A haven for traditional delicacies: The six must-try foods at Nanjichang Night Market

▲ Nanjichang Night Market is also one of Taipei’s famous foodie night markets. (Photo/Screen capture fromNanjichang Night Market’s official Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Whenever night markets are mentioned, many people immediately think of Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, or Linjiang Night Market. But in fact, Nanjichang Night Market, located on Section 2 of Zhonghua Road, is also one that should not be overlooked. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has specially compiled a list of the top six popular foods at Nanjichang Night Market—don’t forget to try them on your next visit.

▲ Chicken from Shan-nai is coated in rich chicken broth, with sweet, savory, and tender meat that many people love. (Photo/Credit: Reporter Wei Huaxuan)

1. Shan-nai Chicken
Located to the right of the main entrance of the night market, Shan-nai Chicken sees long queues as dinnertime approaches. Unlike regular chicken rice, Shan-nai Chicken is served as a set meal: white rice drizzled with rich chicken broth, paired with a whole plate of juicy free-range chicken, plus a bowl of light and sweet angelica chicken soup. It has won over the stomachs of many diners. It’s recommended to arrive early if you want to try it, or you might miss out.

Shan-nai Chicken
Address: No. 20, Lane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (to the right of the Nanjichang Night Market entrance)
Phone: (02)2305-6005
Business hours: 11:00 AM until sold out (may open at 10:00 AM or start at 12:00 PM depending on the day) / Closed on Wednesdays

▲ The huge chicken cutlet here is even bigger than a face (left photo), and this high-value delicious fried chicken often draws crowds (right photo). (Photo/Credit: Reporter You…Ru)

2. Delicious Fried Chicken
Known for its great value, Delicious Fried Chicken has been a super-popular item in Nanjichang Night Market for years. Their famous chicken cutlet seals in all the juices within a crispy crust—just one bite and you’ll taste the rich chicken flavor. Even more surprising? The cutlet is even bigger than a human face. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very filling. In addition, other fried items at Delicious Fried Chicken are also affordably priced, letting visitors enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much.

Delicious Fried Chicken
Address: Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (No. 30)
Business hours: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM / Closed on Mondays

▲ Oyster fritters stuffed with scallions and oysters, with golden, crispy outer shells that are both crunchy and flavorful. (Photo/Courtesy of user Chia-Cheng Chang. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. Haojia Oyster Fritters
The golden, deep-fried exterior of Haojia Oyster Fritters cracks open to reveal a generous filling of scallions and fresh oysters. The aroma of scallions blends with the sweet taste of the oysters, creating an irresistible fragrance. Meanwhile, Haojia’s sweet rice cake offers a soft outer layer that gives way to a sweet and fluffy texture inside—making it a traditional snack highly recommended by netizens.

Haojia Oyster Fritters
Address: Lane 5, Alley 315, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Business hours: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM

▲ Lailai Dumplings. (Photo/Courtesy of user Jéff Küô. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

4. Lailai Dumplings
Always bustling, Lailai Dumplings is located in the middle section of the night market. Though their dumpling wrappers are slightly thicker, they have an amazingly chewy texture, and the fillings are hearty and satisfying. Side dishes and soups are all very affordable, making it a budget-friendly favorite. Many netizens flock here for a taste.

Lailai Dumplings
Address: No. 9, Lane 309, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 17:30~23:30

▲In addition to tube rice cakes, visitors can also enjoy many authentic Taiwanese snacks (pictured right), the storefront of Xiaodi Tube Rice Cake (pictured right). (Photo / fromBonjour Sister fan page)

5. Xiaodi Tube Rice Cake
Xiaodi Tube Rice Cake is located right next to Shan Nei Chicken. The tube rice cake is made with chewy glutinous rice, offering a distinct texture of each grain. Its simple original flavor, drizzled with the shop’s homemade old-fashioned sauce, is so appealing that many people are willing to wait in line. In addition, traditional dishes such as chicken rice and braised pork rice are all just NT$20—extremely affordable indeed!

Xiaodi Tube Rice Cake
Address: Entrance of Lane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 16:00-24:00

▲Besides the ultra-popular taro paste, there are over ten toppings on the table that customers can freely mix and match (photo left), the storefront of Yongkang Street Taro King (photo right). (Photo / taken by reporter Yu...)

6. Yongkang Street Taro King Zhonghua Branch
The most popular dessert at Yongkang Street Taro King is a shaved ice base shaved extremely fine, with about ten toppings available on the table. Customers can choose four toppings based on their preference, and the total price is just under NT$50. The silky yet non-sticky taro paste has become the top-selling topping. Aside from being a summer cooling treat, the shop also sells warm sweet soups for winter, ensuring there’s something for every season.

Yongkang Street Taro King Zhonghua Branch
Address: No. 5, Lane 313, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Business Hours: Daily 4:30 pm–11:00 pm