ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: The Frugal Tourist is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com and Cardratings. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum has been collected independently by The Frugal Tourist.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Planning a trip to Taipei? You can’t skip its lively night markets!
These bustling spots are packed with sights, sounds, and smells, offering an authentic taste of Taiwanese culture.
Among them, Raohe Street Market is a must-visit.
It’s one of the oldest markets in Taipei and is famous for its Michelin-rated food stalls that serve delicious dishes without costing a fortune.
In this blog post, I’ll share my recommended foodie itinerary so you can try out some of the best, inexpensive eateries in Taipei.
Why Raohe Night Market?
Raohe Street Market is a must-visit for budget-savvy travelers eager to dive into Taipei’s vibrant street food scene.
This bustling market is packed with flavors and aromas that attract locals and tourists alike.
With food stalls that even caught the eye of the Michelin Guide, you can enjoy a delicious adventure without spending too much.
As you stroll through the lively market, you’ll find all sorts of tasty treats, from crispy black pepper buns with juicy fillings to the comforting herbal pork ribs soup.
Whether you’re into sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s something for everyone, making it a top spot for any frugal foodie.
How to Get To Raohe Night Market
Taipei boasts one of the world’s most impressive public transportation networks.
So, why not skip the cab and hop on the metro like a local?
Raohe is just a short walk from Songshan Station on the Green Line (Exit 5), making it easy to reach anywhere in the city.
No wonder it’s a hit with tourists and locals—it’s a fantastic place to spend an evening in Taipei and very easy to get to.
| Pro-Tip |
|---|
| To get on the metro, you will need an EasyCard. Purchase them at any 7-11 or at the train stations. Reload with cash at any of the train station kiosks. Don’t forget to bring a debit card that does not charge ATM fees like the Charles Schwab Debit card – it’s a must in Taipei. |
Bring Cash
The food stalls in Raohe Night Market only accept cash. If you forgot to take out cash, don’t worry.
When you exit Songshan Station Exit 5, you’ll spot a 7-11 right as you emerge from the subway station.
This is the perfect opportunity to grab cash from the ATM using your no-ATM fee debit card.
Self-Guided Foodie Walking Tour
While these stalls might not have Michelin stars, they all snagged a spot in the first edition of the Michelin Guide—Taipei, which is pretty impressive.
The stalls I’ve featured in this post are my top favorites, and I’ve arranged them chronologically – the downloadable map in the next section shows the exact locations of these stalls.
This Raohe Street Night Market map is also shareable, so go ahead and share it with friends who have Taipei on their bucket list.
Free Downloadable Raohe Street Night Market Map
Feel free to download or share the Google Maps below so you can easily locate the Michelin-recommended stalls in Raohe Night Market.
Before or After Your Tour: Visit the Songshan Ciyou Temple
Pro-Tip: Check out the stunning Ciyou Temple near the night market entrance!
You can’t miss this jaw-dropping structure as you head towards the market from Songshan train station, Exit 5.
This massive temple is dedicated to Taiwan’s patron saint, Matsu, the goddess of fishermen and the sea.
Ciyou’s intricate architecture and peaceful vibe offer a nice break from the bustling market.
Make sure to stop by before or after your tour.
Raohe Night Market Self-Guided Food Tour Itinerary
Stop 1: Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun ($2)
One of the first stalls you’ll see is Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun, located right at the entrance of Raohe Night Market.
These buns, baked in clay overs, are a fan favorite.
They have a crispy golden crust packed with juicy, flavorful pork and a hint of black pepper.
The line might be long, but trust me, it’s worth it.
In fact, waiting in line also gives you a front-row view of how this scrumptious dish is created – from start to finish!
Just follow the line and be patient— I promise that you’ll score one of the best snacks in Taipei.
The best part? It’s only 60 NTD, or less than $2.
Stop 2: Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup ($4)
Next, check out Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup.
This place serves a comforting bowl of soup with tender pork ribs and fragrant medicinal herbs.
But pairing it with some braised pork rice on the side would be even more delicious.
The rich and complex flavors hit just the right mix of savory and herbal notes.
It’s a must-try spot that will warm your stomach and your soul.
Expect to shell out around 90 NTD for the herbal soup and 30 NTD for the rice.
Together, it costs 120NTD, or about $4.
Stop 3: Dongfahao Fried Rice and Oyster Vermicelli ($2)
If you want something more filling, check out Dongfahao Fried Rice and Oyster Vermicelli.
Their oyster vermicelli is a standout, with juicy oysters in a tasty broth.
If you’re still hungry, try their glutinous oil rice, too.
These dishes are both cheap and satisfying, perfect for budget travelers.
Stop 4: Mochi Baby ($2)
Wrap up your food adventure on a sweet note at Mochi Baby.
This spot serves a range of freshly made mochis that are soft, chewy, and packed with tasty flavors.
Whether you’re into classic red beans or want to try something fun, a mochi here will hit the sweet spot.
