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Hi everyone, it’s Trip with Kim!
If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, visiting one of its iconic night markets is a must. Among the city’s most famous night markets—Ningxia, Raohe, and Shilin—the latter stands out as the largest and most diverse. Today, I’ll share my experience trying the legendary Hot-Star Chicken at Shilin Night Market, a dish that’s become a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
Located in Taipei’s bustling Shilin District, Shilin Night Market is easily accessible via public transportation. While the name suggests getting off at Shilin MRT Station, it’s actually faster and easier to exit at Jiantan Station (Red Line). From there, it’s a short walk to the market’s entrance.
Once inside, finding Hot-Star Chicken is simple. The stall is located on Jihe Road and is instantly recognizable thanks to its bright signage and long queues. Here’s some quick info to help you plan:
| Hot-Star Chicken Details |
|---|
| Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Hours: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Google Rating: 3.4 (982 reviews) |
| Must-Try Item: Spicy Chicken Cutlet |
Hot-Star Chicken, or Ji Pai, is a massive Taiwanese chicken cutlet that’s deep-fried to golden perfection. Its size alone makes it unique—it’s nearly the size of your face and served in a paper bag for convenient snacking.
At Hot-Star, you can choose from two signature flavors:
Both options are priced at 90 TWD (~$3 USD), making them an affordable and satisfying snack.
The line for Hot-Star Chicken can get long, especially during peak hours, but it moves quickly. After placing my order and paying in cash, I watched as the massive chicken cutlet was fried fresh to order.
Once served, the aroma was irresistible. The cutlet’s crispy exterior paired with juicy, tender meat inside created the perfect bite. I opted for the spicy version, and the seasoning was flavorful without being overwhelming.
Pro Tip: Each cutlet is approximately 75% meat and 25% bone, so keep that in mind when eating. Despite the bones, the portion size is generous enough to leave you full.
After indulging in Hot-Star Chicken, there’s still plenty more to explore at Shilin Night Market.
One of the market’s highlights is the 3D Tiger Billboard, a quirky digital display located deeper within the market. While smaller than similar displays in Tokyo or Seoul, it adds a fun touch to your night market adventure.
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