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| Boilerpipe Text | I didnât start traveling to different parts of Asia (outside of HK) until only recently. Prior to that, my family trips were all based in
Hong Kong
since my momâs siblings still lived there.
STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?
Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code
AIRALOESIM10
for 10% off your booking.
Explore all their affordable plans here.
When we finally started venturing out and exploring as a family, we set our sights on Taiwan. The #1 reason it was on our bucket list? No, it wasnât for the temples, the museums, or even the hot springs (though those are cool too).
We went to
eat
. Period.
Growing up in a Chinese household, I already had a soft spot for Taiwanese food. Over the years, it quietly climbed its way into my top three favorite cuisines. The Taiwanese food I had in the U.S. was solidâgood enough to keep me craving more.
But then I actually went to Taiwan⊠and it completely blew every prior Taiwanese meal Iâd ever eaten out of the water. The flavors were deeper, the ingredients were fresher, and everything just tasted better.
During our trip, we tried a lot of the popular places that are often considered must-eats,
and
stumbled upon a few new spots ourselves!
This Taipei food guide was made to help you hit the ground running and eat your way through Taipei. Beef noodle soup and scallion pancakes are greatâbut theyâre just the beginning. Thereâs so much more to discover, and Iâm walking you through it all.
This post may contain affiliate links. You wonât be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Recommended Activity: Taipei Food Tour (7+ Tastings)
Eat your way through Taipeiâs culinary scene on a food tour! Try 7+ staple Taiwanese dishes beloved by locals, including
scallion pancakes, braised pork bowls, beef noodles, boba, rice cakes
, the cityâs iconic
castella egg cakes
, and more.
Each tasting is hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food. Lunch and dinner tours are both available.
WHAT TO EAT IN TAIPEI: MY TOP 20 FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
If youâre looking for a classic dish to try when visiting Taipei, then beef noodle soup really should be at the tippy-top of your list. Originating from northern China, this hearty dish has become one of the staples of Taiwan.
The traditional version of the dish relies on slow-cooked bone broth as its base, which gives it its strong flavors and umami depth. Beef shank or flank is added as the main protein alongside vegetables such as bok choy for an extra dose of nutrition.
The dish is then completed with chewy and delicious hand-pulled noodles. And honestly, the noodles can make or break the whole dish. You want hand-pulled, not pre-made noodles!
While it can be found in tons of local restaurants and stands, there are just some restaurants you should go out of your way to try (and even wait in line for) specifically.
Where to eat:
Yong Kang Beef Noodles
â Daâan District (my absolute fave!)
Liu Shandong Beef Noodles
â Zhongzheng District
Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles
â Ximending
Lin Dong Fang
â Zhongshan District
Regent Taipei
â Zhongshan District
Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
Xiao Long Bao, or âsoup dumplings,â are a beloved style of steamed dumplings that beloved all over China. These are leveled-up dumplings; inside each one is a savory soup that bursts in your mouth upon biting into it! Donât get too greedy and eat it while itâs too hot, unless you want to burn your tongue with hot soup.
Though traditionally made with pork filling, there are now many variations available with different flavors like crabmeat or even purely veggie ones. No matter what filling you choose, one thing is for sureâa good XLB will have a
thin
dumpling skin and flavorful broth!
Eat emâ as soon as they hit the table, otherwise the outer layer starts to harden. Donât forget to pair them with vinegar and ginger slices to bring out the full flavor.
STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?
Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code
AIRALOESIM10
for 10% off your booking.
Explore all their affordable plans here.
Where to eat:
Din Tai Fung
â
multiple locations. DTF is everywhere these days, but hardly any establishments out there can do the soup dumpling skin as delicately as they can!
EXPERIENCE IT ALL ON A GUIDED FOOD TOUR:
Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
This addictively comforting Taiwanese dish is one of the most popular local dishes and can be found in many restaurants throughout the city.
Braised pork over rice (also known as
lu rou fan
in Mandarin) consists of minced pork that has been marinated with traditional Chinese spices, soy sauce and sugar before being simmered in broth until cooked through. The cooked pork is served atop a bed of steamed white jasmine or sticky rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables such as mustard greens and radish.
The resulting flavor combination is slightly sweet yet savory and makes for an incredibly comforting meal. If youâre debating whether you should try this dish, the answer should 100% be yes.
Where to eat:
Jin Feng Braised Pork RiceÂ
â Zhongzheng District
Pork Pepper Buns (Hujiao Bing)
If youâre the type of person who enjoys meat wrapped up in some form of an outer pastry, then pork pepper buns or
hujiao bing
are a must-try.
These buns are popular street food in Taiwan and can be found at night markets. Pork pepper buns consist of an outer crust made of flour that is either deep-fried or baked until crispy on the outside, filled with a mix of ground pork, onion, and Sichuan peppercorns, which give it its unique flavor.
The inside of the bun is quite peppery, juicy, and flavorful from the combination of ingredients used to make it.
One really well-known spot to get this bun?
Fuzhou Pepper Buns
at Raohe Night Market (a Michelin-guide recommended spot). How they cook the bun is super interestingâthe bun is baked by sticking it to the side of a large and traditional-looking cylindrical oven.
Itâs the very first (or last) stall you see, depending on which side you enter the night market from. You can easily spot it by the long line that typically forms at the stall!
Where to eat:
Fuzhou Pepper Buns
â Raohe Night Market
Soymilk and Fried Dough Breakfast
While youâre in Taipei, you need to eat a Taiwanese-style breakfast at least once! This traditional Taiwanese breakfast consists of mostly carby and eggy goodness, along with a bowl or two of warm soy milk. You can either opt for a salty version or a lightly sweetened version of the soymilk.
STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?
Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code
AIRALOESIM10
for 10% off your booking.
Explore all their affordable plans here.
If youâre traveling with others, Iâd recommend your group try one of eachâtheyâre quite different from each other in taste!
Dip your
youtiao
(fried dough stick) into your warm bowl of soy milk, and get a side of
fantuan
(sticky rice roll) or the
shaobing
(sesame flatbread) with an egg in it.
Where to eat:
Yong He Soy Milk King
â Daâan District
Fu Hang Dou Jiang
â Zhongzheng District
Sihai Soy Milk
 â Datong District
Taiwanese Sticky Rice Roll (Fan Tuan)
Fantuans are one of my favorite cheap eats in all of Taiwanese cuisine. These are sticky rice rolls in the shape of burritos that are filled with traditional fixings like aromatic meat floss and preserved vegetables, followed by some fried donut for texture.
The result is an incredibly flavorful and filling meal that has become beloved all over Taiwan! Itâs the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack, and you can often find them at traditional Taiwanese breakfast places.
Where to eat:
Yong He Soy Milk King
â Daâan District
Fu Hang Dou Jiang
â Zhongzheng District
Sihai Soy Milk
 â Datong District
Hot Pot
At this point, does hotpot still need an introduction? These days, there are hotpot restaurants all over the place because of how popular itâs gotten (at least here in California there is)!
Hot pot consists of a boiling broth served with thinly sliced meats, fish balls, seafood, and vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, tofu and noodles. As the ingredients cook in the soup, they take on its flavorful essence while still retaining their own unique flavor profile.
You can choose from numerous broth options such as mala (spicy), herbal chicken soup, tomato, mushroom, spicy miso paste flavored, etc â each just as flavorful as they are fragrant.
While there are a lot of all-you-can-eat restaurants out there, the real quality can be found in restaurants that charge per order of fixings. Iâd recommend starting there so you can try hot pot with the freshest ingredients first.
