You haven't truly lived in Banqiao if you haven't tried these snacks — unbeatable street food gems in the market with amazing value for money

▲Budget eats at Huangshi Market.

Reported and photographed by Yu Jiayun / New Taipei Bureau

Looking for authentic, affordable local eats? Head to a traditional market — you won’t be disappointed. Huangshi Market in Banqiao, New Taipei City, offers a wide variety of popular street food. Among them, the fried radish cake and Gaoji Stir-Fried Squid stalls are the most popular. These two adjacent food stalls are packed from the moment they open. Observing the queues, almost everyone orders a portion of fried radish cake, sticky rice sausage, and taro balls on one side, and a bowl of stir-fried squid on the other. With generous portions for just NT$85, it’s great value.

▲Always crowded during mealtimes.

▲A combo plate plus a bowl of stir-fried squid is more than enough to fill you up.

Located just a five-minute walk from Fuzhong Metro Station, Huangshi Market is bustling from morning till evening and is a go-to spot for foodies in Banqiao. When it comes to must-try snacks here, the fried radish cake and Gaoji Stir-Fried Squid are definitely at the top. These two neighboring stalls are always swamped with customers as soon as they open. Looking at the queues, nearly everyone gets a fried radish cake, sticky rice sausage, and taro balls on one side, and a bowl of stir-fried squid on the other. Generous servings for only NT$85 make it an incredible value.

▲Be prepared to queue during peak hours.

Gaoji Stir-Fried Squid is cooked over high heat, prepared fresh when you order. A rich, slightly thick sauce is mixed with crisp napa cabbage and generously loaded with chunks of fresh squid. Every bite delivers tender, meaty squid. The unique tangy-spicy sauce is incredibly satisfying — perfect for whetting your appetite in summer and warming you up in winter. A full bowl for just NT$40.

▲Stir-fried squid cooked to order.

▲Generous portions for just NT$40.

Next door to the stir-fried squid stall is what locals call the “combo plate,” another must-try. The combo includes radish cake, sticky rice sausage, and taro balls — all lightly fried to give the exterior a crispy texture, while staying packed with flavor. After enjoying the savory snacks, stop by one of the sugarcane juice stands in the market for a glass of freshly pressed juice — no water added, just pure, old-school refreshment.

▲The super filling combo plate.

▲Radish cake: NT$20, taro ball: NT$15, sticky rice sausage: NT$10.

▲Refreshing sugarcane juice, no water added.

Gaoji Stir-Fried Squid & Radish Cake
Address: No. 28, Gongkou Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays)