Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise. If you love to eat, this island has some of the best food in Asia. The cuisine here is a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and local influences. You’ll find everything from hearty soups to delicious street food. Let’s explore the best dishes in Taiwan and where to find them!
Traditional Taiwanese Dishes
1. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)
If there is one dish you can’t leave Taiwan without trying, it’s beef noodle soup. This hearty bowl of noodles, tender beef, and rich broth is a Taiwanese staple. The flavor of the broth is deep, often made with soy sauce and spices, and the beef is slow-cooked until it falls apart.
Where to try: Lao Wang Ji Beef Noodles in Taipei is one of the best places to try a simple yet delicious bowl. You can also visit Lin Dong Fang, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth beef.
2. Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎)
This might sound strange, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a street food favorite. The base is a mix of oyster, eggs, and a starch batter, all fried together. It’s topped with a sweet and spicy sauce that gives it an unforgettable taste. The texture is a bit chewy, but that’s part of the charm.
Where to try: Head to Raohe Night Market or Shilin Night Market in Taipei for the best oyster omelets. Any stall will do the job, just follow the locals!
3. Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯)
Every traveler on a budget will fall in love with lu rou fan. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish of braised minced pork served over rice. What makes this dish special is the soy-based sauce, which gives the pork a complex taste that is both sweet and savory.
Where to try: Check out Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District. They are known for their perfectly seasoned pork, always served over fluffy rice.
4. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Don’t be put off by the smell! Stinky tofu has a strong odor that you’ll notice from a block away, but the taste is much better than you think. It’s typically fried and served with pickled cabbage and sometimes a spicy sauce. The crust is crispy while the inside is soft and creamy.
Where to try: Shenkeng Old Street in New Taipei City is famous for having some of the best stinky tofu in Taiwan. You can also find it at night markets all over the island.
Best Street Foods in Taiwan
1. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)
You’ve probably had bubble tea before, but this drink actually originated in Taiwan. The classic version is made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. There are lots of flavors and variations now, but the original is hard to beat!
Where to try: Chen San Ding in Taipei’s Gongguan neighborhood is famous for its bubble tea. The shop always has a line, but it’s worth the wait.
2. Gua Bao (刈包)
Gua bao is often called the Taiwanese hamburger. It’s a steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro. Each bite is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Where to try: Visit Liao Ji Gua Bao in Taipei for some of the best gua bao in the city. They’ve been making them for decades, and it shows.
3. Crispy Chicken Cutlet (雞排)
Imagine a giant piece of fried chicken, lightly spiced and perfectly crispy. The Taiwanese version of the chicken cutlet is legendary and can be found at almost every night market. It’s a perfect snack to eat while you explore.
Where to try: Look for Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken at Shilin Night Market. This chain is famous for its oversized chicken cutlets and has several outlets across Taiwan.
4. Shaved Ice (剉冰)
Taiwanese shaved ice is the perfect way to cool off during the humid summer months. A huge pile of fluffy ice is topped with ingredients like condensed milk, sweet beans, fruit, and jelly. It’s refreshing and sweet without being too heavy.
Where to try: Ice Monster in Taipei is one of the most famous dessert shops in Taiwan. Their mango shaved ice is their most popular dish, and it’s a must-try.
Must-Visit Restaurants in Taiwan
1. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
Din Tai Fung is world-famous for its xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, and for good reason. Each dumpling is handmade with care and filled with delicious broth and pork. While the restaurant has branches all over the world, there’s nothing like eating at the original location in Taipei.
Where to go: Din Tai Fung’s original branch is in Taipei’s Xinyi District, right near Taipei 101. Be prepared to wait, but the warm, delicate dumplings are worth it!
2. Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線)
This tiny shop in Ximending is always crowded, and that’s because of their famous flour-rice noodles. The noodles are served in a thick broth with intestines and garlic, creating a savory dish that people can’t get enough of. It’s one of Taipei’s most well-known street food joints.
Location: Ximending, Taipei
3. RAW
If you want something more modern, RAW is a must-visit. This is a fine dining restaurant run by Chef André Chiang, who brings Taiwanese ingredients to the forefront with an innovative twist. The dishes here are works of art!
Where to go: RAW is located in Zhongshan District, Taipei. Since it’s very popular, make sure to book a reservation well in advance.
4. Fuhang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿)
Breakfast in Taiwan isn’t complete without a stop at a soy milk shop. Fuhang Soy Milk is one of the most popular places, known for its freshly made youtiao (fried dough) and warm bowls of soy milk. The line might be long, but once you taste the crispy youtiao with the savory soy milk, you’ll know it was worth it.
Where to go: Fuhang Soy Milk is located in Huashan Market, Taipei. It’s best to come early in the morning to avoid the long lines.
Night Markets You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)
Shilin is the most famous night market in Taipei and the largest. You’ll find all kinds of street food here, from oyster omelets to fried chicken. Wandering through the market and sampling different snacks is a fantastic way to spend an evening.
Location: Shilin District, Taipei
2. Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市)
Raohe Night Market is slightly smaller but just as popular. One dish you can’t miss is the pepper pork bun (胡椒餅). It’s prepared right at the stall, where you can watch the vendors bake it in clay ovens until the bun is covered in crispy, flaky dough.
Location: Songshan District, Taipei
3. Tonghua Night Market (通化夜市)
If you want a more local vibe, head to Tonghua Night Market. It has fewer tourists compared to Shilin and Raohe, but the food is just as incredible. You can try a range of dishes here, from Taiwanese sausages to bubble tea and stinky tofu.
Location: Da’an District, Taipei
Insider Tips for Eating in Taiwan
– Always carry small change! Most street vendors and small restaurants don’t accept credit cards.
– Don’t shy away from the food because of its smell—like stinky tofu. It tastes much better than it smells.
– Night markets are your best option for trying as many local dishes as possible. They open around 5 PM and go late into the night.
– Many restaurants offer English menus, but some smaller places may not. Use a translation app when necessary or point to pictures!
Taiwan is heaven for food lovers. Whether you’re enjoying a simple bowl of rice topped with braised pork or treating yourself to a plate of xiao long bao, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. The best part is, food here is incredibly affordable, so don’t hesitate to eat your way through the island!
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