5 Best Night Markets of Taipei

Taipei's night markets are more than somewhere to grab a bite — they’re a cultural experience. There are two sides to the Taiwanese capital: Taipei by day, and Taipei after dark. Every evening, more than 30 food markets unfurl across the city, transforming the streets into open-air buffets where stalls dish out xiaochi — literally “small eats” — until the early hours of the morning. Taipei’s first hawkers congregated around temples and universities, offering low-cost meals to students and migrant workers. Over time, these markets have evolved into gathering places where locals come to socialize and shop. From humble beginnings, many xiaochi vendors have risen through the epicurean ranks: 24 food stands now hold a prestigious Bib Gourmand from Michelin.