Chung Shao Tung on Wikimedia

Planning a trip to Taiwan's bustling capital, Taipei? If there's one thing you should know before you go, it's that there are numerous food streets and night markets the capital is known for, and it'll take you some time to sift through them all. Our tip? Make sure to visit a different night market every day you're staying in the city. If you're only there for a few days, plan to hit more than one per evening.

But if there's one you absolutely should not miss, it's Raohe Night Market. From Michelin-recommended eats to quirky shops and so much more, there's a reason why this night market is so recognizable and beloved, and we're here to delve into all the deets.

Stuff Yourself Full

You'll find perfectly round sweet potato balls and milky cups of bubble tea almost every night market you visit in Taipei, but at Raohe, there's more than the usual menu on offer. What are you feeling? Black pepper buns? Oyster omelettes? Braised eats? Peanut ice cream rolls? Yup—they're all here. And if you have an even bigger imagination, whatever you're thinking of is probably at one of the stalls, too.

If you're new to Taiwanese cuisine, you'll likely want to taste-tour through the famous dishes first, such as stinky tofu and five-spice-dusted popcorn chicken. But at Raohe specifically, the stalls you can't miss are Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun and Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup, both of which received a Bib Gourmand in 2018. Up for something sweet to balance out the savory? Hit up Michelin-recommended Mochi Baby next, which is known for their sticky transparent rice balls that are stuffed with black sesame, powdered sugar, or crushed peanuts.

Shop 'til You Drop

Yosomono from Fukuoka, Japan on Wikimedia

Food isn't the only thing on offer at Raohe. If you're up for a good shopping spree, you're in luck: the shops and boutiques lining the street behind the food stalls have lots of goodies to buy, and everything is relatively cheap. Whether you're looking for new clothes, quirky phone cases, or unique souvenirs to bring home, you'll find them all nestled somewhere in this crowded market.

Other Night Markets to Roam

Still not full? Don't worry—when you're in Taipei, the night is always young. And if you're looking for more night markets to roam, there are plenty more dotted throughout the capital. Tourists usually flock to Shilin, Taipei's largest and most famous night market, but to experience the city more like a local, it's best to stick to the traditional one-street night markets, like Ningxia and Nanjichang—the latter of which is sometimes considered a hidden gem.

Taipei is memorable no matter where you go, so if you're not busy stuffing your stomach full, remember to take in all the sights and sounds slowly. Don't underestimate tiny shops and hole-in-the-walls, either, if you're stopping for a break. You might just find your next favorite restaurant on the corner of a quiet neighborhood.