Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市) may not have the name-brand recognition of Shilin Night Market. Still, it’s recognized for having some of the best traditional Taiwanese street foods and being one of busiest night markets in the city.
There’s a lot to love about Ningxia. The variety of stalls and delicious street foods give it the apt nickname, “Taipei’s Stomach.” As a medium-sized night market, Ningxia contains over 20 stalls with legendary recipes that have been used for over 50 years.
Ningxia Night Market is undeniably one of the oldest night markets in Taipei. But what makes Ningxia Night Market a must-visit food attraction in a city with plenty of other food options?
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Ningxia Night Market History
The night market culture in Taiwan can be traced back several decades, and Ningxia Night Market was certainly a big part of it. As a matter of fact, Ningxia is recognized as the very first organized food night market.
Located in the old Datong District of Taipei, Ningxia Market was the food hub of the most prosperous and lively district back in the day. Really, Datong District is comparable to what Xinyi and Daan District are today.
Going back to the Japanese Colonial era, the area where this night market is currently situated used to be a famous local park. Slowly, locals started to bring stalls and stands into the park during this prosperous time of Taipei.
Eventually, it became a small hub of street foods for the people of what was then, the “city center” of Taipei. It was still a shell of what it is today, though.
The Rebuilding of Ningxia Market
Shortly after World War I started, the Japanese needed to build infrastructure for what became one of the deadliest modern wars. This meant transforming the beloved “food park” into a water storage.
Needless to say, all food activities immediately stopped during the building of infrastructure and the actual war. But as soon as the war ceased, it was business at usual for these food stands.
However, coming back from the hiatus definitely hurt the night market – it was never the same. The district began to grow in prosperity and experienced rapid urbanization. Pretty soon, the old food market was left behind.
And although the old night market was declining, it did not exactly close down for good. Instead, the market was replaced by the Ningxia Night Market that we know and love today.
A lot of effort was put into the rebuilding of the old night market. But thanks to the efforts of the Taipei government, we have one of Taipei’s best and most popular night markets today.
Getting to Ningxia Night Market
Public transportation is easily accessible in Taipei and I would highly recommend taking the MRT to the destination. So, how do you get to Ningxia Night Market?
The closest MRT Station is the Shuanglian MRT Station on the MRT Red Line. After heading to the station, you’ll want to take Exit 1. From there, walk straight on Minsheng West Road (heading west).
You’ll eventually need to make a left on Ningxia Road. After walking for a few more minutes, you’ll see the night market on the left. From the station to the night market should take you roughly 10 minutes of walking.
Also, I want to note that it’s a few stops away from Shilin Night Market, so you might want to consider heading over there next.
Alternatively, you can take a cab or Uber to this night market. However, it’s so convenient to get there by public transportation.
Ningxia Night Market Address: Ningxia Rd., Datong, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Ningxia Market Hours
The Ningxia Night Market has some of the longest hours for a night market. It operates from 4 PM to 2 AM daily. However, most food stalls and activities don’t start operating immediately at 4 PM.
To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go after “dinner time.” If you can wait it out, the best time to visit Ningxia Night Market would be after 8 or 9 PM.
Keep in mind, this night market is packed during the weekends and on holidays. Again, try your best to avoid these times if possible.
Ningxia Night Market Food
The street food at Ningxia Night Market is certainly some of the best. Not only are there food stalls, but also pop-up restaurants (inside the market) and more physical restaurants that line the side of the street.
According to Michelin, three dishes made the 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand List, tying Shilin Night Market for the second most among Taipei night markets.
So if you plan to visit Ningxia Night Market, make sure to bring an appetite. Here are my favorite dishes from the iconic night market.
1. Fang Chia (Shredded Chicken on Rice)
Part of the Michelin Bib Gourmand List, the Fang Chia shredded chicken over rice is a Taiwanese comfort food that’s one of my favorites in Ningxia Night Market.
Fang Chia specializes in two simple dishes: shredded chicken rice and braised tofu. They’re both “must eats” and complement each other so well.
The chicken is cooked with caramelized onions, which creates a sweet and savory flavor that’s hard to resist. On the other hand, the tofu cubes are braised with a thick soy sauce paste with a hint of spice.
To be honest, this dish is special to this place. It’s actually quite a common “small eat” dish you can find almost everywhere in Taiwan. But the chicken was so tender and the flavor was so savory – it just tastes different here.
The shredded chicken on rice is definitely more special. However, the two dishes go hand in hand. Get them both and you won’t regret it!
2. Liu Yu Zi (Fried Taro Ball)
Liu Yu Zi’s fried taro balls come from a little food stall in Ningxia Night Market. If it weren’t for the long line, you probably wouldn’t even know that these bite-sized snacks made the Michel Bib Gourmand list too.
Yes, the line is often long, but don’t let that discourage you from trying out these amazing fried goodness. The hawker workers move fast, so you’ll get yours before you know it.
There are a couple flavors you can get. The classic has plain taro with creamy mashed up taro that simply melts in your mouth.
Also, there’s the fried taro balls with a salted egg yolk in the center and pork floss (also a classic Taiwanese ingredient). When in doubt, get both.
The texture is both soft and consistent within the ball and you get hints of sweetness from the taste of taro. Definitely worth trying, but still, many think the Michelin status wasn’t deserving. You be the judge.
3. Rong’s Pork Liver
I’ll be first to admit that I’m not a huge fan of pork liver – or any kind of liver for that matter. Growing up in America, liver on the plate is not something we see often.
But given this spot made the 2019 Michelin’s Bib Gourmand List, I knew I had to give it a shot…
Rong’s Pork Liver wasn’t bad. The texture isn’t as grainy (but rather tender) as it is with other liver cuts I’ve had in the past. I thought the best part was still the rich broth. The meaty flavored broth was aromatic and hot – perfect for a cold winter night.
