GUIDE TO HUAXI STREET NIGHT MARKET IN TAIPEI
Why Visiting Huaxi Street Night Market in Taipei?
Among the many night markets that dot the city, Huaxi Street Night Market is another great place to visit in Taipei.
The primary reason why visited Huaxi Street Night Market is that we were just nearby exploring Longshang Temple.
The second reason is that we were also intrigued by this place. Indeed, this bustling market is also known as “Snake Alley”!!!
In fact, Huaxi Street Night Market has a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, making it one of the oldest night markets in Taipei. Originally, the market was known for its traditional Chinese medicine shops and snake vendors who offered snake-based remedies.
Key Takeaways from a visit to Huaxi Street Night Market
– It’s one of the few places where you can try exotic foods, particularly snake-based dishes, which are a specialty here. Are you feeling adventurous enough?
– It’s conveniently located near Longshang Temple & Bopiliao Old Street, and still within walking distance to Ximending, So can combine your visit with other things
– With its vibrant atmosphere and colorful stalls, Huaxi Street Night Market is a perfect place for photography enthusiasts like us!
– The market is easy to get to via public transport
Why is Huaxi Street Night Market called Snake Alley?
Huaxi Street Night Market in Taipei is known as “Snake Alley” due to its historical association with snake-based foods and products.
These products were popular because snakes are believed in traditional Chinese medicine to have healing properties and are thought to be beneficial for health in various ways. The market was known for live snake shows and the spectacle of snake butchering, which attracted many people
When we visited, however, we didn’t see any of that. We did see a huge snake in a cage or snakes within big bottles of alcohol.
The government banned live snake-killing performances a couple of years ago. So don’t expect too many thrills anymore…
We did try snake soup (but in Hong Kong, not in Taiwan, and that was before we stopped eating meat). While the soup is relatively tasty, snakes essentially taste like chicken!
Our Experience at Huaxi Street Night Market
After we finished our full days of exploration in Taipei and completed our visit to Longshan Temple, we were starving!
As Huaxi Street is pretty much across the street from the temple, we started venturing to the market to try some great street food, like always in Taipei!
One of the first stops was a stall serving up the famous Taiwanese scallion omelet. 100% delicious! It’s an old man right before entering Snake Alley serving this for many years apparently. You can’t miss it!
Topped with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, this dish was a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfectly capturing the essence of Taiwanese street food.
Some of the most famous street food at Huaxi Street Night Market:
- Snake Soup: As mentioned earlier, the market is famous for its snake-based dishes. It’s a unique and adventurous choice for the daring foodie.
- Seafood: Fresh seafood is another highlight of the market. You can indulge in grilled squid, prawns, and other seafood treats prepared with mouthwatering sauces.
- Oyster Omelette: This classic Taiwanese dish consists of juicy oysters mixed with a crispy egg batter and served with a savory sauce.
- Stinky Tofu: For the brave-hearted, try the infamous stinky tofu, a dish known for its strong odor but surprisingly delightful taste. We actually love it!
- Grilled Meats: Enjoy skewers of marinated and grilled meats, such as pork, beef, and chicken, cooked to perfection.
- Bubble Tea: Don’t forget to wash down your meal with a refreshing bubble tea, available in a variety of flavors and combinations.
Useful information about Huaxi Street Night Market
Opening Hours
The market operates daily from 5:00 PM until midnight. The market becomes fully alive around 6-7:00 PM and even more vibrant as the evening progresses.
Location and Access of Huaxi Street Night Market
Huaxi Street Night Market is conveniently located just west of Longshan Temple and north of Guangzhou Street Night Market. It’s well-connected and easily accessible by public transportation.
> Exact location of Huaxi Street Night Market
Getting there?
- By MRT: The most convenient way to get to the night market is by taking the Blue Line to Longshan Temple Station, Exit 1. From there, the market is just a short walk away, situated to the west of Longshan Temple.
- Biking Option: For those interested in biking, Yubike is offering bike-sharing options in Taipei! It’s super friendly to use and very convenient.
- By Bus: simply look at Google Maps to find you the best route depending on where you are.
Join a Night Market Tour in Taipei
Klook.comSafety at Huaxi Street Night Market
To be honest, Huaxi Street Night Market does feel a little dodgy.. Like pretty much anywhere in Taiwan, it’s actually super safe.
It feels a little off because not far away in a few adjacent streets it’s also one of the red light districts of Taipei… From time to time you might see a few prostitutes waiting in the corner of a random street.
Other than that, it’s perfectly safe.
Other things to see nearby?
1. Bopiliao Old Street
Just a few minutes walk from Huaxi Street Night Market, we recommend visiting Bopiliao Old Street.
Walking through Bopiliao Old Street felt like a journey back in time to the Qing Dynasty era, with its red brick walls, arched arcades, lanterns, and intricately carved windows.
> Read: Full guide to Bopiliao Old Street in Taipei
2. Herb Lane
Another cool thing to do nearby is to stroll down Herb Lane in Taipei.
This unique street is lined with shops offering an array of herbal products, from dried plants to medicinal teas. Each store was a treasure trove of knowledge, with shopkeepers eager to share the uses and benefits of various herbs.
> The exact Location of Herb Lane
3. Longshan Temple
This is one of our favorite temples in Taipei. It must be visited at night to see all its beauty. It’s open during the day too, but all the lights inside the temple make it so much impressive!
Longshan Temple is one of the best things to see in Taipei!
> The exact Location of Longshan Temple
> Read: Full Guide About Longshan Temple
4. Ximending
A little further but still within walking distance (roughly 20 minutes), you will reach the exciting district of Ximending.
Ximending is the pulsating heart of Taipei! This district offers a mix of culture, food, fashion, and entertainment. It is one of the best things to visit in Taipei!
In Conclusion
A visit to Taipei wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the flavors and culture of a Night Market in the city.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore unique culinary delights or a traveler seeking an authentic Taiwanese experience, visiting a night market is a must.
Now, if you have the time and option to visit other night markets such as Shillin, then we would rank Huaxi Street Night Market at the top of our list. However, as we were nearby and the name Snake Alley intrigued us, we made a stop there which was fine.
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