Among all the things Taiwan is known for, street food may be the most renowned in the country. Most foreigners know about Shilin Night Market – it’s the biggest and most famous.
But just a few districts away and across the river, Raohe Night Market gives Shilin a run for its money as the second most popular night market in Taipei.
Some locals argue that the food inside Raohe Night Market is more authentic. Some go as far as claiming the street food is the best at this market!
Let’s take a tour inside and see why Raohe Night Market has been exploding in popularity.
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About Raohe Night Market
Raohe is one of the oldest night markets in Taipei. As a matter of fact, it was built in 1987 because of a booming business center in the surrounding area.
Unfortunately, business started to die down as the transportation infrastructure developed and businesses started heading towards other parts of Taipei. But sure enough, Raohe Night Market remained and even flourished in the decades after.
Situated in Songshan District, Raohe Tourist Market is one of the biggest in the city – expanding 600 meters in length. It’s known for its extravagant archway entrance that combines elements of both ancient Chinese and modern decor.
The 3 Sections of Raohe Market
This night market is made up of three distinct sections:
The first section, near the entrance, is filled with cart vendors selling all kinds of goods and not just food. You’ll be able to find anything from daily essentials to toys and even traditional artifacts. Oh, and there’s definitely street food too.
The second section also sells random goods, but different types of physical goods. Some things you may see here include flower bouquets, precious stones, folk art and other things.
There’s also a small rest area in this section with seats on both sides of the market. It’s worth taking a break here and having a look around.
Finally, the last section is where food lovers want to be. At the end of Raohe Night Market is where most of the street food stalls are located. All types of Taiwanese cuisine, drinks and even cut up fruits are found at the end.
How to Get to Raohe Night Market
Getting around to anywhere in Taipei is quick and easy. And with how popular Raohe is, you can expect it to be the same for this popular tourist attraction.
To get to Raohe Night Market, you want to take the MRT Green Line to the Songshan MRT Station. It’s the very last stop on the green line heading northeast. After getting off, take Exit 5 and the night market is across the street.
If you’re not sure, just look for the large crowd of people. There should also be a big temple near the entrance of the night market too. However, it’s hard to miss the grand archway entrance of this market.
And if you’re coming from another city, you take any train to Taipei Main Station. From there, take Taiwan’s Rail Train directly to Songshan Train Station, which is connected to Songshan MRT station. You’ll still want to leave from MRT Exit 5 and cross the street to the entrance.
The official address of Raohe Night Market is: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
A Tour Inside Raohe Night Market
Raohe Night Market starts off with the grand entrance that we’ve spoken so highly of. It’s a good sight and a good photo/selfie opportunity.
Once go through the entrance you’ll hit section 1 of the night market. If you’re there for food, then I’d walk past this area. Still, it’s pretty cool to just stroll through and have a look around.
You’ll likely see some food stalls, but most of the good stuff is in the back. Don’t fall for the trap! Your stomach will thank you for it later.
A little further down and you get to the second section. Again, there are a bunch of random stores and stalls set up. They sell all kinds of things, including “jade” bracelets.
And if you need to buy aquarium fish for whatever reason, there’s a stall for that…
Now this next station is a little different than just buying fish. In fact, it’s an old Taiwanese “carnival game,” where you use a net to catch small fish in these buckets.
If you successfully catch fish, you can bring it home in a plastic bag. It’s probably not an ideal game, especially if you’re just visiting Taipei. But if you do (or your kids), you can always give the fish back.
Oh, and the nets are very fragile, so it’s actually much harder than it looks.
If nothing peaks your interest here, follow your nose towards the end of the night market. It’s time to eat some good Taiwanese street food!
Raohe Night Market has some of the best street food in Taipei. From your classic fried goodies to your more traditional Oyster Omelette, there’s a lot to try. Come with a hungry stomach.
Best Raohe Night Market Food
Now that you’ve made it all the way to Raohe Night Market, what should you eat? This market has all the traditional Taiwanese foods that you’re able to find in night markets across the country.
However, there are certain foods that Raohe does better than (or as good as) anywhere else.
1. Black Pepper Bun
According to the locals, Raohe Night Market has the best black pepper bun. This is one of the few stalls that’s situated near the entrance of the night market. So, make sure to grab one to-go before you explore the rest.
You won’t miss it, as there’s always a long line for this at all hours. It may seem like a long wait, but the line moves fast and it’s definitely worth standing in line for.
These buns are baked over a brick oven with charcoal so it may not look appetizing. But the inside of the bun is stuffed with pork filling mixed with black pepper sauce. It’s absolutely delicious and the long line is well deserved.
2. Pork Rib Soup
This herb-based pork soup is another incredibly famous dish at Raohe Night Market. It’s the perfect soup to try if you happen to be visiting in the colder winter months.
It’s made with pork ribs that have been slow-cooked for hours. The meat on the bones is super tender and rips right off with little effort. The broth was made using Chinese herbs that combine with the pork to give you a savory aroma and taste.
Get a bowl of minced pork rice with the rib soup and you have yourself a legitimate meal that’s one of the best in Raohe Night Market.
Best Hotels Near Raohe Night Market
Because of the night market, Raohe/Songshan District is a great area to stay in if you’re into food. But if you want to know our top recommended area in Taipei for foodies, check this out.
Songshan District is not too expensive to stay at. Plus, the area offers plenty of hostels and budget hotels for those trying to save some cash on their Taipei trip. Here’s what we love:
Hostel Jiizu
This hostel is less than a mile away from Raohe Night Market. It’ll still take you about 20 minutes to walk to Raohe, but it’s right next to the Nanjing Sanmin MRT Station.
Take a few minutes and walk to the nearby MRT station to take the green line to Raohe Market (Songshan MRT Station). Location is a bit more ideal because it’s most towards the center of the city, making it super convenient.
Nice Hotel (Budget Hotel)
Nice Hotel is pretty…nice, for a budget hotel that is. The best part is that it’s literally right next to Raohe Night Market. In fact, it’ll only take you about 5 – 8 minutes to walk there.
The rooms are a little small and the furnishing is outdated, but we love the location. It’s also located next to the Songshan MRT Station, making it convenient for travelers that want to see the rest of Taipei.
Green World (Budget Hotel)
Green World Songshan is a bit nicer than your average budget hotel, but it’s definitely worth the premium if you’re looking for comfort, good location and service at a good price.
Green World is a chain of budget hotel and can be found all over the city. The Songshan one is one of the newer, more modern hotels they have. Also, it’s a 10 – 15 minute walk to Raohe Night Market!
Amba Taipei
If you’re looking for a nicer hotel that’s relatively affordable, I suggest checking out amba Taipei in Songshan district. A big reason why we love this hotel is because it’s right across the street from the Songshan MRT Station.
It has a clean and modern look, though not as cozy as some of the budget hotels and hostels around the area. However, it does have a buffet-style restaurant. You can expect great service here too!
Oh, and you’ll be able to walk to Raohe Night Market in just 5 minutes. Easy access to great food late at night is a plus!
Other Taipei Night Markets: