r/taiwan · Best Night Market snack?, Jun 2025
7Fuzhou Pepper Buns (福州胡椒餅)
Coal-fired Buns
Verdict: The Raohe Night Market version is more famous, but the Shilin branch offers the same coal-fired magic without the notorious hour-long line.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Coal-fired Buns in Near Cixian Temple area with a $60–65 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 20,005 Google reviews · Coal-fired Buns · Near Cixian Temple area
- Limitations
- the Shilin branch offers the same coal-fired magic without the notorious hour-long line
- Price / value
- $60–65 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- The Raohe Night Market version is more famous, but the Shilin branch offers the same coal-fired magic without the notorious hour-long line. The interior is lava-hot — seriously, wait 2-3 minutes. The flaky crust, peppery pork, and rush of hot juice make this one of the best bites in any night market.
- What to order
- Fuzhou Pepper Buns (福州胡椒餅), near the Cixian Temple area, offers coal-fired buns for NT$60–65. Order the classic pepper bun — pork and scallion filling with aggressive black pepper, sealed in a flaky crust and baked in a coal-fired clay oven. The crust shatters, the juice explodes. Let it cool 2-3 minutes first or you WILL burn your mouth.
🕐 Closed now
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue4:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed4:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu4:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
"I can't believe none of you have said the peppered pork buns which is easily a top 2-3 choice at night markets, especially if you're at Raohe."
— r/taiwan · Best Night Market snack?, Jun 2025
"It's because I don't have the patience to wait for it to cool down. I always get third degree burn on my tongue from eating one, every time."
— r/taiwan · Best Night Market snack?, Jun 2025
8Prince Cheese Potato (王子起司馬鈴薯)
Loaded Potato
Verdict: Not traditional Taiwanese food by any stretch — it's a baked potato drowning in fake cheese sauce.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Loaded Potato in Southern tip, near Jiantan MRT with a $100–170 spend range
- Strengths
- 3.8★ from 441 Google reviews · Loaded Potato · Southern tip, near Jiantan MRT
- Limitations
- it's become a genuine Shilin institution and the line is always deep
- Price / value
- $100–170 · 3.8★
- Why it made the list
- Not traditional Taiwanese food by any stretch — it's a baked potato drowning in fake cheese sauce. But it's become a genuine Shilin institution and the line is always deep. Think of it as Taiwan's take on carnival food. Fun, excessive, and best shared. Located right at the entrance, so hit it first or last.
- What to order
- Prince Cheese Potato (王子起司馬鈴薯), located at the southern tip near Jiantan MRT, serves loaded potatoes for NT$100–170. Order the Club & Cheese (王子綜合起司) — fully loaded with all toppings and doused in bright orange cheese sauce. The menu has English, Chinese, and Japanese. Vegetarian, seafood, and meat options available. Warning: this is very filling — consider sharing.
Hours
Mon1 PM–12 AMTue1 PM–12 AMWed1 PM–12 AMThu1 PM–12 AMFri1 PM–12 AMSat1 PM–12 AMSun1 PM–12 AM
9Underground Food Court (士林地下美食街)
Renovated Food Hall
Verdict: Reopened in April 2025 after a two-year renovation, the underground food court is basically Shilin's secret weapon.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Renovated Food Hall in Below covered arcade area with a $50–200 spend range
- Strengths
- 3.6★ from 2,010 Google reviews · Renovated Food Hall · Below covered arcade area
- Limitations
- Price band: $50–200
- Price / value
- $50–200 · 3.6★
- Why it made the list
- Reopened in April 2025 after a two-year renovation, the underground food court is basically Shilin's secret weapon. Many of these vendors have been here since the original 1960s market — they just moved underground. Air conditioning, modern seating, buzzer service — it's night market food without the chaos. Perfect for families, rainy days, or anyone who wants to eat comfortably.
- What to order
- The Underground Food Court (士林地下美食街), located below the covered arcade area, offers a variety of dishes ranging from NT$50–200. Multiple stalls line the walls — try the oyster omelets, teppanyaki, stinky tofu, and soup dumplings. You get a buzzer when your food is ready. It's air-conditioned, clean, and has proper seating — a lifesaver on hot or rainy nights.
🕐 Closed now
Mon3:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue3:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed3:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu3:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 2:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 2:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
"Shilin has a bunch of stuff if you can't make up your mind but I usually go to the underground food court."
— r/taipei · Night Market thread, Jun 2023
10Fried Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球)
Dessert Snack
Verdict: The perfect night market dessert.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Dessert Snack in Multiple stalls throughout market with a $40–60 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 20,005 Google reviews · Dessert Snack · Multiple stalls throughout market
- Limitations
- Price band: $40–60
- Price / value
- $40–60 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- The perfect night market dessert. These golden, puffy balls are addictively crunchy on the outside, chewy and sweet on the inside. The plum powder adds a tangy twist that balances the sweetness. At NT$40–60, grab a bag for the walk home. You'll wish you'd bought two.
- What to order
- Fried Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球) are a popular dessert snack available at multiple stalls throughout the market for NT$40–60. Order a bag of QQ (chewy) sweet potato balls with plum powder seasoning. The vendor continuously presses and re-fries them to achieve maximum puff and crunch. Ask for the plum flavor (梅粉) — it's the classic.
🕐 Closed now
Mon4:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue4:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed4:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu4:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat4:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🌐 Website
"地瓜球 (fried sweet potato balls) — OG fried chicken cutlets, boba or freshly made juice"
— r/taiwan · Best Night Market snack?, Jun 2025
"The potato balls were my absolute favorite (with the plum flavoring!!!) but top highlight was the taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice"
— r/taiwan · Best Night Market snack?, Jun 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-try foods at Shilin Night Market?
The top must-tries are Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排), oyster omelets at Zhong Cheng Hao, A Hui's Michelin-rated oyster vermicelli, pan-fried buns at Chung Chia, and Taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice (大腸包小腸). Don't skip the fried sweet potato balls with plum powder for dessert.
Is Shilin Night Market worth visiting or is it a tourist trap?
Shilin gets mixed reviews from locals — some consider it overrated compared to Raohe or Ningxia. However, it still has several Michelin-rated food stalls, an excellent underground food court (reopened April 2025), and iconic vendors you won't find elsewhere. Skip the outer sections full of arcades and clothes shops, and head straight to the food stalls near Cixian Temple for the best experience.
What time should I visit Shilin Night Market?
The market opens around 4-5 PM and runs until midnight. For shorter lines and fresher food, arrive between 5:00-6:30 PM before the dinner rush. Peak crowds hit 7-10 PM — great atmosphere but long waits. After 10 PM, crowds thin but some stalls start closing. The underground food court operates 4 PM to midnight.
How do I get to Shilin Night Market?
Take the Taipei MRT Red Line to Jiantan Station (劍潭站), exit 1. The night market is directly across the intersection — about a 2-minute walk. Do NOT get off at Shilin Station, which is one stop further and requires a longer walk.
How much money should I bring to Shilin Night Market?
Budget NT$300-500 (roughly $10-16 USD) per person for a satisfying food crawl of 4-5 items. Most stalls are cash-only, though some now accept mobile payments. Bring small bills (NT$100, NT$50). Individual snacks range from NT$40 for sweet potato balls to NT$170 for loaded cheese potatoes. No tipping needed.
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