5 Best Places to Shop for Groceries In Taipei

Taipei is known for its food scene, but there are times during a trip when you might want something simple, familiar, or just a break from eating out.

Maybe you’re staying in an Airbnb and want to prepare a light meal. Maybe you want to get some fruit, snacks, or breakfast items. Or maybe you just enjoy browsing local grocery stores as a way to experience everyday life in a new city.

In this post, I’ll show you where to shop for groceries in Taipei, from affordable neighborhood supermarkets to traditional wet markets and high-end stores with imported goods.

Hi, I’m Grace. I was born and raised in Taipei and now live in the United States. I return to Taipei often to see family and friends, and I enjoy discovering new things in Taiwan each time I am back. I am excited to share my experiences and insights with you!

Where To Shop For Groceries In Taipei

Taipei has several types of grocery shopping options, and choosing the right one depends on what you need and how you like to shop.

Here’s a quick way to decide where to go:

• If you want something convenient and affordable : go to a supermarket like PX Mart
• If you need to buy more than just food : try a hypermarket
• If you’re looking for premium ingredients : visit a high-end supermarket
• If you want a more local and cultural experience : explore a traditional wet market
• If you have specific dietary needs : check out specialty stores

Below, I’ll walk you through each option so you can decide what works best for your trip.

1. Supermarket Chains

Examples: PX Mart (全聯）； Wellcome （頂好）； Carrefour (家樂福）

For busy working people in Taipei, supermarkets are the easiest and most convenient way to shop for groceries.

PX Mart is hands-down the best choice if you’re looking for affordable groceries. It’s the most common supermarket chain in the city, just search Google Maps and you’ll likely find one only a few minutes’ walk from your hotel or Airbnb.

Prices are reliably low, and they run frequent promotions on all kinds of products. Most stores are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The photos below show the fruit section at the PX Mart near my parents’ apartment in Taipei.

A few things to know before you shop:

Taiwan has a no-free-bag policy, so plastic bags come with a small charge. Bringing your own shopping bag will save you a bit of money, and it’s better for the environment.

You’ll also need to bag your own groceries. The cashier will scan your items and place them in a separate basket. After paying, you’ll move to a nearby counter to pack your own bags. This is very different from the United States, but I think it helps keep the lines moving faster.

Before the end of every stay in Taipei, I make a trip to PX Mart to stock up on my son’s favorite snacks to take back to the U.S. You’ll find popular local brands like pineapple cakes, nougat, or dried fruit at much lower prices than in convenience stores. So if you love Taiwanese snacks, this is the best place to get them!

There are two other supermarket options:

• Wellcome – Smaller chain with fewer branches, but still a decent option if there’s one near you.
• Carrefour – Many Carrefour locations operate in smaller, supermarket-style formats rather than full hypermarkets（量販店）.

2. Hypermarkets (量販店)

Examples: Carrefour (家樂福), RT-Mart (大潤發)

If you’re staying in Taipei for a longer period or need to buy more than just groceries, hypermarkets are worth checking out.

These stores are similar to Walmart or Target in the U.S., where you can find everything in one place. In addition to fresh produce, meat, and pantry items, they also carry household goods, kitchenware, clothing, and even electronics.

I don’t usually go out of my way to visit a hypermarket, as they are often located away from the center of Taipei, where my parents live. But if you happen to be near one, or if you’re staying in Taipei for several days and want to stock up, it can be very convenient.

Another advantage is that many locations stay open late, and some are even open 24 hours. This can be surprisingly helpful if you’re dealing with jet lag and find yourself awake at odd hours.

3. High-End & Imported Goods Supermarkets

Examples: CitySuper, Jasons, Breeze Super, Mia C’bon

If you’re looking for imported brands, premium ingredients, or specialty items you can’t find in regular supermarkets, Taipei’s high-end grocery stores are the place to go.

These stores are perfect if you want premium cuts of meat like wagyu beef or Iberico pork, fresh oysters, or organic produce.

The shopping experience here is more upscale, with wider aisles, neatly displayed produce, and a greater focus on quality and presentation. Prices are higher than those in regular supermarkets, but the variety of imported goods makes it worth the visit if you’re after something specific.

I enjoy visiting these high-end supermarkets whenever I’m in Taipei. Since many of these supermarkets are located in the basement floors of shopping malls, I often stop by to check out what they have as part of my retail shopping experience.

Even if I only end up buying a few things, I enjoy browsing the aisles and checking out products you don’t usually see in other supermarkets. It’s also interesting to get a glimpse of how the more affluent locals shop.

4. Traditional Wet Markets

Examples: Nanmen Market (南門市場), Dongmen Market (東門市場), Shidong Market (士東市場)

If you want to experience grocery shopping the way locals have done for generations, a visit to a traditional wet market is a must.

You might picture a wet market being dirty and smelly( and it was like that when I was small). However, over the years, conditions have improved a lot. Many wet markets are now indoors, bright, and organized, making them much more pleasant to visit.

For example, Nanmen Market (南門市場), one of the most popular markets in Taipei, was renovated recently. It’s located near CKS Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), so you can visit both in one trip.

I visited Nanmen Market this past summer and was impressed by how clean and well-organized it is. The stalls cover everything from produce, meat, and seafood to dried goods and prepared foods like zongzi (粽子), pastries, and pickled vegetables.

The atmosphere is lively but easy to browse, making it an enjoyable stop even if you’re just looking around.

There’s also a food court on the 2nd floor of Nanmen Market. One of the most popular stalls is Hehuan Sliced Noodles (合歡刀削麵), which always has a long line. I opted for a bowl of douhua (tofu pudding, 豆花) instead, and it was a refreshing treat.

Prices are usually lower than in supermarkets, and the quality is hard to beat. You can also find specialty items like freshly made tofu, pickled vegetables, handmade dumplings, and dried goods. In the summer, I like to get aiyu jelly (愛玉), grass jelly (仙草), or almond tofu (杏仁豆腐).

You might wonder if bargaining is common at the wet market.

Well, from my experience, I’ve only had little success unless it’s late in the morning and vendors are eager to wrap up for the day. But it’s definitely fun to interact with vendors and gather information about their products before choosing the items you want.

5. Specialty Stores

Examples: Leezen (里仁), Santa Cruz (聖德科斯)

If you have dietary needs such as organic, gluten-free, or plant-based products, Taipei has specialty stores that focus on health-conscious shopping. Two of the most well-known chains are Leezen (里仁) and Santa Cruz (聖德科斯).

Leezen offers a wide range of organic produce, packaged snacks, sauces, and seasonings, along with eco-friendly household products. Santa Cruz carries a similar selection, including imported gluten-free items, plant-based dairy alternatives, and natural supplements.

Prices are higher than in regular supermarkets, but you’re paying for certified quality and specialty products that can be hard to find elsewhere. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you choose products to match your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your grocery shopping options not only makes it easier to find what you need but also gives you the chance to explore a different side of local life in Taipei.

For me, grocery shopping in Taipei is part errand, part adventure. PX Mart means affordable snacks to take home, high-end supermarkets are a window into an upscale lifestyle, and wet markets are full of lively conversations with vendors.

I hope this guide makes your grocery runs in Taipei both useful and enjoyable!