Taiwan’s night markets are more than just places to eat – they are cultural icons. Popular because they offer a huge range of different food at cheap prices, they are also inherently social places – friends and family can chat while they queue and eat while they shop and stroll. While not usually considered "gourmet," the snacks dished up by some vendors are now getting noticed by the Michelin Guide, including several from Shilin Night Market. Many snacks are also unique to night markets and are often whipped up in a wok or grilled sizzling on a stick.
Taipei's most famous night market (next to Jiantan MRT) is hugely popular for street-side snacking, shopping and games. Shilin is particularly geared towards a younger crowd, with lots of claw crane machines, cheap clothing stalls and tattooists. The variety and atmosphere make it one of Taipei’s more fun venues.
In 2011, the government moved much of the action inside a covered market: the food vendors were relegated to the basement, while clothing, toys and games were given ground level, diluting all the fun. However, there are still lanes and lanes full of food stalls outside, and they retain the original buzz.
A spider-like sprawl of narrow lanes, the liveliest action is centered around Cixian Temple, which is definitely worth a visit. This 1927 reconstruction of the original 1864 design has some masterful cochin ceramic panels above the arched doors near the back of the main hall, as well as exquisite carvings throughout.
If you need a beer to wash down all that fried food, head to Funky Fresh Bar, a heavenly nook in the thick of things that serves a range of Taiwanese craft beer in bottles and on tap, piped through two metallic mannequins.