Where to eat:
Tai Ho Dien
â Daâan District
Hai Di Lao Hot Pot
â Songshan District
Ding Wang HotpotÂ
â Songshan District
Grilled Squid
This Taiwanese street snack has become increasingly popular in recent years, and itâs easy to see why (especially if you love a little crunchy texture as I do).
Grilled squid is made from fresh squid that is marinated in garlic, soy sauce, and other spices before being grilled to perfection over hot coals or charcoal. The result? A sweet-savory skewer that combines the smokiness of the grill with the rich flavor of the marinade. Plus the perfect amount of bounciness!
At the night markets, itâs usually cut up, thrown into a little baggie, and handed to you along with a few skewers to enjoy right then and there!
Where to eat:
Any night market should have this available for sale
Scallion Pancakes
One of Taiwanâs most iconic street snacks is the scallion pancake, also known as the green onion pancake. Chances are, youâve come across this in the appetizer section of a menu at your local Taiwanese restaurant.
I donât know why, but the simple combination of flour, green onion, salt, and oil is so freakinâ addicting.
Itâs widely available at restaurants and food stands throughout the night markets of Taiwan; however, Iâd recommend
Tian Jin Onion Pancake
in the Daâan district, as this is the exact thing they specialize in!
Where to eat:
Tian Jin Onion Pancake
 â Daâan District
Taiwanese Oyster Omelet
Oyster is a popular filling/topping that can be found in lots of Taiwanese dishes. Also known as
o ah jian
in Mandarin, this savory omelet consists of eggs, oysters and vegetables. It was first created in the 1950s by a street vendor from Taipei City and has since become one of the most iconic dishes to eat in Taipei.
Sounds weird, but Taiwanese people love this stuff! Iâm personally not a huge fan, but my parents love it!
Due to its popularity, oyster omelets can be found at many night markets, restaurants and food stalls throughout Taiwan.
Where to eat:
Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelet
â Datong District
Oyster omelet, stinky tofu, braised pork over rice.
Stinky Tofu
If youâre an adventurous eater, get your hands on some stinky tofu. This is another one that Iâm not a fan of, but my mom LOVES.
Stinky tofu is a type of fermented tofu that carries a very distinct⊠smell, hence the name. Itâs a popular street food in Taiwan and has been around since the early 1800s.
Stinky tofu is usually deep-fried until golden brown and served with various sauces such as chili sauce or sweet sauce, depending on preference.
The smell itself can be off-putting to some people, so take your first bite with an open mind! Though in my opinion, it does taste like how it smells, haha.
Where to eat:
Any night market should have this available for sale
Taiwanese Fried Chicken (Popcorn Chicken)
Ah, Taiwanese fried chicken, the king of all Taiwanese street snacks!
Taiwanese fried chicken, aka popcorn chicken, is made with pieces of chicken that are usually deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. This ainât just any plain chicken, thoughâthe flavor is amazing.
The marinade typically includes five spice, wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to give it a super addicting flavor profile. To make it even tastier, many places will also add toppings such as basil, five spice, white pepper with salt, or hot pepper flakes for extra spice and flavor.
In more recent years, a different type of fried chicken has become popular, the deep-fried chicken cutlet, first introduced by Hot Star XXL Fried Chicken. If you go for this type of chicken, youâll be getting a humongous slab of chicken thatâs perfectly fried up for you to enjoy in the streets.
Where to eat:
Hot Star Large Fried Chicken
â multiple locations all over Taipei
Shi Yun Fried Chicken
â Shida Night Market
Any night market should have this available for sale
Lu Wei
Chances are, once you hit the night markets, youâre going to run into stalls that carry a seemingly endless assortment of foods. Most likely, this is a collection of food items known as lu wei.
What is
lu wei
and how does it work? Lu wei, also known as braised food, is a traditional Taiwanese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries.
This highly customizable dish consists of a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, fish, meat, fishballs, intestines, mushrooms, eggs, and tofu. The ingredients are cooked together with different sauces to create the complex flavor that makes this dish so unique.
How it works is youâll grab a basket and fill it with your favorite fixings from a huge selection of meat, vegetables, tofu, noodles, etc. The food is then boiled in a savory broth, chopped and plated.
Soymilk Soft Serve
One street food that visitors must try if they like soymilk is soymilk soft serve! This refreshing dessert combines fresh soymilk with just the right amount of sugar for a creamy and sweet treat.
Itâs then served in a cup or cone, topped with whatever you like. The light and airy texture makes it an ideal snack for hot summer days! Not only does it taste great, but itâs also packed full of nutrition, making it one of the healthiest treats to eat while exploring Taipei.
If you head to Soypresso, you can get yourself soft serve, as well as any type of flavored soymilk you can think of!
Where to eat:
Soypresso
â multiple locations
Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cake is a light, flaky pastry filled with an assortment of pineapple jam and buttercream on top. The crust contains a mix of flour and sugar that gives it a slightly sweet taste, almost like a delicate version of shortbread.
It also sometimes contains pine nuts for crunchiness and texture. The combination of both pineapple jam and buttercream makes this dessert irresistible for anyone who has a love for all things pineapple flavored.
Pineapple cakes are usually available all year round and can be found in many bakeries across Taipei. If you need a
souvenir/gift idea to bring home from Taiwan
, this is it!
Where to eat:
Chia Te Bakery
â Songshan District
Sunny Hills Taipei
 â Songshan District
Sun Cake â Taiyang Bing
Sun cakes, or
taiyang bing
in Mandarin, are a traditional Taiwanese pastry made from syrup, lard, and flour. This combination gives the cakes their signature golden color, which is why theyâre referred to as âsunâ cakes.
Despite its name, theyâre definitely more of a flaky pastry as opposed to a cake.
The texture of the inside can vary depending on the recipe used; some recipes call for more flour to create a flakier texture while others use more maltose syrup to create a softer consistency. No matter how itâs prepared, sun cake is sure to be a hit with any pastry lover visiting Taipei.
Personally speaking, I like
taiyang bing
so much more than I like pineapple cake. Iâd recommend you get one of each to try out to see which you prefer.
As with pineapple cakes, these are sold at a lot of traditional bakeries and make great souvenirs to bring home!
Where to eat:
Ruyi Sunny Cake
â Ximen District
Yu Jan Shin
â Songshan District
Chia Te Bakery
â Songshan District
Boba Milk Tea
Does boba even need an explanation these days?
For those of you unfamiliar, Taiwan is the birthplace of the iconic Boba Milk Tea. This drink has become extremely popular around the world. You would be a fool to go to Taiwan and NOT try it at its motherland!
Traditional bubble tea is prepared with black milk tea as its base and topped with a tapioca pearl topping known as âbobaâ. Not âbubblesâ. BOBA. The pearls are chewy, sweet, and provide a very âQQâ texture contrast when combined with the milk tea.
Not into the texture of boba? You can choose from other toppings like egg pudding, grass jelly, aloe, or
aiyu
jelly for a different texture.
Not a fan of milk? A lot of boba shops like
Yi Fang
, specialize in fruit teas and non-milky drinks too.
Where to eat:
you can find a boba shop on every corner of every street in Taipei!
Taiwanese Shaved Ice
Taiwanese shaved ice is a popular dessert treat found throughout Taipei. Originating in the 1930s, this refreshing beverage has become a staple of what to eat in Taipei if youâre looking to cool down from the heat.
Itâs made by shaving blocks of ice into thin layers and then mixing it with flavored syrup, condensed milk and other toppings like fresh fruit, chewy taro balls, or red beans. This sweet treat can be found in some night markets and is also served up at tea houses and dessert shops.
Not sure where to start? Iâd say the most popular shaved ice flavors are mango, strawberry, and green tea with red bean.
Where to eat:
Snow Bro
â multiple locations
Smoothie House
â Daâan District
Ximen Mango Shaved Ice
â Ximending District
Mr. Chef Snow & Tofu
â Gongguan District
Taro or Sweet Potato Balls
If youâre looking for another dessert thatâs unique to Taiwan, try something that features a heap of taro balls or sweet potato balls.
These chewy treats are made of either taro or yam and tapioca flour and can be found in night markets throughout the city or at dessert shops.
The taro version is light purple and has a slightly sweet flavor. Sweet potato balls are more yellow/orange in color. Both types of snacks are sold pre-packaged at most convenience stores, as well as freshly made by street vendors.
My favorite base to enjoy these fluffy balls are with grass jelly (which is black). Top it off with some sweet milk and youâve got yourself a refreshing little bowl of goodness.
Where to eat:
Meet Fresh
â multiple locations
Eastern Ice Store
â multiple locations, look out for the frog logo!
Taiyi Milk King
â Gongguan District
Lai Ah Po Taro Balls
â Jiufen
Try some famous taro balls in Jiufen!
TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH TAIPEI:
Regional Fresh Fruit
Taiwan is a small island, but it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor that grows from the ground. If youâre looking for something fruity and delicious to cut the grease from all the night market eats, youâre in luck!
Regional fruits such as persimmon, pineapple, guava and dragon fruit add a unique sweetness to end any meal. And if youâre looking to try a fruit thatâs uniquely Taiwan, opt for the Wax Apple! Taiwanâs Wax Apple is like a cross between an apple and a pearâitâs juicy, crunchy and sweet.
Lastly, if youâre thirsty for nutrients and antioxidants and happen to pass by a fruit market, pick yourself up a bottle of freshly squeezed fruit juice!
Looking for an edible gift to bring home to friends/family? Dried fruit makes for a great souvenir gift.
Dried guava, mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit
WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI: NIGHT MARKETS
Taipeiâs night markets are famous for having Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishments. Here are just a few of them, plus some of my own recommendations!
Shilin Night Market
Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao
Hai Yu Pork Ribs
Good Friend Cold Noodles
and the stall with the grilled mushrooms
!
Raohe Street Night Market
Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup
A Kuo Lu Wei
â features an assortment of soy-braised marinated snack foods
Beef Noodles and Beef Entrails Soup
â look for the cartoon bull on the lamp covers!
Ningxia Night Market
Rongâs Pork Liver
Fang Chia Shredded Chicken on Rice
Liu Yu Zi
â deep-fried taro balls, egg yolk taro balls
Recommended Activity: Taipei Food Tour (7+ Tastings)
Eat your way through Taipeiâs culinary scene on a food tour! Try
7+ Taiwanese dishes
beloved by locals, including
scallion pancakes, braised pork bowls, beef noodles, boba, rice cakes,
and the iconic
castella egg cakes
.
WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI: OTHER FOOD SPOTS
Simple Kaffa
 (coffee shop) â Zhongzheng District
Fong Da Coffee
â Ximending District
çćŠčćŒć â è„żéćș
(Taiwanese restaurant) â Ximending District
è„żééééŻè飯
(Taiwanese restaurant) â Ximending District
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle
 â Ximending District
éæšććș
(Ramen)Â â Ximending District
Ching Cheng Hainan Chicken Rice
 â Songshan District
Addiction Aquatic Development
(grab and go seafood market) â Zhongshan District
Looking for more Taipei travel tips? You may also like:
The Perfect 5 Days In Taipei: What To See, Eat, and Do
3 Days In Taipei: The Perfect Taipei Travel Itinerary
Transportation in Taipei: EasyCard or Taipei Fun Pass?
Taipei Fun Pass: Is It Worth The Money?
What To Do To Have An Epic Day Trip To Jiufen And Shifen
6 Best Hotels In Beitou With Private Hot Spring Baths | ||||||||||||||||||
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# 20 Best Things To Eat In Taipei (And Where To Try Them)
September 3, 2025
December 23, 2023
by [Elle L.](https://travelswithelle.com/author/elletravelswithelle-com/ "View all posts by Elle L.")
I didnât start traveling to different parts of Asia (outside of HK) until only recently. Prior to that, my family trips were all based in [**Hong Kong**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/3-days-in-hong-kong/) since my momâs siblings still lived there.
**STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?** Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code **AIRALOESIM10** for 10% off your booking. [Explore all their affordable plans here.](https://airalo.tpo.mx/SLBIuHX5)
When we finally started venturing out and exploring as a family, we set our sights on Taiwan. The \#1 reason it was on our bucket list? No, it wasnât for the temples, the museums, or even the hot springs (though those are cool too).
**We went to *eat*. Period.**
Growing up in a Chinese household, I already had a soft spot for Taiwanese food. Over the years, it quietly climbed its way into my top three favorite cuisines. The Taiwanese food I had in the U.S. was solidâgood enough to keep me craving more.
But then I actually went to Taiwan⊠and it completely blew every prior Taiwanese meal Iâd ever eaten out of the water. The flavors were deeper, the ingredients were fresher, and everything just tasted better.
During our trip, we tried a lot of the popular places that are often considered must-eats, *and* stumbled upon a few new spots ourselves\!
This Taipei food guide was made to help you hit the ground running and eat your way through Taipei. Beef noodle soup and scallion pancakes are greatâbut theyâre just the beginning. Thereâs so much more to discover, and Iâm walking you through it all.
*This post may contain affiliate links. You wonât be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot\!*
***
### Recommended Activity: Taipei Food Tour (7+ Tastings)
Powered by [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/taipei-city-l190/)
*Eat your way through Taipeiâs culinary scene on a food tour! Try 7+ staple Taiwanese dishes beloved by locals, including **scallion pancakes, braised pork bowls, beef noodles, boba, rice cakes**, the cityâs iconic **castella egg cakes**, and more.*
*Each tasting is hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food. Lunch and dinner tours are both available.*
[**BOOK THIS FOOD TOUR**](https://gyg.me/VPhvSlie)
***
## WHAT TO EAT IN TAIPEI: MY TOP 20 FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
### Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
If youâre looking for a classic dish to try when visiting Taipei, then beef noodle soup really should be at the tippy-top of your list. Originating from northern China, this hearty dish has become one of the staples of Taiwan.
The traditional version of the dish relies on slow-cooked bone broth as its base, which gives it its strong flavors and umami depth. Beef shank or flank is added as the main protein alongside vegetables such as bok choy for an extra dose of nutrition.
The dish is then completed with chewy and delicious hand-pulled noodles. And honestly, the noodles can make or break the whole dish. You want hand-pulled, not pre-made noodles\!
While it can be found in tons of local restaurants and stands, there are just some restaurants you should go out of your way to try (and even wait in line for) specifically.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yong Kang Beef Noodles** â Daâan District (my absolute fave!)
- **Liu Shandong Beef Noodles** â Zhongzheng District
- **Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles** â Ximending
- **Lin Dong Fang** â Zhongshan District
- **Regent Taipei** â Zhongshan District
### Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
Xiao Long Bao, or âsoup dumplings,â are a beloved style of steamed dumplings that beloved all over China. These are leveled-up dumplings; inside each one is a savory soup that bursts in your mouth upon biting into it! Donât get too greedy and eat it while itâs too hot, unless you want to burn your tongue with hot soup.
