Taiwan shares some cultural similarities with Korea, but its social landscape is also quite different in many ways. Familiar nightlife staples such as karaoke rooms and beer halls are not nearly as common here. There are plenty of restaurants, of course, and alcohol is widely available—but there are relatively few establishments built specifically around drinking.
So what do people do in the evening? They either turn in early or head to a night market. For visitors in particular, exploring a night market is practically a required part of any trip to Taiwan.
I decided to visit Raohe Street Night Market after hearing that it was popular with both residents and tourists. Stretching for roughly 600 meters along a straight road, the market is known for its easy-to-follow layout and well-curated selection of stalls. The street functions as a regular road during the day, but vehicles are restricted from around 5 p.m., when it transforms into a bustling open-air night market.
How Did Raohe Street Night Market Begin?
Raohe Street Night Market is located in Taipei’s Songshan District. Established in 1987 with support from the Taiwanese government, it was Taipei’s second officially designated tourist night market.
The area was once known as “Xikou.” Located near the Keelung River, it was a thriving commercial district and an important hub for transporting and trading goods.
As transportation methods changed, the local commercial district went into decline. After the government designated the area as a night-market zone, however, it was revitalized and has become one of Taipei’s essential tourist attractions, drawing tens of thousands of visitors every night.
How to Get to Raohe Street Night Market
MRT
Take the Green Line, also known as the Songshan–Xindian Line, to its terminus, Songshan Station Exit 5. As soon as you come out, you’ll see the market’s ornate entrance archway and Songshan Ciyou Temple.
Train (TRA)
The market is also connected to Songshan Railway Station, making it easy to reach from Taipei Main Station and other parts of Taiwan.
Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105.
Raohe’s Essential Eats, Including Michelin Bib Gourmand Favorites
For a market of its size, Raohe Street Night Market is famous for the number of high-quality food stalls it offers. Several have even been recognized by the Michelin Guide, making this a particularly appealing destination for food lovers.
Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Bun: This stall has one of the longest lines as soon as you enter through the market’s eastern entrance. Baked by sticking the dough to the inside wall of a clay oven,
the bun combines a crisp exterior with juicy pork and a sharp peppery aroma. It is Raohe’s signature snack.
Chen Dong Pork Ribs Herbal Soup: This nourishing dish features tender pork ribs simmered in a rich broth infused with Chinese medicinal herbs.
The herbal fragrance is distinctive, but the clean finish makes it appealing even to Korean palates.
Oyster Vermicelli: A traditional Taiwanese noodle dish made with fresh oysters and pig intestines in a thick broth. Its soft texture and savory depth are the highlights.
Stinky Tofu: Its powerful aroma can be divisive, but deep-fried stinky tofu served with tangy pickled cabbage is one of the quintessential Taiwanese night-market experiences.
Desserts and Snacks: You’ll find everything from fried giant squid, cube steak and sweet-potato QQ balls to refreshing mango shaved ice and papaya milk.
What Are Taipei’s Main Night Markets Like?
Shilin Night Market
This is Taipei’s largest and best-known night market. As the city’s most famous market among tourists, it is packed with food and attractions. The underground food court has seating for diners, while the streets above are lined with clothing and accessory shops, game stalls and plenty of other places to browse.
Raohe Street Night Market
Located right beside Songshan Station, this market’s straight layout makes it particularly easy to explore. The elaborate entrance structure is a popular photo spot, and the market has a more concentrated food offering than Shilin, making it a favorite among foodies.
Ningxia Night Market
Although smaller in scale, Ningxia is packed with excellent food stalls. It is popular with locals looking for dinner, and because many stalls have been selected for Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, long lines are a common sight.
Huaxi Street Night Market
Located near Longshan Temple, this covered arcade-style market is a good option even on rainy days. It was once known for snake dishes, but today it has evolved into a destination for a range of traditional Taiwanese restorative dishes and seafood.
Things to See Near Raohe: Songshan Ciyou Temple
Located at the eastern end of the market, Songshan Ciyou Temple is a historic temple founded in 1753.
Dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, the temple’s ornate roof decorations and intricate carvings take on an even more magnificent appearance under the evening lights.
It is an ideal place to experience Taiwan’s religious culture and take photos before or after exploring the market.
Nearby, **Rainbow Bridge** is also a pleasant place to pause and enjoy the night view along the Keelung River.
6. Tips for Visiting Raohe Street Night Market
Opening hours: The market generally operates from 5 p.m. until midnight. It is busiest between 7 and 9 p.m.; if you want to avoid the crowds, try arriving around 5 p.m., just after the stalls open.
Pedestrian flow: Stalls run in a long line down the center of the street, with walking paths on either side.
Visitors generally keep to the right, so following the flow makes it easier to move through the crowds.
Payment: Most stalls accept cash only. Some shops have recently begun accepting EasyCard or LINE Pay, but carrying enough cash is essential for a smooth food tour.
Trash and restrooms: Trash cans can be difficult to find in some parts of the market, so it is a good idea to note the locations of the entrance area and nearby convenience stores.
Restrooms are available at nearby Songshan Station or inside Ciyou Temple.
Takeout and dining: Some stalls have seating, but in many cases you’ll need to eat standing up on the street.
Bringing wet wipes or hand sanitizer will make the experience much more comfortable. Raohe Street Night Market may be smaller than Shilin, but its straight, easy-to-navigate layout and concentration of excellent food stalls make it a highly rewarding stop.
For enjoying the energy of a lively Taiwanese night, Raohe Street is a very good choice.
I had a great time.
