When I first mentioned “night markets” to my kids, their eyes lit up—not because of the food, but because they imagined carnival lights, music, and endless snacks. They weren’t wrong. Traveling through Taiwan night markets with my husband and children turned into one of our most unforgettable culinary adventures. From sizzling scallion pancakes in Taipei to sweet taro balls in Jiufen, our family discovered that food here isn’t just about taste—it’s about stories, smells, and moments shared under glowing lanterns.
Planning Our Family Food Adventure in Taiwan
Why Taiwan for Family Travel
As a family that loves to explore destinations through food, family travel in Taiwan felt like the perfect fit. The island is safe, clean, and incredibly child-friendly. With a mix of traditional and modern attractions, it offers a sensory playground for adults and kids alike—especially when the sun sets and the markets come alive.
We planned our trip for early spring, avoiding the summer humidity but still catching mild evenings perfect for market-hopping. Our 10-day itinerary combined city energy, cultural stops, and of course, plenty of food adventures:
- Taipei for the iconic Shilin and Raohe Street markets
- Taichung for Fengjia, the island’s largest night market
- Tainan for traditional snacks and history
- Jiufen for mountain charm and old-world food stalls
Preparing for the Night Market Experience
Before our trip, we created a “must-try” list with the kids—part of the fun was letting them research what they wanted to taste. Our son picked bubble tea, while our daughter was determined to try stinky tofu, despite wrinkling her nose at the name.
We also set some practical rules:
- Always start with small portions so we could sample more dishes.
- Carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes (a lifesaver!).
- Bring small bills and coins—cash is king in night markets.
- Stay hydrated between bites—fresh sugarcane juice became our go-to.
Arrival in Taipei: First Impressions and Market Energy
After a smooth flight and a quick train ride from Taoyuan Airport, we arrived in Taipei, a city where neon lights dance above ancient temples and every street corner smells delicious. We stayed in Zhongshan District, close enough to major markets but quiet for the kids to sleep well.
Our first night, jet lagged but hungry, we followed the crowd to Raohe Street Night Market—a glowing ribbon of lights framed by the ornate Songshan Ciyou Temple. The air was thick with the smell of grilled meat, garlic, and sugar.
“Let’s start here!” my husband said, pointing to a stand with a long line. We soon found ourselves holding pepper buns (hújiāo bǐng)—crispy pastry stuffed with minced pork, scallions, and black pepper, baked in a tandoor-like oven. Steam poured out as we broke them open, and the kids’ eyes widened in delight.
Exploring Taiwan Night Markets with Kids
Shilin Night Market: The Classic Crowd Favorite
Shilin Night Market is the granddaddy of all Taiwan night markets, and it’s easy to see why. Located just a short MRT ride from central Taipei, it’s sprawling, noisy, and absolutely packed with food choices.
We arrived early in the evening, which I recommend for families—it’s less crowded, and you can snag a few tables. The kids made a beeline for a stall selling fried chicken cutlets bigger than their faces. We shared one, laughing at how ridiculous (and delicious) it was.
Nearby, we found the famous oyster omelet vendor. The gooey texture, savory sauce, and crispy edges might not win every child’s heart, but our daughter bravely tried it and declared it “weird but good.” That became our phrase for the rest of the trip.
Down a side lane, a vendor handed us small cups of sweet potato balls—chewy, hot, and slightly sweet. We bought two more portions before moving on to the underground food court, where the smell of grilled squid filled the air.
Family Tip: Shilin can be overwhelming, so set a meeting point and agree on a “no rush” pace. There’s also a small arcade nearby—perfect for letting kids burn off energy between bites.
Jiufen Old Street: A Mountain Market Straight from a Storybook
Two days later, we took a day trip to Jiufen, a historic mountain town about an hour from Taipei. Once a gold-mining village, Jiufen is now famous for its misty charm and lantern-lit food stalls that inspired scenes from Spirited Away.
The kids loved wandering the narrow alleys, where food seemed to appear around every turn:
- Taro balls with shaved ice, served in pastel colors and soft as mochi.
- Fish ball soup, fragrant with white pepper and garlic.
- Grilled mushrooms, brushed with soy sauce and cooked until smoky.
We stopped at a tea house overlooking the valley, sipping oolong tea while the kids enjoyed pineapple cake. The view—rolling hills fading into clouds—felt timeless.
As dusk settled, red lanterns lit the alleys. The kids whispered, “It looks like a movie.” And it did—a dreamlike blend of food, fog, and magic.
Family Tip: Bring jackets for Jiufen; it can get chilly at night. Comfortable shoes are a must—the cobblestone steps are steep and slippery.
Taichung’s Fengjia Night Market: The Feast That Never Ends
Midway through our trip, we took a high-speed train to Taichung, Taiwan’s central city known for its creative vibe. Our goal: to conquer Fengjia Night Market, the biggest in Taiwan.