Though traditionally made with pork filling, there are now many variations available with different flavors like crabmeat or even purely veggie ones. No matter what filling you choose, one thing is for sureâa good XLB will have a *thin* dumpling skin and flavorful broth\!
Eat emâ as soon as they hit the table, otherwise the outer layer starts to harden. Donât forget to pair them with vinegar and ginger slices to bring out the full flavor.
**STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?** Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code **AIRALOESIM10** for 10% off your booking. [Explore all their affordable plans here.](https://airalo.tpo.mx/SLBIuHX5)
#### Where to eat:
- **Din Tai Fung** â *multiple locations. DTF is everywhere these days, but hardly any establishments out there can do the soup dumpling skin as delicately as they can\!*
**EXPERIENCE IT ALL ON A GUIDED FOOD TOUR:**
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### Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
This addictively comforting Taiwanese dish is one of the most popular local dishes and can be found in many restaurants throughout the city.
Braised pork over rice (also known as *lu rou fan* in Mandarin) consists of minced pork that has been marinated with traditional Chinese spices, soy sauce and sugar before being simmered in broth until cooked through. The cooked pork is served atop a bed of steamed white jasmine or sticky rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables such as mustard greens and radish.
The resulting flavor combination is slightly sweet yet savory and makes for an incredibly comforting meal. If youâre debating whether you should try this dish, the answer should 100% be yes.
#### Where to eat:
- **Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice** â Zhongzheng District
### Pork Pepper Buns (Hujiao Bing)
If youâre the type of person who enjoys meat wrapped up in some form of an outer pastry, then pork pepper buns or *hujiao bing* are a must-try.
These buns are popular street food in Taiwan and can be found at night markets. Pork pepper buns consist of an outer crust made of flour that is either deep-fried or baked until crispy on the outside, filled with a mix of ground pork, onion, and Sichuan peppercorns, which give it its unique flavor.
The inside of the bun is quite peppery, juicy, and flavorful from the combination of ingredients used to make it.
One really well-known spot to get this bun? **Fuzhou Pepper Buns** at Raohe Night Market (a Michelin-guide recommended spot). How they cook the bun is super interestingâthe bun is baked by sticking it to the side of a large and traditional-looking cylindrical oven.
Itâs the very first (or last) stall you see, depending on which side you enter the night market from. You can easily spot it by the long line that typically forms at the stall\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Fuzhou Pepper Buns** â Raohe Night Market
### Soymilk and Fried Dough Breakfast
While youâre in Taipei, you need to eat a Taiwanese-style breakfast at least once! This traditional Taiwanese breakfast consists of mostly carby and eggy goodness, along with a bowl or two of warm soy milk. You can either opt for a salty version or a lightly sweetened version of the soymilk.
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If youâre traveling with others, Iâd recommend your group try one of eachâtheyâre quite different from each other in taste\!
Dip your *youtiao* (fried dough stick) into your warm bowl of soy milk, and get a side of *fantuan* (sticky rice roll) or the *shaobing* (sesame flatbread) with an egg in it.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yong He Soy Milk King** â Daâan District
- **Fu Hang Dou Jiang** â Zhongzheng District
- **Sihai Soy Milk** â Datong District
### Taiwanese Sticky Rice Roll (Fan Tuan)
Fantuans are one of my favorite cheap eats in all of Taiwanese cuisine. These are sticky rice rolls in the shape of burritos that are filled with traditional fixings like aromatic meat floss and preserved vegetables, followed by some fried donut for texture.
The result is an incredibly flavorful and filling meal that has become beloved all over Taiwan! Itâs the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack, and you can often find them at traditional Taiwanese breakfast places.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yong He Soy Milk King** â Daâan District
- **Fu Hang Dou Jiang** â Zhongzheng District
- **Sihai Soy Milk** â Datong District
### Hot Pot
At this point, does hotpot still need an introduction? These days, there are hotpot restaurants all over the place because of how popular itâs gotten (at least here in California there is)\!
Hot pot consists of a boiling broth served with thinly sliced meats, fish balls, seafood, and vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, tofu and noodles. As the ingredients cook in the soup, they take on its flavorful essence while still retaining their own unique flavor profile.
You can choose from numerous broth options such as mala (spicy), herbal chicken soup, tomato, mushroom, spicy miso paste flavored, etc â each just as flavorful as they are fragrant.
While there are a lot of all-you-can-eat restaurants out there, the real quality can be found in restaurants that charge per order of fixings. Iâd recommend starting there so you can try hot pot with the freshest ingredients first.
#### Where to eat:
- **Tai Ho Dien** â Daâan District
- **Hai Di Lao Hot Pot** â Songshan District
- **Ding Wang Hotpot** â Songshan District
### Grilled Squid
This Taiwanese street snack has become increasingly popular in recent years, and itâs easy to see why (especially if you love a little crunchy texture as I do).
Grilled squid is made from fresh squid that is marinated in garlic, soy sauce, and other spices before being grilled to perfection over hot coals or charcoal. The result? A sweet-savory skewer that combines the smokiness of the grill with the rich flavor of the marinade. Plus the perfect amount of bounciness\!
At the night markets, itâs usually cut up, thrown into a little baggie, and handed to you along with a few skewers to enjoy right then and there\!
#### Where to eat:
- Any night market should have this available for sale
### Scallion Pancakes
One of Taiwanâs most iconic street snacks is the scallion pancake, also known as the green onion pancake. Chances are, youâve come across this in the appetizer section of a menu at your local Taiwanese restaurant.
I donât know why, but the simple combination of flour, green onion, salt, and oil is so freakinâ addicting.
Itâs widely available at restaurants and food stands throughout the night markets of Taiwan; however, Iâd recommend **Tian Jin Onion Pancake** in the Daâan district, as this is the exact thing they specialize in\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Tian Jin Onion Pancake** â Daâan District
### Taiwanese Oyster Omelet
Oyster is a popular filling/topping that can be found in lots of Taiwanese dishes. Also known as *o ah jian* in Mandarin, this savory omelet consists of eggs, oysters and vegetables. It was first created in the 1950s by a street vendor from Taipei City and has since become one of the most iconic dishes to eat in Taipei.
Sounds weird, but Taiwanese people love this stuff! Iâm personally not a huge fan, but my parents love it\!
Due to its popularity, oyster omelets can be found at many night markets, restaurants and food stalls throughout Taiwan.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelet** â Datong District
Oyster omelet, stinky tofu, braised pork over rice.
### Stinky Tofu
If youâre an adventurous eater, get your hands on some stinky tofu. This is another one that Iâm not a fan of, but my mom LOVES.
Stinky tofu is a type of fermented tofu that carries a very distinct⊠smell, hence the name. Itâs a popular street food in Taiwan and has been around since the early 1800s.
Stinky tofu is usually deep-fried until golden brown and served with various sauces such as chili sauce or sweet sauce, depending on preference.
The smell itself can be off-putting to some people, so take your first bite with an open mind! Though in my opinion, it does taste like how it smells, haha.
#### Where to eat:
- Any night market should have this available for sale
### Taiwanese Fried Chicken (Popcorn Chicken)
Ah, Taiwanese fried chicken, the king of all Taiwanese street snacks\!
Taiwanese fried chicken, aka popcorn chicken, is made with pieces of chicken that are usually deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. This ainât just any plain chicken, thoughâthe flavor is amazing.
The marinade typically includes five spice, wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to give it a super addicting flavor profile. To make it even tastier, many places will also add toppings such as basil, five spice, white pepper with salt, or hot pepper flakes for extra spice and flavor.