Usually while eating liver, you get a metallic-liver taste and smell, but that wasn’t the case with Rong’s Pork Liver. It tastes even better if you try it with their sweet and hot sauce, at least for me.
If liver is really not your thing, you can always opt for the regular pork stripe instead. However, the pork liver is really their signature dish and it’s probably worth trying at least once.
4. 圓環邊蚵仔煎 (Clam Soup)
This is the first dish I’m recommending that didn’t make the Michelin list. But it’s a famous joint that all the nearby locals know of and love. They do one thing best and that’s the claim soup.
This place is one of the hole-in-the-wall restaurants along the side of the night market. However, you can expect long lines (nearly all the time) of tourists and locals looking to try this amazing clam soup.
The flavor of the soup is rich and clean. Never in my life have I tasted clams that juicy. Clams were definitely very fresh even going at the later hours of the night market.
If I’m nearby on a cold rainy day, I always try to make a stop here for their clam soup. It’s also a great alternative for those that aren’t too keen on Rong’s Pork Liver soup.
5. Beef Noodles w/ Shacha Sauce
Truly one of the favorite Taiwanese comfort dishes, the Beef Noodles with Shacha Sauce is one of the best in Ningxia Night Market. It’s simple, delicious and cheap – all the components that make up the perfect night market food.
For this dish, we went to an open-roof restaurant in the heart of the night market. It looks like a makeshift restaurant but the line was long, which means it had to be good, right?
Shacha (satay sauce) is one of Taiwan’s most beloved sauces and condiments. It’s made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, brill fish, chilis and dried shrimp. We use it for hot pot, stir-fry, BBQ chicken and noodle dishes like this.
The satay sauce was rich, flavorful, savory with a slight hint of spice. It mixed super well with the noodles and the beef was well marinated.
Definitely worth checking this place out for this dish. I don’t know the exact name of the place, but look for a restaurant on the night market street with the yellow tables.
6. Kong Rou Fan
From the same restaurant as the above Shacha Beef Noodles, the Kong Rou Fan was amazing. This is the less-popular cousin of Lou Rou Fan (braised pork rice).
But instead of little chunks of braised pork, you have these large chunks of soy-stewed pork pieces. The soy sauce wasn’t too overpowering and the bamboo shoots were a nice complement to the meaty dish.
If you’re a fan of lou rou fan, then this is a no-brainer dish to try! Rice (Taiwan does it best!) was delicious and fluffy too.
Again, I’m not exactly sure what the restaurant is called. However, you can look for a restaurant within the night market that has yellow tables. Likely, you won’t be able to miss it.
Ningxia Market Carnival Games
Unlike smaller night markets, Ningxia Night Market has a sizable carnival area if you want to kill some time while your friend grabs you some food.
While walking through the night market, you may notice that there aren’t any carnival games. But if you keep walking to the end of the food street, there’s a whole isolated section of games.
Because it’s so isolated from the rest of the night market, I don’t usually see many people play games. That, or maybe I just go at the wrong times.
There aren’t really any places to shop at Ningxia, at least to the extent of Shilin or Tonghua Night Markets. So as far as entertainment and miscellaneous activities go, you’re stuck with these “classic night market” games.
Hotels Near Ningxia Market
Staying near Ningxia Night Market means you’ll likely be staying in Datong District. It’s not the nicest area – actually it’s quite old. However, the old feel gives it an old-school charm that you can find in few places around Taipei city.
The good news is that accommodation is relatively cheap and there’s plenty of hostels for budget travelers around this area. For those looking for a 5-star “upscale” hotel, you’re better off looking at neighboring Zhongshan District.
Here are some of the best places to stay near Ningxia Night Market.
1. We Come Hostel
Never judge a (foreign) hostel by its name. The “We Come” Hostel is definitely one of the best hostels in Datong District. The interior and common areas are very modern with a clean boutique feel to it.
Beds are a good size, but everything is very clean from the bathrooms to the bedrooms. The hostel also features a library, a terrace and a cozy lounge for all guests.
But the best part is that it’s super close to Ningxia Night Market. You can walk to the night market in less than 10 minutes. Plus, it’s about a 10 minute walk to Shuanglian MRT Station (Red Line) too.
2. City Suites
The City Suites (Taipei Nanxi) Hotel is definitely a nice hotel with modern furnishing and design. It is a little bit pricey for the area, but you can’t go wrong with it.
Service is extraordinary and most guests love it for its comfortable beds, spacious rooms and relatively quiet area. The glass bath is a nice touch too.
As for proximity to Ningxia Night Market, City Suites Hotel is just a 5 minute walk away. Also, it’ll take you less than 9 minutes to reach Shuanglian MRT Station on the Red Line.
3. Flip Flop Hostel
The Flip Flop Hostel in Datong District is one of the most unique hostels I’ve seen in Taipei. The creativeness of the Taiwanese people really shine with this place.
You can tell the design and layout was carefully thought out in the construction of the hostel. Although rooms, beds and bathrooms are rather basic, it does seem very clean and well-kept.
However, you’re a 12 minute walk away from Ningxia Night Market. But because it’s so close to Zhongshan MRT Station (5 minute walk), the extra convenience of visiting the rest of the city makes up for it.
You don’t have to stay in Datong District to visit Ningxia Night Market.
If you’re still considering where you should stay in Taipei, check out our ultimate guide to booking the best Taipei location here. We break it down and recommend the best districts/areas based on what type of traveler you are.
Let us know in the comment section below: what was your favorite dish at the Ningxia Night Market? Also, what are you looking forward to trying?
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