Total Cost: $10 USD
| Food Stall | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun | $2 |
| Chen Dong Pork Ribs Medical Herbs Soup | $4 |
| Dongfahao Fried Rice and Oyster Vermicelli | $2 |
| Mochi Baby | $2 |
| Total | $10 |
Other Foodie Stalls
When you’re at Raohe Street Market, make sure to try some other Michelin-rated stalls, such as Shi Boss Spicy Tofu and A Kuo Lu Wei.
Unfortunately, I did not have tummy space for them during my visit.
There are also hundreds of other delicious foodie stalls waiting to be explored, so I suggest paying Raohe Night Market a second visit or stopping by again the next time you’re in Taipei.
Tips for Visiting Raohe Street Market
- Take the Metro: Taipei’s train network is top-notch—organized, clean, and fast. Ditch the cab and ride the metro to the night market like a local!
- Transit Card: To access public transportation, you would need an EasyCard. You can buy one at the train station or at 7-11. However, it currently only accepts cash for reloading.
- Cash Only: Most stalls only accept cash, so visit a 7-11 to withdraw money before you start your tour. A 7-11 is right outside Exit 5 of the Songshan Night Market. Make sure to use your no-fee ATM card, such as the Charles Schwab Debit Card.
- Follow the Walking Directions: It is recommended to follow the flow of the crowd, which typically sticks to the right side lane of the night market.
- Queueing Directions: To ensure a smooth experience, follow the queueing directions at popular stalls.
- Visit Early: The market can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid long lines and enjoy a more leisurely experience. The ideal time to visit is between 5:00 and 7:00 PM when the stalls are just starting their night. From 7 to 10 PM, the night market gets pretty packed. Things calm down again from 10 PM to midnight.
- Avoid Weekends: Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, so avoid them if possible.
- Ciyou Temple: Take some time to explore Ciyou Temple near the market entrance. Its intricate details and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop. Do not miss!
- Bring a Fan or Small Towel: The weather is hot and steamy, so make sure you have something to help you cool down while you wipe off the sweat.
- Restrooms: The temple has restrooms, and you’ll also find restroom facilities in a few of the small restaurants lining the market.
Where I Stayed in Taipei for 6 Nights for $0?
I used my credit card points to save on my hotels during my recent trip to Taipei.
I actually paid $0 for my 6-night stay in this incredible city!
Kimpton Daan Hotel
Just a stone’s throw from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT, this boutique hotel is located in a chic neighborhood in Taipei.
I had a great time staying here! They offered free pastries and soymilk for breakfast, plus a complimentary social hour with wine and appetizers.
I even got upgraded to a room with a balcony overlooking the neighborhood.
| How I Stayed Here for Free? |
| Cost: Free Night Certificate |
| Strategy: Use the yearly free night certificate from the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card. |
Grand Hyatt Taipei
This sprawling hotel across from Taipei 101 is popular among families and business travelers.
As the largest international hotel in Taiwan, it’s busy and buzzing, but we still had a great time during our stay.
We got upgraded to a suite at this property using our World of Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award.
If you don’t have Hyatt status, you can still email the hotel to request an upgrade – they might give it.
| How I Stayed Here for Free? |
| World of Hyatt Category 3 Rates Cost: 9,000-15,000 Hyatt Points & $0 Per Night |
| Strategy: Transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the World of Hyatt. |
Read More About the Current Welcome Offer of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
Episode Daan Taipei – Jdv By Hyatt
Located in the same neighborhood as the Kimpton, the Episode is a superb option for Hyatt fans who want a more modern and trendy hotel than the Grand Hyatt.
The only catch is that breakfast is at a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant downstairs. But they make up for it with free wine and appetizers for all guests during social hour.
| How I Stayed Here for Free? |
| World of Hyatt Category 3 rates Cost: 9,000-15,000 Hyatt Points Per Night |
| Strategy: Transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the World of Hyatt. |
Read More About the Current Welcome Offer of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
How I Flew To Taipei Using Points
One of my go-to frugal travel strategies is using my credit card points to fly to different places worldwide.
For this trip to Taipei, I used my Alaska Airlines Miles and Flying Blue Miles to book a round-trip flight between San Francisco and Taipei.
If you’re new to using credit card points for travel, join our Travel Miles and Points Facebook Group!
It’s a great spot where fellow points enthusiasts share tips on getting discounted travel.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Raohe Street Market promises an unforgettable night filled with delicious food and rich cultural experiences.
Whether you’re biting into a Michelin-rated black pepper bun or checking out the peaceful Ciyou Temple, Raohe has something for everyone.
The best part is that the food is pretty cheap and surprisingly top-notch. It’s perfect for frugal tourists!
Be sure to add this iconic market to your Taipei plans—you won’t want to miss it!
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: The Frugal Tourist is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com and Cardratings. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum has been collected independently by The Frugal Tourist.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
USER-GENERATED CONTENT DISCLOSURE: The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.