In more recent years, a different type of fried chicken has become popular, the deep-fried chicken cutlet, first introduced by Hot Star XXL Fried Chicken. If you go for this type of chicken, youâll be getting a humongous slab of chicken thatâs perfectly fried up for you to enjoy in the streets.
#### Where to eat:
- **Hot Star Large Fried Chicken** â multiple locations all over Taipei
- **Shi Yun Fried Chicken** â Shida Night Market
- Any night market should have this available for sale
### Lu Wei
Chances are, once you hit the night markets, youâre going to run into stalls that carry a seemingly endless assortment of foods. Most likely, this is a collection of food items known as lu wei.
What is *lu wei* and how does it work? Lu wei, also known as braised food, is a traditional Taiwanese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries.
This highly customizable dish consists of a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, fish, meat, fishballs, intestines, mushrooms, eggs, and tofu. The ingredients are cooked together with different sauces to create the complex flavor that makes this dish so unique.
How it works is youâll grab a basket and fill it with your favorite fixings from a huge selection of meat, vegetables, tofu, noodles, etc. The food is then boiled in a savory broth, chopped and plated.
### Soymilk Soft Serve
One street food that visitors must try if they like soymilk is soymilk soft serve! This refreshing dessert combines fresh soymilk with just the right amount of sugar for a creamy and sweet treat.
Itâs then served in a cup or cone, topped with whatever you like. The light and airy texture makes it an ideal snack for hot summer days! Not only does it taste great, but itâs also packed full of nutrition, making it one of the healthiest treats to eat while exploring Taipei.
If you head to Soypresso, you can get yourself soft serve, as well as any type of flavored soymilk you can think of\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Soypresso** â multiple locations
### Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cake is a light, flaky pastry filled with an assortment of pineapple jam and buttercream on top. The crust contains a mix of flour and sugar that gives it a slightly sweet taste, almost like a delicate version of shortbread.
It also sometimes contains pine nuts for crunchiness and texture. The combination of both pineapple jam and buttercream makes this dessert irresistible for anyone who has a love for all things pineapple flavored.
Pineapple cakes are usually available all year round and can be found in many bakeries across Taipei. If you need a [**souvenir/gift idea to bring home from Taiwan**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/souvenirs-from-taiwan/), this is it\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Chia Te Bakery** â Songshan District
- **Sunny Hills Taipei** â Songshan District
### Sun Cake â Taiyang Bing
Sun cakes, or *taiyang bing* in Mandarin, are a traditional Taiwanese pastry made from syrup, lard, and flour. This combination gives the cakes their signature golden color, which is why theyâre referred to as âsunâ cakes.
Despite its name, theyâre definitely more of a flaky pastry as opposed to a cake.
The texture of the inside can vary depending on the recipe used; some recipes call for more flour to create a flakier texture while others use more maltose syrup to create a softer consistency. No matter how itâs prepared, sun cake is sure to be a hit with any pastry lover visiting Taipei.
Personally speaking, I like *taiyang bing* so much more than I like pineapple cake. Iâd recommend you get one of each to try out to see which you prefer.
As with pineapple cakes, these are sold at a lot of traditional bakeries and make great souvenirs to bring home\!
### Where to eat:
- **Ruyi Sunny Cake** â Ximen District
- **Yu Jan Shin** â Songshan District
- **Chia Te Bakery** â Songshan District
### Boba Milk Tea
Does boba even need an explanation these days?
For those of you unfamiliar, Taiwan is the birthplace of the iconic Boba Milk Tea. This drink has become extremely popular around the world. You would be a fool to go to Taiwan and NOT try it at its motherland\!
Traditional bubble tea is prepared with black milk tea as its base and topped with a tapioca pearl topping known as âbobaâ. Not âbubblesâ. BOBA. The pearls are chewy, sweet, and provide a very âQQâ texture contrast when combined with the milk tea.
Not into the texture of boba? You can choose from other toppings like egg pudding, grass jelly, aloe, or *aiyu* jelly for a different texture.
Not a fan of milk? A lot of boba shops like **Yi Fang**, specialize in fruit teas and non-milky drinks too.
#### Where to eat:
- you can find a boba shop on every corner of every street in Taipei\!
### Taiwanese Shaved Ice
Taiwanese shaved ice is a popular dessert treat found throughout Taipei. Originating in the 1930s, this refreshing beverage has become a staple of what to eat in Taipei if youâre looking to cool down from the heat.
Itâs made by shaving blocks of ice into thin layers and then mixing it with flavored syrup, condensed milk and other toppings like fresh fruit, chewy taro balls, or red beans. This sweet treat can be found in some night markets and is also served up at tea houses and dessert shops.
Not sure where to start? Iâd say the most popular shaved ice flavors are mango, strawberry, and green tea with red bean.
#### Where to eat:
- **Snow Bro** â multiple locations
- **Smoothie House** â Daâan District
- **Ximen Mango Shaved Ice** â Ximending District
- **Mr. Chef Snow & Tofu** â Gongguan District
### Taro or Sweet Potato Balls
If youâre looking for another dessert thatâs unique to Taiwan, try something that features a heap of taro balls or sweet potato balls.
These chewy treats are made of either taro or yam and tapioca flour and can be found in night markets throughout the city or at dessert shops.
The taro version is light purple and has a slightly sweet flavor. Sweet potato balls are more yellow/orange in color. Both types of snacks are sold pre-packaged at most convenience stores, as well as freshly made by street vendors.
My favorite base to enjoy these fluffy balls are with grass jelly (which is black). Top it off with some sweet milk and youâve got yourself a refreshing little bowl of goodness.
#### Where to eat:
- **Meet Fresh** â multiple locations
- **Eastern Ice Store** â multiple locations, look out for the frog logo\!
- **Taiyi Milk King** â Gongguan District
- **Lai Ah Po Taro Balls** â Jiufen
Try some famous taro balls in Jiufen\!
### **TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH TAIPEI:**
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### Regional Fresh Fruit
Taiwan is a small island, but it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor that grows from the ground. If youâre looking for something fruity and delicious to cut the grease from all the night market eats, youâre in luck\!
Regional fruits such as persimmon, pineapple, guava and dragon fruit add a unique sweetness to end any meal. And if youâre looking to try a fruit thatâs uniquely Taiwan, opt for the Wax Apple! Taiwanâs Wax Apple is like a cross between an apple and a pearâitâs juicy, crunchy and sweet.
Lastly, if youâre thirsty for nutrients and antioxidants and happen to pass by a fruit market, pick yourself up a bottle of freshly squeezed fruit juice\!
Looking for an edible gift to bring home to friends/family? Dried fruit makes for a great souvenir gift.
Dried guava, mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit
***
## WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI: NIGHT MARKETS
Taipeiâs night markets are famous for having Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishments. Here are just a few of them, plus some of my own recommendations\!
### Shilin Night Market
- **Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao**
- **Hai Yu Pork Ribs**
- **Good Friend Cold Noodles**
- **and the stall with the grilled mushrooms**\!
### Raohe Street Night Market
- **Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup**
- **A Kuo Lu Wei** â features an assortment of soy-braised marinated snack foods
- **Beef Noodles and Beef Entrails Soup** â look for the cartoon bull on the lamp covers\!
