Liaoning Street Night Market (遼寧街夜市)

Taiwan, and Taipei in particular, are known for their night markets. You’ll see them all over social media, blogs, and YouTube. However, I’m going to place extra emphasis on my favorite one so far – Liaoning.

This night market is one of my favorite street markets in Taipei due to its simplicity, great food from fried chicken to seafood, and tangyuan (which always has the longest line). The best part is that you can eat freely and even sit down to enjoy your meal without the bombardment of tourists – since they are mostly occupied with the larger night markets, which are also worth checking out.

I wanted to check this out after leaving jiu-jitsu in the evening. I got there around 8:00 PM, and it wasn’t too busy, with plenty of space still in the street and vendors still rushing to fill orders. The smell of fried chicken filled the air as I walked by the stalls.

Forget the negative reviews on TripAdvisor and actually walk the stalls, see which lines are the longest, and sit down to enjoy the food and people-watching.

I don’t want to spoil what you should get, but if I were to recommend a few places, they would be the ones listed below.

Getting to Liaoning Street Night Market

Getting here is a breeze, thanks to Taipei’s well-connected public transportation network. Here are your options:

• MRT (Subway): Take the Brown Line 1 or Green Line 3 to Nanjing Fuxing Station. From there, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the market. Exit the station, follow the signs towards Liaoning Street.
• Bus: Numerous bus routes crisscross the Zhongshan District, with stops conveniently located near Liaoning Street. This is an excellent way to experience the city while commuting like a local. I would opt for using the Bus+ app or Google Maps for real-time schedules and the most efficient route from your starting point.
• Taxi/Ride-Sharing: For a direct and hassle-free journey, get a taxi or Uber. Simply enter “Liaoning Street Night Market” as your destination. Taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable, while Uber offers a convenient alternative.
• Bike: Explore Taipei on two wheels with YouBike, the city’s popular bike-sharing program. Numerous YouBike stations are scattered throughout the city, including near MRT stations. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to navigate the streets and discover hidden gems along the way.

Personal Experience: After an invigorating session at Taiwan Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy, located a mere 1.7 kilometers (1.05 miles) away, I decided to satisfy my post-workout cravings at Liaoning Street Night Market. The short and enjoyable walk from the academy made it incredibly convenient to indulge in the market’s culinary delights immediately after training.

Pro Tip: For real-time directions, public transportation schedules, and walking routes, use Google Maps.

What’s in My Pack?

Here’s look at some of my tried and test gear I used on the road (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

What to Try

Golden Fried Chicken (格登炸雞)

Make sure to get the popcorn chicken and ask to have it spicy.

They don’t always have popcorn chicken, so check beforehand. The other chicken is good too, but there are other places that do chicken really well, including some other night markets.

Liao Ning Homemade Tangyuan (客家自製湯圓)

This stall had the longest line, with a little over 12+ people at any given time. When you get your tangyuan (團圓), make sure to get sesame balls with peanuts.

That’s what the person before me got, and of course, I had to get the same by saying “same thing.” These are usually eaten during the Lantern Festival (as mentioned by my tutor), but now, these are available on a more consistent basis as evidenced by this night market.

On a side note, there’s a fried chicken spot called Two Peck (派克脆皮雞排 遼寧店) that I kept trying to check out, but it was always closed. If you have other suggestions that I should check out, leave a comment, and I’m happy to check them out!

Liaoning Night Market

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• Go early (around 8:00 PM): You’ll find more space to walk around and less crowded stalls.
• Follow the lines: The longest queues often lead to the best food.
• Be open to new flavors: Don’t be afraid to try something different. You might discover a new favorite dish.
• Golden Fried Chicken (格登炸雞): Don’t miss the spicy popcorn chicken, if available. It’s a unique find compared to other chicken stalls.
• Liao Ning Homemade Tangyuan (客家自製湯圓): Be prepared for a queue at this popular stall. Order the sesame balls with peanuts for a truly local treat.

Trip Soundtrack

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Liaoning Night Market is a hidden gem in Taipei that offers a more relaxed and authentic experience compared to the larger, touristy night markets. With its delicious food, friendly vendors, and unique atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for any foodie or first-time visitor to Taiwan. Just follow my tips, trust your taste buds, and don’t be afraid to explore!