How to Get to Taipei’s Raohe Street Night Market and Top Gourmet Spots

Located near Songshan Station, "Raohe Street Tourist Night Market" is one of the most popular night markets in Taipei. It features a variety of food stalls offering Michelin Guide Taipei-recognized delicacies and shops selling unique Taiwanese goods. Even beginners to Taiwan travel can fully enjoy this vibrant market. Let us introduce the highlights and must-try gourmet spots of Raohe Street Tourist Night Market!

1. What is the Raohe Street Night Market?

The Raohe Street Night Market, one of northern Taiwan’s most renowned night markets, was the first in Taiwan to be established with government support.

This vibrant market spans approximately 600 meters, where a straight path is packed with stalls selling local delicacies, clothing, and various goods. It’s celebrated as a quintessential Asian night market experience. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Songshan Station, accessible via the Taiwan Railways or the MRT Songshan-Xindian Line, it draws tourists from across Asia and around the globe. Don’t miss the chance to visit this lively attraction!

2. How to Access

Getting to the Raohe Street Night Market is easy, with options like trains or taxis. However, the train is the most convenient and recommended method.

The nearest station is “Songshan Station,” located just a 3-minute walk from Exit 5. The market is accessible via both the MRT Songshan Line and the MRT Songshan-Xindian Line. A one-way MRT fare from Taipei Main Station to Songshan Station is 25 NT$, but with the Easy Card (a rechargeable IC card), you can enjoy a 20% discount.

Route:

• From Taipei Main Station (R10), transfer to the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (northbound towards Beitou or Tamsui) at Zhongshan Station (R11).

• At Zhongshan Station (G14), switch to the Songshan-Xindian Line (eastbound towards Songshan) and alight at Songshan Station (G19).

3. Pepper Cake Shop

In Taiwan, bite-sized snacks perfect for takeaway are referred to as "small eats" (小吃 / Xiaochi). The Raohe Street Tourist Night Market is a paradise for small eats, offering an endless variety to explore. Among these, the pepper cake (胡椒餅 / Hujiao Bing) stands out as one of Taiwan's must-try specialties.

Pepper cake is a savory treat featuring a pie-like wheat dough stuffed with a juicy filling of seasoned pork and chopped scallions.

These cakes are baked by sticking them to the inner walls of a traditional tandoor-style oven, giving them a unique texture and flavor. The peppery filling, combined with the flaky dough, bursts with rich meat juices when you take a bite, making it a crave-worthy delight.

◆ Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Cake

Renowned as the birthplace of Taipei’s pepper cakes, "Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Cake" is located right next to the eastern entrance (near the station) of Raohe Street Tourist Night Market. This takeaway shop is so popular that it always has a line of eager customers.

The baking process takes time since the cakes are cooked in a tandoor-style oven, but you can watch the preparation unfold while you wait. Just be cautious of the piping hot juices when biting into the freshly made cakes! Each one is packed with pork and scallions, seasoned with bold black pepper, and is irresistibly flavorful.

4. Taiwanese Mianxian Restaurant

If there’s one dish that truly represents Taiwanese street food, it’s “mianxian.”

Though it may be relatively unfamiliar to some, mianxian has gained recognition as a Taiwanese comfort food. Mianxian features thin noodles cooked in a thick bonito-based broth. Depending on the restaurant, the toppings may include ingredients like fresh coriander, succulent oysters, and flavorful seasonings such as garlic or chili.

◆ Dong Fa Hao Oyster Mianxian

One must-visit location is Dong Fa Hao Oyster Mianxian, a shop popular for its flavors that also appeal to food enthusiasts.

Their mianxian comes generously topped with fresh oysters, tender pork intestines, and a sprinkle of coriander. The broth, free from overpowering garlic, highlights the delicate bonito aroma, creating a light yet satisfying flavor profile. The thin noodles glide smoothly, making it a great choice for a light meal. The oysters and pork intestines are impeccably fresh, packed with umami, and have a pleasant, springy texture for a truly delightful experience.

For a personalized touch, you can enhance the flavor with “wucu,” a vinegar reminiscent of Worcestershire sauce, perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with taste.

5. Recommended Street Food Shops

When it comes to enjoying night markets, street food is a must! From famous dishes to B-grade gourmet delights, you can enjoy them all at affordable prices.

One of the most well-known Taiwanese foods, is “stinky tofu” (Chòu Dòu Fǔ). If you catch a distinct smell in the air, chances are there’s a stinky tofu shop nearby.

◆ Xiàgǎng Míng Péng Stinky Tofu

A popular spot for stinky tofu is “Xiàgǎng Míng Péng Stinky Tofu.” You can enjoy a plate for just 50 NTD. Freshly fried, the stinky tofu has a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making it perfect to eat with the accompanying sauce. If you visit Taiwan, this is a must-try dish!

6. Tapioca Drinks and Sweets Shops

Tapioca drinks are also immensely popular in Taiwan and offer an abundance of places to try them.

◆ ONECA (丸咖), Raohe Store

At “ONECA (丸咖), Raohe Store,” you’ll find a wide variety of drinks, including the classic tapioca milk tea. They even offer drinks with alcohol, making it hard to choose just one! You can also customize your drink with toppings like whipped cream to suit your preferences.

The tapioca milk tea here is mildly sweet and easy to drink. While takeout is available, there are also table seats, making it a great spot to take a break.

◆ Niu B Tanghulu (Candied Fruits)

When it comes to sweets, this is a must-try! Taiwan's night markets feature a unique treat known as "tomato candy."

The taste is intriguing, but at "Niu B Tanghulu," the sweet coating of syrup on the tomato bursts into a refreshing tanginess with every bite, creating a brand-new sensation! Many people get hooked on this unique texture. At an affordable price of around 20 TWD, you can enjoy this addictive tomato candy—give it a try!

7. Recommended Gift Shops

After indulging in delicious food, it's time to explore gift shops. Raohe Street Tourist Night Market is full of Taiwanese souvenirs and unique trinkets.

◆ Yuán (Ah Yuan)

Yuán is a famous Taiwanese organic cosmetics brand offering an impressive selection comparable to their standalone stores.

They offer items like hand creams and soaps. These make for wonderful souvenirs, particularly for women—definitely worth checking out!

◆ Bamboo Workshop Arts & Crafts Shop

The Bamboo Workshop Arts & Crafts Shop, full of ambiance, offers a wide variety of products ranging from affordable items like incense and traditional Chinese decorations to more expensive ones.

Just browsing through the shop is enjoyable. In Taiwan, jade is a famous stone and can be purchased relatively inexpensively. This shop also features rings made from jade, each with a unique color. Why not search for one that suits your taste and find a favorite?

◎ Summary

The Raohe Street Night Market is a fantastic destination for first-time visitors to Taiwan! In addition to delicious food and unique handicrafts, there are also shops where birds tell your fortune and traditional threading hair removal services. There’s so much to see and experience! Open until late at night, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy Taiwan’s nightlife.

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How to Get to Taipei’s Raohe Street Night Market and Top Gourmet Spots