When you’re on a Taipei private tour, Shilin Night Market is a must-visit destination in your Taiwan itinerary! It’s one of the largest and most iconic night markets in Taipei. Like Keelung Night Market, Shilin was originally centered around Yangming Theater (removed in 2020) and Cicheng Temple.
Established as early as 1899, Shilin Market grew from the bustling shops along Wenlin Road, Dadong Road, and Danan Road. With an incredible variety of food and goods, it attracts not only local students and residents, but also international visitors from around the world.
Discovering Authentic Flavors at Shilin Night Market
If you’re planning a Taipei day tour, Shilin Night Market is the perfect place to dive into Taiwan’s vibrant street food scene and night market culture!
First stop—let me introduce one of my all-time favorite eats at Shilin Night Market: Hometown Barbecue Chicken.
📍 Located at No. 1, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Wellyen is just a 3-minute walk from Jiantan MRT Station, Exit 3. Their charcoal-fried chicken takes the flavor of fried chicken to a whole new level.
There’s usually a long queue, but trust me—it’s worth the wait. For just NTD 80, you get tender, juicy chicken with that perfect smoky edge. (I’m not even kidding—I’d ride 30 minutes on my scooter just to get my fix!)
Next stop: let’s talk about a true Shilin classic—Auntie’s Salty Chicken (阿姨塩水鶏).
(Since there’s no official English name, I’m just translating it straight from Mandarin!)
This long-standing favorite used to be just a tiny street vendor, but now it has its own shop—though it still keeps that cozy, vendor-style vibe. 📍 You can find it at No. 100, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City.
If you’ve been in Taiwan for a while, you’ve probably noticed that salty chicken stalls are everywhere. So, what makes Auntie’s stand out? Well—have you ever seen one with over 50 ingredients to choose from?!
Yep, you’ll find an almost overwhelming variety of meats, veggies, tofu, and even off-the-menu goodies here. Every time I go, my brain screams “Decidophobia!”—because honestly, choosing just a few is the hardest part.
Now for something a little more unexpected—Fried Ice Cream! (爆炸冰團)
Compared to other stalls, this one might not have a long line (maybe because some locals put it in the “Taiwanese Bizarre Foods” category), but don’t let that stop you!
📍 Located at No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, it’s just across the street from Auntie’s Salty Chicken.
Now, before you ask—no, they don’t fry the ice cream directly. The ice cream is tucked inside a dough wrapper, which is quickly deep-fried. The outside turns perfectly crispy while the inside stays frozen and creamy.
I absolutely love that crunchy golden shell mixed with cold, sweet ice cream. And the best part? There are tons of flavors to choose from—making it super hard to pick just one. (Good luck stopping at just one, though!)
Last but definitely not least—Hai Yu Pork Ribs!
This time-honored restaurant was recognized by the Taipei Bib Gourmand in both 2019 and 2020, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Their signature pork ribs stewed in Chinese herbal soup are rich, flavorful, and seriously addictive. Even before the Bib Gourmand shout-out, Hai Yu was already well-known among locals. Now? It’s even harder to get your hands on a bowl without waiting in line.
The herbal aroma hits you the moment you get close—and trust me, the taste lives up to the hype. This spot is a must-try if you’re exploring Shilin with an empty stomach and a love for local flavors.
📍 Address: No. 49, Dadong Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City
What’s your top pick at Shilin Night Market? 🍢🍡✨
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