### Ningxia Night Market
- **Rongâs Pork Liver**
- **Fang Chia Shredded Chicken on Rice**
- **Liu Yu Zi** â deep-fried taro balls, egg yolk taro balls
### Recommended Activity: Taipei Food Tour (7+ Tastings)
Powered by [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/taipei-city-l190/)
*Eat your way through Taipeiâs culinary scene on a food tour! Try **7+ Taiwanese dishes** beloved by locals, including **scallion pancakes, braised pork bowls, beef noodles, boba, rice cakes,** and the iconic **castella egg cakes**.*
[**BOOK THIS FOOD TOUR**](https://gyg.me/VPhvSlie)
***
## WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI: OTHER FOOD SPOTS
- **Simple Kaffa** (coffee shop) â Zhongzheng District
- **Fong Da Coffee** â Ximending District
- **çćŠčćŒć â è„żéćș** (Taiwanese restaurant) â Ximending District
- **è„żééééŻè飯** (Taiwanese restaurant) â Ximending District
- **Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle** â Ximending District
- **éæšććș** (Ramen) â Ximending District
- **Ching Cheng Hainan Chicken Rice** â Songshan District
- **Addiction Aquatic Development** (grab and go seafood market) â Zhongshan District
***
**Looking for more Taipei travel tips? You may also like:**
**[The Perfect 5 Days In Taipei: What To See, Eat, and Do](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/5-days-in-taipei-itinerary/)**
[**3 Days In Taipei: The Perfect Taipei Travel Itinerary**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/3-day-taipei-itinerary/)
[**Transportation in Taipei: EasyCard or Taipei Fun Pass?**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/taipei-easycard-or-taipei-fun-pass/)
[**Taipei Fun Pass: Is It Worth The Money?**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/taipei-fun-pass-is-it-worth-the-money/)
[**What To Do To Have An Epic Day Trip To Jiufen And Shifen**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/jiufen-and-shifen/)
[**6 Best Hotels In Beitou With Private Hot Spring Baths**](https://travelswithelle.com/other/hotels-in-beitou/)
[**MORE ASIA TRAVEL GUIDES**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia-travel-guides/)
[How To Get To Jiufen From Taipei: 4 Easy Ways](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/jiufen-from-taipei/)
[Big Pine Lakes Hike: Everything You Need To Know About Californiaâs Most Epic Trail](https://travelswithelle.com/travel-hiking/big-pine-lakes-hike/)
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My name is Elle and I'm a travel blogger and adventurer based in California. I love helping people plan trips and create unique itineraries based on their interests and their budgets. I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures and doing off-the-beaten-path things in my state (and all around the world too)\!
## 2 thoughts on â20 Best Things To Eat In Taipei (And Where To Try Them)â
1. 
Ansrea
[May 2, 2023 at](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/what-to-eat-in-taipei/#comment-12692)
Very helpfulâŠ.thank you. I am traveling to Taipei in October.
[Reply](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/what-to-eat-in-taipei/#comment-12692)
2. 
Andrea
[May 2, 2023 at](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/what-to-eat-in-taipei/#comment-12693)
Very helpfulâŠ.thank you. I am traveling from New Zealand to Taipei in October.
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| Readable Markdown | I didnât start traveling to different parts of Asia (outside of HK) until only recently. Prior to that, my family trips were all based in [**Hong Kong**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/3-days-in-hong-kong/) since my momâs siblings still lived there.
**STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?** Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code **AIRALOESIM10** for 10% off your booking. [Explore all their affordable plans here.](https://airalo.tpo.mx/SLBIuHX5)
When we finally started venturing out and exploring as a family, we set our sights on Taiwan. The \#1 reason it was on our bucket list? No, it wasnât for the temples, the museums, or even the hot springs (though those are cool too).
**We went to *eat*. Period.**
Growing up in a Chinese household, I already had a soft spot for Taiwanese food. Over the years, it quietly climbed its way into my top three favorite cuisines. The Taiwanese food I had in the U.S. was solidâgood enough to keep me craving more.
But then I actually went to Taiwan⊠and it completely blew every prior Taiwanese meal Iâd ever eaten out of the water. The flavors were deeper, the ingredients were fresher, and everything just tasted better.
During our trip, we tried a lot of the popular places that are often considered must-eats, *and* stumbled upon a few new spots ourselves\!
This Taipei food guide was made to help you hit the ground running and eat your way through Taipei. Beef noodle soup and scallion pancakes are greatâbut theyâre just the beginning. Thereâs so much more to discover, and Iâm walking you through it all.
*This post may contain affiliate links. You wonât be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot\!*
***
### Recommended Activity: Taipei Food Tour (7+ Tastings)
*Eat your way through Taipeiâs culinary scene on a food tour! Try 7+ staple Taiwanese dishes beloved by locals, including **scallion pancakes, braised pork bowls, beef noodles, boba, rice cakes**, the cityâs iconic **castella egg cakes**, and more.*
*Each tasting is hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food. Lunch and dinner tours are both available.*
***
## WHAT TO EAT IN TAIPEI: MY TOP 20 FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
### Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
If youâre looking for a classic dish to try when visiting Taipei, then beef noodle soup really should be at the tippy-top of your list. Originating from northern China, this hearty dish has become one of the staples of Taiwan.
The traditional version of the dish relies on slow-cooked bone broth as its base, which gives it its strong flavors and umami depth. Beef shank or flank is added as the main protein alongside vegetables such as bok choy for an extra dose of nutrition.
The dish is then completed with chewy and delicious hand-pulled noodles. And honestly, the noodles can make or break the whole dish. You want hand-pulled, not pre-made noodles\!
While it can be found in tons of local restaurants and stands, there are just some restaurants you should go out of your way to try (and even wait in line for) specifically.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yong Kang Beef Noodles** â Daâan District (my absolute fave!)
- **Liu Shandong Beef Noodles** â Zhongzheng District
- **Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles** â Ximending
- **Lin Dong Fang** â Zhongshan District
- **Regent Taipei** â Zhongshan District
### Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
Xiao Long Bao, or âsoup dumplings,â are a beloved style of steamed dumplings that beloved all over China. These are leveled-up dumplings; inside each one is a savory soup that bursts in your mouth upon biting into it! Donât get too greedy and eat it while itâs too hot, unless you want to burn your tongue with hot soup.
Though traditionally made with pork filling, there are now many variations available with different flavors like crabmeat or even purely veggie ones. No matter what filling you choose, one thing is for sureâa good XLB will have a *thin* dumpling skin and flavorful broth\!
Eat emâ as soon as they hit the table, otherwise the outer layer starts to harden. Donât forget to pair them with vinegar and ginger slices to bring out the full flavor.
**STILL NEED AN E-SIM FOR YOUR TRIP?** Our go-to eSIM provider is Airalo! For a limited-time, you can use promo code **AIRALOESIM10** for 10% off your booking. [Explore all their affordable plans here.](https://airalo.tpo.mx/SLBIuHX5)
#### Where to eat:
- **Din Tai Fung** â *multiple locations. DTF is everywhere these days, but hardly any establishments out there can do the soup dumpling skin as delicately as they can\!*
**EXPERIENCE IT ALL ON A GUIDED FOOD TOUR:**
### Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
This addictively comforting Taiwanese dish is one of the most popular local dishes and can be found in many restaurants throughout the city.
Braised pork over rice (also known as *lu rou fan* in Mandarin) consists of minced pork that has been marinated with traditional Chinese spices, soy sauce and sugar before being simmered in broth until cooked through. The cooked pork is served atop a bed of steamed white jasmine or sticky rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables such as mustard greens and radish.
The resulting flavor combination is slightly sweet yet savory and makes for an incredibly comforting meal. If youâre debating whether you should try this dish, the answer should 100% be yes.
#### Where to eat:
- **Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice** â Zhongzheng District
### Pork Pepper Buns (Hujiao Bing)
If youâre the type of person who enjoys meat wrapped up in some form of an outer pastry, then pork pepper buns or *hujiao bing* are a must-try.
