You won’t find hordes of tourists at Yansan Night Market, nor will you see elaborate cook-offs with flaming pans or peruse expensive bric-a-brac stalls. No, this market is an authentic, modest local hang-out, which will be perfect for you if you’re keen to get a no-frills feel for Taipei’s food scene.

Let your local Taipei host lead you there, where you’ll sample wonderful delicacies not found anywhere else in the city. Three musts at Yansan Market are fried noodles, gua bao (steamed buns stuffed with pork belly), and mochi ice. Absolutely transcendent stuff!

Absorb the low-key atmosphere as you people-watch, seeing locals pull up on scooters after work to grab a quick bite, or relax on verandas with their friends. Your host will take you to the very best vendors and explain any ingredients you may be unfamiliar with, helping you to get a true taste of local life in Taipei.

From stinky tofu to youyu geng (a thick squid soup), Yansan is about as real as it gets, and being the avid explorer (not tourist) that you are, we know you’ll love it!