EatwhrBring cash, in small notes
Most stalls only take cash. NT$100 notes and coins are easiest. Most snacks cost about NT$50–150 each, so NT$500–1,000 is plenty for an evening.
Check it’s open
The big Taipei night markets open every evening from about 5pm, but some stalls start later or close one day a week. Markets can close for typhoons and around Lunar New Year.
Decide what to eat
Look at what people are eating and at the photos on the sign. A long queue usually means a popular stall.
Order: show it in Chinese, or point
Easiest: pick the dishes in the Eatwhr app and show the vendor your order in Chinese, with how many of each. Otherwise, point at the photo or the food and show how many with your fingers. Some stalls hand you a paper menu to tick, and braised snack (lu wei) stalls give you a basket to fill yourself.
Pay and collect
Some stalls take money when you order, others when you collect. Watch what the person in front of you does. Busy stalls may give you a number.
Eat here or take away
Seating is limited, and many people eat standing up. Bins are hard to find, so keep a small bag for rubbish.
The easiest way: show your order in Chinese
In Eatwhr, pick the dishes you want at a stall and tap Show in Chinese. The vendor sees your order in Chinese, with how many of each. No words needed. Free, in English and Japanese.
A few words that help
| 這個 | zhè ge | this one |
| 一個 / 兩個 | yí ge / liǎng ge | one / two |
| 多少錢？ | duō shǎo qián | how much? |
| 內用 / 外帶 | nèi yòng / wài dài | eat here / take away |
| 不要辣 | bú yào là | not spicy |
| 謝謝 | xiè xie | thank you |
Questions
Do night market vendors in Taiwan speak English?
A few do at the biggest markets, but most don’t. Pointing works, but showing your order in Chinese with the Eatwhr app is the easiest way.
Can I pay by card at Taiwan night markets?
Rarely. Most stalls only take cash; a few take mobile payment. Bring small notes and coins.
How much cash should I bring to a night market?
Most snacks cost about NT$50–150 each, so NT$500–1,000 is enough for most people.