These buns are popular street food in Taiwan and can be found at night markets. Pork pepper buns consist of an outer crust made of flour that is either deep-fried or baked until crispy on the outside, filled with a mix of ground pork, onion, and Sichuan peppercorns, which give it its unique flavor.
The inside of the bun is quite peppery, juicy, and flavorful from the combination of ingredients used to make it.
One really well-known spot to get this bun? **Fuzhou Pepper Buns** at Raohe Night Market (a Michelin-guide recommended spot). How they cook the bun is super interestingâthe bun is baked by sticking it to the side of a large and traditional-looking cylindrical oven.
Itâs the very first (or last) stall you see, depending on which side you enter the night market from. You can easily spot it by the long line that typically forms at the stall\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Fuzhou Pepper Buns** â Raohe Night Market
### Soymilk and Fried Dough Breakfast
While youâre in Taipei, you need to eat a Taiwanese-style breakfast at least once! This traditional Taiwanese breakfast consists of mostly carby and eggy goodness, along with a bowl or two of warm soy milk. You can either opt for a salty version or a lightly sweetened version of the soymilk.
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If youâre traveling with others, Iâd recommend your group try one of eachâtheyâre quite different from each other in taste\!
Dip your *youtiao* (fried dough stick) into your warm bowl of soy milk, and get a side of *fantuan* (sticky rice roll) or the *shaobing* (sesame flatbread) with an egg in it.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yong He Soy Milk King** â Daâan District
- **Fu Hang Dou Jiang** â Zhongzheng District
- **Sihai Soy Milk** â Datong District
### Taiwanese Sticky Rice Roll (Fan Tuan)
Fantuans are one of my favorite cheap eats in all of Taiwanese cuisine. These are sticky rice rolls in the shape of burritos that are filled with traditional fixings like aromatic meat floss and preserved vegetables, followed by some fried donut for texture.
The result is an incredibly flavorful and filling meal that has become beloved all over Taiwan! Itâs the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack, and you can often find them at traditional Taiwanese breakfast places.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yong He Soy Milk King** â Daâan District
- **Fu Hang Dou Jiang** â Zhongzheng District
- **Sihai Soy Milk** â Datong District
### Hot Pot
At this point, does hotpot still need an introduction? These days, there are hotpot restaurants all over the place because of how popular itâs gotten (at least here in California there is)\!
Hot pot consists of a boiling broth served with thinly sliced meats, fish balls, seafood, and vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, tofu and noodles. As the ingredients cook in the soup, they take on its flavorful essence while still retaining their own unique flavor profile.
You can choose from numerous broth options such as mala (spicy), herbal chicken soup, tomato, mushroom, spicy miso paste flavored, etc â each just as flavorful as they are fragrant.
While there are a lot of all-you-can-eat restaurants out there, the real quality can be found in restaurants that charge per order of fixings. Iâd recommend starting there so you can try hot pot with the freshest ingredients first.
#### Where to eat:
- **Tai Ho Dien** â Daâan District
- **Hai Di Lao Hot Pot** â Songshan District
- **Ding Wang Hotpot** â Songshan District
### Grilled Squid
This Taiwanese street snack has become increasingly popular in recent years, and itâs easy to see why (especially if you love a little crunchy texture as I do).
Grilled squid is made from fresh squid that is marinated in garlic, soy sauce, and other spices before being grilled to perfection over hot coals or charcoal. The result? A sweet-savory skewer that combines the smokiness of the grill with the rich flavor of the marinade. Plus the perfect amount of bounciness\!
At the night markets, itâs usually cut up, thrown into a little baggie, and handed to you along with a few skewers to enjoy right then and there\!
#### Where to eat:
- Any night market should have this available for sale
### Scallion Pancakes
One of Taiwanâs most iconic street snacks is the scallion pancake, also known as the green onion pancake. Chances are, youâve come across this in the appetizer section of a menu at your local Taiwanese restaurant.
I donât know why, but the simple combination of flour, green onion, salt, and oil is so freakinâ addicting.
Itâs widely available at restaurants and food stands throughout the night markets of Taiwan; however, Iâd recommend **Tian Jin Onion Pancake** in the Daâan district, as this is the exact thing they specialize in\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Tian Jin Onion Pancake** â Daâan District
### Taiwanese Oyster Omelet
Oyster is a popular filling/topping that can be found in lots of Taiwanese dishes. Also known as *o ah jian* in Mandarin, this savory omelet consists of eggs, oysters and vegetables. It was first created in the 1950s by a street vendor from Taipei City and has since become one of the most iconic dishes to eat in Taipei.
Sounds weird, but Taiwanese people love this stuff! Iâm personally not a huge fan, but my parents love it\!
Due to its popularity, oyster omelets can be found at many night markets, restaurants and food stalls throughout Taiwan.
#### Where to eat:
- **Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelet** â Datong District
Oyster omelet, stinky tofu, braised pork over rice.
### Stinky Tofu
If youâre an adventurous eater, get your hands on some stinky tofu. This is another one that Iâm not a fan of, but my mom LOVES.
Stinky tofu is a type of fermented tofu that carries a very distinct⊠smell, hence the name. Itâs a popular street food in Taiwan and has been around since the early 1800s.
Stinky tofu is usually deep-fried until golden brown and served with various sauces such as chili sauce or sweet sauce, depending on preference.
The smell itself can be off-putting to some people, so take your first bite with an open mind! Though in my opinion, it does taste like how it smells, haha.
#### Where to eat:
- Any night market should have this available for sale
### Taiwanese Fried Chicken (Popcorn Chicken)
Ah, Taiwanese fried chicken, the king of all Taiwanese street snacks\!
Taiwanese fried chicken, aka popcorn chicken, is made with pieces of chicken that are usually deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. This ainât just any plain chicken, thoughâthe flavor is amazing.
The marinade typically includes five spice, wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to give it a super addicting flavor profile. To make it even tastier, many places will also add toppings such as basil, five spice, white pepper with salt, or hot pepper flakes for extra spice and flavor.
In more recent years, a different type of fried chicken has become popular, the deep-fried chicken cutlet, first introduced by Hot Star XXL Fried Chicken. If you go for this type of chicken, youâll be getting a humongous slab of chicken thatâs perfectly fried up for you to enjoy in the streets.
#### Where to eat:
- **Hot Star Large Fried Chicken** â multiple locations all over Taipei
- **Shi Yun Fried Chicken** â Shida Night Market
- Any night market should have this available for sale
### Lu Wei
Chances are, once you hit the night markets, youâre going to run into stalls that carry a seemingly endless assortment of foods. Most likely, this is a collection of food items known as lu wei.
What is *lu wei* and how does it work? Lu wei, also known as braised food, is a traditional Taiwanese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries.
This highly customizable dish consists of a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, fish, meat, fishballs, intestines, mushrooms, eggs, and tofu. The ingredients are cooked together with different sauces to create the complex flavor that makes this dish so unique.
How it works is youâll grab a basket and fill it with your favorite fixings from a huge selection of meat, vegetables, tofu, noodles, etc. The food is then boiled in a savory broth, chopped and plated.
### Soymilk Soft Serve
One street food that visitors must try if they like soymilk is soymilk soft serve! This refreshing dessert combines fresh soymilk with just the right amount of sugar for a creamy and sweet treat.
Itâs then served in a cup or cone, topped with whatever you like. The light and airy texture makes it an ideal snack for hot summer days! Not only does it taste great, but itâs also packed full of nutrition, making it one of the healthiest treats to eat while exploring Taipei.
