When you search for the best night markets in Asia, Taiwan’s Shilin Market consistently ranks high. Naturally, during our trip to Taipei from September 25-29, 2024, we made it a goal to visit at least one night market each day. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and we missed out on the Shilin Night Market.
On our second night, we headed to Raohe Night Market, which is conveniently accessible via the Songshan MTR Station (Green Line). Exiting the station, the market is hard to miss—just exit to the right, and you’ll spot the Songshan Ciyou Temple. Raohe Market sits just to the left of the temple, welcoming you with its lively atmosphere and irresistible food stalls.
Famous Pork Pepper Bread
Our food adventure began at 4:30 in the afternoon, right when the market was in full swing. A line had already formed for the famous pork pepper buns – Fuzhou Pepper Buns (pork pepper buns), and the staff were hard at work—kneading dough, chopping ingredients, and filling buns for cooking. At NTD 60 per piece, hubby couldn’t resist and got four.
Fuzhou Pepper Buns (Pork Pepper Buns): Worth the Hype
These buns were packed with flavor! Despite the name, the pepper wasn’t overwhelming; instead, it beautifully complemented the juicy pork. From the first bite, the filling burst with rich taste, and we noticed there was no empty space between the bun and the meat—it was generously stuffed. The pork had a mix of ground meat and small slices, giving a nice texture. The bun wasn’t your typical bread; it had a slightly crisp exterior. Though I saved one bun for the next day, it still tasted good, but of course, freshly cooked is always better. If I had to rate this? Definitely more than 10/10.
Michelin-Worthy Bone Soup: A Simple Delight
Next, we stumbled upon a Michelin-awarded eatery nestled among the market’s stalls. It was packed with people—students, office workers, and seniors alike. We ordered the crowd favorite: bone soup (NTD 100) with rice (NTD 20).
The soup was light yet comforting, with a slightly medicinal quality, making it surprisingly enjoyable even in warm weather (hubby’s words!). The meat was so tender it fell off the bone with just chopsticks. While the plain rice was meant to pair with the soup, we accidentally got a sweet ground pork rice, which didn’t complement the soup well. A small mix-up, but the soup alone made the stop worth it.
Fried Squid: Not as Exciting as Expected
Hubby had been eyeing the big squid on a stick since we arrived. For NTD 160, we got one, expecting something grilled. However, the vendor rolled it in breading, fried it, and topped it with sweet chili sauce. While it looked appetizing, the taste was underwhelming—it was nothing unique, and I’ve had similar squid in Manila. Not quite worth the price.
Taro Balls: A Pleasant Surprise
We couldn’t resist a small stall cooking taro balls non-stop. They intrigued me with their egg yolk-like appearance and pork floss toppings. We bought two pieces (NTD 30 and 35 each) to try. Surprisingly, the yellow portion wasn’t egg yolk—it was glutinous rice with taro. Both pieces were sweet and satisfying.
Grilled King Mushroom: A Regretful Choice
One of the foods we’d seen in countless travel videos was the grilled king mushroom, so when hubby spotted it, he grabbed one for NTD 100. We were encouraged to try the recommended sauce, but sadly, this dish didn’t hit the mark for me. The mushroom became watery, diluting the flavor of the sauce, and the texture was a bit rubbery. I couldn’t finish it, regretting not trying the fried mushrooms from a nearby stall that seemed popular with locals.
Grilled Cajun Corn: Aromatic and Satisfying
When hubby returned with a stick of grilled corn coated in a spicy-looking seasoning, I initially thought it was meat. The aroma was mouthwatering, and the flavor didn’t disappoint! The Cajun seasoning added just the right kick without being too spicy. Eating it fresh off the grill, with steam still rising from the cob, made every bite delightful. This treat cost NTD 75.
Cranberry Juice with Lemon: A Refreshing Finish
Right beside the mushroom stall was a juice vendor offering cranberry juice with lemon for NTD 65. After days of milk tea indulgence, we opted for this healthier alternative. It was refreshing, not too sour, and perfectly balanced—not as tart as the cranberry juices I’m used to. The addition of lemon did not overpower the flavor.
Final Thoughts on Raohe Night Market
Although the pork pepper buns filled us up early on, Raohe Night Market offered a wonderful variety of street food. While some dishes didn’t meet our expectations, the experience of trying new things made it worthwhile. One tip: look for stalls with lots of customers—it’s often a sign of great food.
Our night at Raohe was a delightful mix of hits and misses, but it was an adventure I’d gladly do again. With so many choices and flavors to explore, it’s a must-visit for food lovers!
My eatsperience 
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