Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

The snacks here? Fire! Was looking for a quick snack in the SM DT area, and there’s always new one popping up. The work hubs and I ventured out to the area for a pick-me-up half day, and ended up at Shihlin. I love taiwan street foods. And man, what an awesome concept.

They’ve got the Taiwanese milk teas, the delicious quick snacks. All of it. So so good. I tried the oyster noodles, salt and pepper mushrooms, and jasmine milk green tea. I was honestly obsessed w the mushrooms, of all things! Bizarre, right?

But how could you go wrong a mushrooms! Mm mm. Anywho, snacks were somewhat reasonably priced. Been here on a few occasions now, and will likely continue to stop by. The foods yummy. The safe could look at little less bored/more engaged, but it is what it is. 4 stars

Best fried chicken I've had in the bay area! Crispy skin and marinated flavorful inside. Their spicy level is on the milder side so if you like it hot get the extra spicy.

Oyster omelette stole the show for me.

Popcorn chicken > ji pai

Mee sua was very bonito forward but deeply satisfying

Dont expect to be transported to a night market but expect the itch to be scratch and you'll walk away satisfied

This is a very good rendition of the Night Market snacks that I miss from my time in Taiwan. It is a small shop, but that also lends itself to the "Taiwan feel". Many people order and take their food to go.
I enjoy dining here and I hope they are very successful in this location!!

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks is a chain with three locations in the Bay Area and the multiple locations are a clear sign that there's a demand in the Bay Area for street eats: affordable, authentic, local cuisine that is quick and tasty to eat.

Having visited Taiwan to try the night markets (of which the one in Shihlin is one of the most famous), I had high hopes stopping by here for a quick snack. The menu is on point with the XXL Chicken and the popcorn chicken being the most representative. Other options include oyster noodles, braised chicken rice and plum fries. Prices (for the Bay Area) are reasonable at under $10. Our orders:

Grapefruit Tea - $3.79. refreshing and not too sweet. Pairs well with the fried food

XXL Chicken - $8.95. Available either as white meat or thigh and breast, the portion size is generous and the texture crispy and juicy. The seasoning is good and has a slight kick at the end.

Brown Sugar Fresh Boba Tea - $4.79. Brown sugar is the latest rage and the version here is decent. The fresh boba could have been better but the flavor of the brown sugar is good without being too sweet.

Overall, quite happy to have a Shihlin Taiwan snacks in the area. It seems to be our go to quick spot in the area and the service is quick and friendly. We could use a location in the South Bay.

Shihlin accepts credit cards including American Express.