Eating Taiwanese Vegan Street Food at Keelung Night Market

You will discover plenty of vegan options at Keelung Night Market, easily reached by taking a 35-minute train from Taipei Main Station for NT$41. Look for stalls marked with "素食" (vegetarian) or "全素" (vegan), where you can enjoy dishes like vegetarian 8 Treasures Glass Noodles and soy-braised rice cakes. Visit between 6-7 PM on weekdays for smaller crowds, and bring written dietary requirement notes in Chinese. The market's hidden corners hold even more plant-based treasures waiting to be uncovered.

Key Points

• Look for yellow or red signs marked "素食" (vegetarian) or "VEGAN" to identify suitable food stalls at Keelung Night Market.
• Visit dedicated stalls like Vegetarian 8 Treasures Glass Noodles for traditional noodle soups and Vegetarian luwei for soy-braised dishes.
• Bring written notes stating "我不吃蛋、奶、肉" to clearly communicate vegan dietary requirements to vendors.
• Try plant-based options like sticky rice rolls, charcoal-roasted sweet corn, grilled mushrooms, and candied fruits.
• Visit Monday-Thursday around 6 PM for smaller crowds and better access to vegan food stalls.

Getting to Keelung Night Market

While Keelung Night Market ranks among Taiwan's most accessible food destinations, you'll discover several convenient transportation options from Taipei and surrounding areas.

Local TRA trains depart Taipei Main Station every 15-20 minutes, whisking you to Keelung Station in 35-50 minutes for just NT$41, with EasyCard accepted for hassle-free travel.

If you prefer buses, catch the 1813 from Taipei Main Station's East Exit 3, or hop on the 1800 from Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station. For more options, take Metropolitan Transport 2088 from Taipei City Hall, which stops at the Power Company near the market.

From Keelung Station, it's a straightforward 10-minute walk to the market through Maritime Plaza. Follow Zhong Yi Road for 5 minutes, turn right onto Ai Si Road, and look for the yellow lanterns marking the market entrance at Rensan Road intersection.

Must-Try Vegan Dishes and Stalls

Despite being known for its seafood, Keelung Night Market offers several standout vegan options that showcase Taiwan's plant-based culinary traditions.

While renowned for its seafood offerings, Keelung Night Market delights vegan visitors with authentic Taiwanese plant-based delicacies.

You'll discover your first stop at the Vegetarian 8 Treasures Glass Noodles stall, where you can savor traditional noodle soups and warming dang gui broth. The plant-based scene has grown significantly in recent years, making traditional markets more accommodating to vegan diners.

For heartier fare, seek out the vegetarian luwei stall, which serves soy-braised delicacies including meat-free "blood" rice cakes and braised vegetables. The market's seafood alternatives are particularly creative and cater to those seeking plant-based versions of local specialties.

Don't miss the sticky rice rolls (nuomi juan), a plant-based version of the market's famous chicken rolls.

For lighter bites, you'll encounter charcoal-roasted sweet corn and various candied fruits, including sugar-coated strawberries and salted guava.

The grilled mushroom vendor offers a satisfying alternative to the market's seafood options.

Navigating the Market Layout

Since Keelung Night Market follows an L-shaped layout spanning Rensan and Aisi Roads, you'll discover its structure to efficiently locate the vegan offerings.

You'll come across numbered stalls (1-70+) along Rensan Road, making navigation straightforward, while Aisi Road requires visual identification of vendors.

Look for the yellow lanterns at the main entrance where these roads intersect, which are lit Friday through Sunday evenings.

For the easiest navigation, arrive before 6 PM when crowds are thinner, and use the multilingual signs above stalls to identify vendors.

The market becomes a pedestrian-friendly zone from 5:30 PM until midnight, making it safer to explore the various food stalls.

Download the Go! Taipei Metro app for real-time mapping, and consider starting your exploration from the temple area, where you'll encounter a noted vegetarian stall to begin your vegan food adventure.

Tips for Ordering Vegan Food

Ordering vegan food at Keelung Night Market requires effective communication and strategic preparation.

You'll want to learn essential phrases like "素食" (vegetarian) and "全素" (vegan), while carrying written notes stating "我不吃蛋、奶、肉" to clearly communicate your dietary restrictions.

When approaching food stalls, look for yellow or red signs marked "素食" or "VEGAN," and prioritize vendors with Michelin recognition, such as Stinky Boss's vegan stinky tofu.

Don't hesitate to verify ingredients by asking "湯底有肉嗎?" to check if broths contain meat, and be specific about excluding eggs by saying "不要加蛋."

For reliable options, seek out soy-braised items at dedicated vegetarian stalls, consider downloading translation apps to help with more complex ingredient discussions, and remember that some traditional dishes like the famous Chicken Rolls are actually made with pork.

Best Times to Visit and Crowd Management

When planning your visit to Keelung Night Market, timing can make the difference between a relaxed culinary adventure and a crowded, overwhelming experience. For the best experience, aim to visit between Monday and Thursday around 6 PM, when crowds are thinner and food stalls are just opening for the evening.

To maximize your vegan food exploration, follow these crowd management strategies:

1. Check cruise ship schedules through the port authority website
2. Enter through side streets instead of main entrances
3. Visit during the dry season (October-March) for comfortable temperatures
4. Arrive before sunset via Keelung Tower for ideal timing

If you're visiting during peak seasons like Chinese New Year, consider going after 10 PM when the initial rush has subsided and you'll have more space to browse the vegetarian options. The 35-minute train ride from Taipei makes it convenient to visit during off-peak hours while still having plenty of time to explore the market.

Exploring Beyond the Market

While the night market's culinary treasures deserve their spotlight, Keelung's rich tapestry of attractions extends far beyond its famous food stalls.

Keelung enchants visitors with diverse attractions beyond its renowned night market, offering a complete journey through Taiwan's cultural landscape.

You'll discover stunning coastal views at Heping Island Park, where you can explore unique rock formations and take a revitalizing dip in the tidal pools.

For history buffs, the Ershawan Fort and Baimiwong Fortification offer fascinating glimpses into the city's maritime defense past.

If you're keen to venture further, hop on the Keelung Tourist Shuttle to visit the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology, or catch a 45-minute train to Taipei.

Don't miss the serene Lover's Lake Park for hiking and pedal-boating, or time your visit with the Ghost Festival at Zhupu Altar for an authentic cultural experience.

The Wrap Up

Like a lively tapestry woven from Taiwan's rich culinary heritage, Keelung Night Market offers you an unforgettable vegan street food adventure. You'll discover that traversing this bustling marketplace becomes second nature once you're armed with basic Mandarin phrases and an understanding of the layout. Whether you're sampling crispy mushroom tempura or savoring sweet taro balls, you're sure to leave with both a satisfied appetite and lasting memories.