Taipei’s Night Markets, Culture, and a Capybara Café

One of the biggest highlights of our family vacation to Taiwan was experiencing Taipei’s night markets. Taiwan is famous for its vibrant street food scene, and these markets are the heart and soul of it all. Our friend, who grew up in Taiwan, gave us one simple piece of advice before our trip:

"Try everything."

So we did!

Shilin Night Market: The Ultimate Food Haven

Our first night in Taipei, we headed straight for Shilin Night Market, one of the most famous night markets in the city. The moment we stepped in, we were hit with an overwhelming mix of aromas—garlic, soy sauce, fried dough, and grilled meats sizzling over open flames. The energy was electric, with food vendors calling out to passing customers, neon signs lighting up the narrow alleyways, and locals and tourists alike jostling for space at the most popular stalls.

Some of the most unforgettable things we ate included:

• Pork Pepper Buns – Crispy on the outside, juicy and peppery on the inside, cooked in a tandoor-like oven. These quickly became a favorite!

• Oyster Omelets – A unique mix of eggs, starch, oysters, and a sweet-savory sauce. The texture was unlike anything we’d ever had before, but we loved it.

• Fried Taro Balls – Crispy on the outside, soft and slightly sweet on the inside, a delightful contrast of textures.

• Stinky Tofu – This one was a challenge! The smell was intense, but we had to try it. The crispy, fermented tofu was served with pickled cabbage and a spicy sauce. Some of us liked it… others, not so much!

The kids, on the other hand, took a more cautious approach, gravitating toward skewers, dumplings, and fried dough. Even so, they were amazed at the sheer variety of food available. It wasn’t just about eating—it was about the experience. Watching vendors skillfully flip scallion pancakes, expertly shape dumplings, or flamboyantly torch beef cubes before serving them created an atmosphere that felt alive and immersive.

Raohe Night Market: A More Local Experience

The next night, we decided to check out Raohe Night Market, a slightly smaller but equally incredible food destination. The market stretched along a single lane, making it easy to explore without getting lost in the crowds. Right at the entrance, we saw a long line of people waiting for Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns—a good sign that we needed to try them.

They were freshly baked in a barrel-shaped oven, with a crisp crust and a peppery, juicy pork filling. I'm not much of a pork girl and even had to admit they were amazing.

Other standout dishes here included:

• Grilled Mochi – Sticky, chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside, served with different flavors like peanut, sesame, or condensed milk.

• Herbal Pork Rib Soup – Rich with tender pork ribs that fell off the bone.

• Bubble Tea – Of course, no trip to Taiwan is complete without its most famous drink! We grabbed classic milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls, and Cooper declared it his favorite part of the market.

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This market had a slightly more relaxed vibe compared to Shilin, and we noticed more locals grabbing a quick dinner here. It felt like a great way to soak up Taipei’s everyday life beyond the tourist hotspots.

How Our Family Vacation to Taiwan Took an Unexpected (and Adorable) Turn

While our focus in Taipei was undoubtedly the night markets, we made time for one completely unplanned stop: a capybara café. If you had asked us before our trip what we expected to do in Taipei, petting capybaras while sipping coffee would not have been on the list.

But when the kids discovered that Taipei had an animal café featuring capybaras, they were instantly sold. There was no way we could skip this. After all, how often do you get the chance to cuddle a giant, adorable rodent while enjoying a snack?

Finding the Café – An Adventure in Itself

Locating the café wasn’t as straightforward as we had hoped. Nestled in a quieter part of the city, it took some navigating and a very helpful Uber driver who seemed amused by our determination. The moment we arrived, we knew it was worth the effort.

The exterior of the café was simple and unassuming, but the moment we stepped inside, we entered a different world. The décor was warm and cozy, with soft lighting, wooden tables, and a peaceful atmosphere that felt more like a nature retreat than a bustling city café.

And then, there they were—the capybaras.

Meeting the Capybaras (and Their Unexpected Friends!)

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted not just by capybaras but also by rabbits and ducks, which added to the café’s laid-back and quirky vibe. The café had a relaxed, open layout, allowing the animals to roam freely among the tables. Customers were encouraged to interact with them in a gentle, respectful way, making it a perfect spot for animal lovers.

The capybaras were as chill as you’d expect (and we did later see them in the wild in the Amazon Jungle)—completely unfazed by the attention, lounging in their favorite corner like the café’s true VIPs. When we approached them with small food pellets (available for purchase), they lazily shuffled over, gave us an approving sniff, and allowed us to pet them while they munched away.

Their fur was coarser than we expected, almost like a brush, but their mannerisms were incredibly endearing. They blinked up at us with the most relaxed expressions, as if they had truly mastered the art of slow living.

Cooper’s Hot Chocolate and the Cutest Pastries Ever

Of course, no café visit is complete without treats, and this one did not disappoint. Their menu featured a variety of drinks and adorable animal-themed desserts, including capybara-shaped pastries, almost too adorable to eat. Almost.

Ash and I ordered what turned out to be really terrible coffee, but hey, there were capybaras.

Why This Random Café Became One of Our Favorite Memories

It’s funny how sometimes, the unplanned moments become the most special ones. We went to Taipei expecting incredible food and cultural sights, but somehow, an afternoon hanging out with capybaras became one of our favorite travel stories.

There was something unexpectedly magical about sitting in a quiet café, sipping coffee, and watching the kids giggle as they fed and petted the world’s most relaxed animals.

Maybe it was the contrast—going from the bustling, energetic night markets to this peaceful retreat where time seemed to slow down. Or maybe it was just the sheer joy of doing something completely out of the ordinary.

Either way, this quirky little café reminded us that travel is about more than just checking off sights—it’s about the random discoveries that make each trip unique.

The Perfect Taste of Taiwan in Just a Few Days

Taipei turned out to be an incredible city to explore, even in just a few days. From its deep history to its mouthwatering street food, there was so much to take in. The night markets were everything we had hoped for, and even our random detour to the capybara café turned into a fun memory.

Looking back on our family vacation to Taiwan, we realized that some of the best moments came from simply wandering, tasting, and embracing the unexpected. Whether it was trying a new dish, getting lost in the market crowds, or petting a capybara in a city café, every experience added something special to our trip.

We left wishing we had more time, but knowing we had made the most of every moment. If you get the chance to visit Taipei, come hungry, bring your sense of adventure, and be ready for a few surprises along the way.