The market was enormous—streets upon streets of sizzling, steaming, and bubbling delights. The kids had fun spotting quirky snacks:
- Cheese-filled corn dogs that stretched like mozzarella sticks.
- Giant cups of bubble tea with toppings piled high.
- Grilled corn brushed with spicy miso butter.
One standout dish was salt and pepper squid, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor. My husband swore it was the best seafood he’d ever had from a street stall.
Between bites, we browsed toy booths and played dart games where the kids won tiny plush pandas. The energy was electric yet oddly comfortable—the kind of chaos you can’t help but enjoy.
Family Tip: Taichung’s markets open later than Taipei’s, so plan to eat around 7–10 p.m. Bring tissues—some stalls don’t offer napkins.
Tainan: Where Tradition Tastes Like Home
Our journey south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, brought a shift in rhythm. Here, the pace was slower, the flavors deeper. Locals call it the “soul of Taiwanese cuisine”, and it quickly became our favorite stop.
We visited Guohua Street Night Market, a smaller but more traditional setup. One elderly vendor served dan zai noodles—tiny bowls of noodles in a sweet-savory broth with minced pork and shrimp. Each bite felt like a comforting hug.
Nearby, we found a stall selling coffin bread, a Tainan specialty: thick fried toast hollowed out and filled with creamy chicken stew. The kids were thrilled at the name (“You eat out of a coffin?!”) and loved the taste even more.
We ended the night with mango shaved ice, piled high with syrup and fresh fruit. As we sat together under twinkling lights, sticky-fingered and smiling, I thought—this was what travel should feel like: simple, joyful, and shared.
Family Tip: Tainan’s night markets rotate locations, so check online schedules before visiting. Locals are happy to help point you in the right direction.
More Than Food: Family-Friendly Fun Around Taiwan
Between night market feasts, we found plenty of activities to balance out all that eating. In Taipei, we explored the National Palace Museum, where the kids were fascinated by jade carvings and ancient scrolls. We also took the Maokong Gondola for panoramic views over the city and stopped for tea at the top.
In Taichung, the Rainbow Village delighted our kids—a small neighborhood painted entirely in bright murals by a 90-year-old veteran. In Tainan, we rented bikes and pedaled through quiet temples and lakeside paths.
Everywhere we went, locals welcomed us with kindness and curiosity. Our kids became mini-celebrities at times—vendors would smile, hand them treats, and teach them words in Mandarin. It turned every meal into a cultural exchange.
Challenges and How We Handled Them
Traveling through Taiwan night markets as a family wasn’t without its small hiccups:
- Crowds: Some markets get packed, so we held hands tightly and avoided weekends when possible.
- Spice levels: Taiwanese food is generally mild, but chili sauces can surprise you—taste first before handing to kids.
- Overeating: Tempting as it was, we learned to share portions and walk between bites.
We also learned that Taiwanese people adore children—stall owners often handed our kids free samples or waved them behind the counter to “help” grill fish balls. Their laughter crossed language barriers better than any phrasebook.
Practical Tips for Family Night Market Adventures
- Bring cash: Most vendors don’t accept cards, and change can be tricky for large bills.
- Start early: Families with young kids should go around 5–6 p.m. before the crowds peak.
- Dress comfortably: Light clothes and good walking shoes are essential.
- Hydrate: Try the fresh juices—watermelon, sugarcane, or lime—but avoid too many sweet drinks at once.
- Mix savory and sweet: Alternate dishes to avoid palate fatigue.
- Download a translation app: Helpful for reading menus or understanding ingredients.
- Embrace adventure: Some dishes may sound strange (hello, stinky tofu!), but that’s part of the fun.
Reflections: The Flavor of Family Travel
On our last night in Taiwan, we returned to Raohe Street, where it had all begun. We found ourselves at the same pepper bun stall, the same warm smell wrapping around us like an old friend. This time, the kids ordered confidently, using their few learned Mandarin phrases.
We sat on the curb, laughing and swapping bites, the night buzzing with energy. Around us, locals and tourists blended into one happy crowd—everyone united by food and curiosity.
As we walked back, my husband said, “I think this trip changed how the kids see food.” I nodded. They had learned that food isn’t just something you eat—it’s a window into culture, community, and history.
When our flight took off the next morning, I glanced at the kids fast asleep, dreaming of grilled squid and bubble tea, and I knew we’d be back.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning family travel to Taiwan, don’t limit yourself to landmarks—follow your nose to the nearest night market. From Taipei’s bustling streets to Tainan’s nostalgic alleys, every bite tells a story.
For families who love to eat, explore, and laugh together, Taiwan night markets are more than a foodie’s paradise—they’re a journey through the heart of a culture that welcomes everyone, one delicious dish at a time.
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