If you head to Soypresso, you can get yourself soft serve, as well as any type of flavored soymilk you can think of\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Soypresso** â multiple locations
### Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cake is a light, flaky pastry filled with an assortment of pineapple jam and buttercream on top. The crust contains a mix of flour and sugar that gives it a slightly sweet taste, almost like a delicate version of shortbread.
It also sometimes contains pine nuts for crunchiness and texture. The combination of both pineapple jam and buttercream makes this dessert irresistible for anyone who has a love for all things pineapple flavored.
Pineapple cakes are usually available all year round and can be found in many bakeries across Taipei. If you need a [**souvenir/gift idea to bring home from Taiwan**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/souvenirs-from-taiwan/), this is it\!
#### Where to eat:
- **Chia Te Bakery** â Songshan District
- **Sunny Hills Taipei** â Songshan District
### Sun Cake â Taiyang Bing
Sun cakes, or *taiyang bing* in Mandarin, are a traditional Taiwanese pastry made from syrup, lard, and flour. This combination gives the cakes their signature golden color, which is why theyâre referred to as âsunâ cakes.
Despite its name, theyâre definitely more of a flaky pastry as opposed to a cake.
The texture of the inside can vary depending on the recipe used; some recipes call for more flour to create a flakier texture while others use more maltose syrup to create a softer consistency. No matter how itâs prepared, sun cake is sure to be a hit with any pastry lover visiting Taipei.
Personally speaking, I like *taiyang bing* so much more than I like pineapple cake. Iâd recommend you get one of each to try out to see which you prefer.
As with pineapple cakes, these are sold at a lot of traditional bakeries and make great souvenirs to bring home\!
### Where to eat:
- **Ruyi Sunny Cake** â Ximen District
- **Yu Jan Shin** â Songshan District
- **Chia Te Bakery** â Songshan District
### Boba Milk Tea
Does boba even need an explanation these days?
For those of you unfamiliar, Taiwan is the birthplace of the iconic Boba Milk Tea. This drink has become extremely popular around the world. You would be a fool to go to Taiwan and NOT try it at its motherland\!
Traditional bubble tea is prepared with black milk tea as its base and topped with a tapioca pearl topping known as âbobaâ. Not âbubblesâ. BOBA. The pearls are chewy, sweet, and provide a very âQQâ texture contrast when combined with the milk tea.
Not into the texture of boba? You can choose from other toppings like egg pudding, grass jelly, aloe, or *aiyu* jelly for a different texture.
Not a fan of milk? A lot of boba shops like **Yi Fang**, specialize in fruit teas and non-milky drinks too.
#### Where to eat:
- you can find a boba shop on every corner of every street in Taipei\!
### Taiwanese Shaved Ice
Taiwanese shaved ice is a popular dessert treat found throughout Taipei. Originating in the 1930s, this refreshing beverage has become a staple of what to eat in Taipei if youâre looking to cool down from the heat.
Itâs made by shaving blocks of ice into thin layers and then mixing it with flavored syrup, condensed milk and other toppings like fresh fruit, chewy taro balls, or red beans. This sweet treat can be found in some night markets and is also served up at tea houses and dessert shops.
Not sure where to start? Iâd say the most popular shaved ice flavors are mango, strawberry, and green tea with red bean.
#### Where to eat:
- **Snow Bro** â multiple locations
- **Smoothie House** â Daâan District
- **Ximen Mango Shaved Ice** â Ximending District
- **Mr. Chef Snow & Tofu** â Gongguan District
### Taro or Sweet Potato Balls
If youâre looking for another dessert thatâs unique to Taiwan, try something that features a heap of taro balls or sweet potato balls.
These chewy treats are made of either taro or yam and tapioca flour and can be found in night markets throughout the city or at dessert shops.
The taro version is light purple and has a slightly sweet flavor. Sweet potato balls are more yellow/orange in color. Both types of snacks are sold pre-packaged at most convenience stores, as well as freshly made by street vendors.
My favorite base to enjoy these fluffy balls are with grass jelly (which is black). Top it off with some sweet milk and youâve got yourself a refreshing little bowl of goodness.
#### Where to eat:
- **Meet Fresh** â multiple locations
- **Eastern Ice Store** â multiple locations, look out for the frog logo\!
- **Taiyi Milk King** â Gongguan District
- **Lai Ah Po Taro Balls** â Jiufen
Try some famous taro balls in Jiufen\!
### **TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH TAIPEI:**
### Regional Fresh Fruit
Taiwan is a small island, but it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor that grows from the ground. If youâre looking for something fruity and delicious to cut the grease from all the night market eats, youâre in luck\!
Regional fruits such as persimmon, pineapple, guava and dragon fruit add a unique sweetness to end any meal. And if youâre looking to try a fruit thatâs uniquely Taiwan, opt for the Wax Apple! Taiwanâs Wax Apple is like a cross between an apple and a pearâitâs juicy, crunchy and sweet.
Lastly, if youâre thirsty for nutrients and antioxidants and happen to pass by a fruit market, pick yourself up a bottle of freshly squeezed fruit juice\!
Looking for an edible gift to bring home to friends/family? Dried fruit makes for a great souvenir gift.
Dried guava, mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit
***
## WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI: NIGHT MARKETS
Taipeiâs night markets are famous for having Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishments. Here are just a few of them, plus some of my own recommendations\!
### Shilin Night Market
- **Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao**
- **Hai Yu Pork Ribs**
- **Good Friend Cold Noodles**
- **and the stall with the grilled mushrooms**\!
### Raohe Street Night Market
- **Chen Tung Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup**
- **A Kuo Lu Wei** â features an assortment of soy-braised marinated snack foods
- **Beef Noodles and Beef Entrails Soup** â look for the cartoon bull on the lamp covers\!
### Ningxia Night Market
- **Rongâs Pork Liver**
- **Fang Chia Shredded Chicken on Rice**
- **Liu Yu Zi** â deep-fried taro balls, egg yolk taro balls
### Recommended Activity: Taipei Food Tour (7+ Tastings)
*Eat your way through Taipeiâs culinary scene on a food tour! Try **7+ Taiwanese dishes** beloved by locals, including **scallion pancakes, braised pork bowls, beef noodles, boba, rice cakes,** and the iconic **castella egg cakes**.*
***
## WHERE TO EAT IN TAIPEI: OTHER FOOD SPOTS
- **Simple Kaffa** (coffee shop) â Zhongzheng District
- **Fong Da Coffee** â Ximending District
- **çćŠčćŒć â è„żéćș** (Taiwanese restaurant) â Ximending District
- **è„żééééŻè飯** (Taiwanese restaurant) â Ximending District
- **Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle** â Ximending District
- **éæšććș** (Ramen) â Ximending District
- **Ching Cheng Hainan Chicken Rice** â Songshan District
- **Addiction Aquatic Development** (grab and go seafood market) â Zhongshan District
***
**Looking for more Taipei travel tips? You may also like:**
**[The Perfect 5 Days In Taipei: What To See, Eat, and Do](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/5-days-in-taipei-itinerary/)**
[**3 Days In Taipei: The Perfect Taipei Travel Itinerary**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/3-day-taipei-itinerary/)
[**Transportation in Taipei: EasyCard or Taipei Fun Pass?**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/taipei-easycard-or-taipei-fun-pass/)
[**Taipei Fun Pass: Is It Worth The Money?**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/taipei-fun-pass-is-it-worth-the-money/)
[**What To Do To Have An Epic Day Trip To Jiufen And Shifen**](https://travelswithelle.com/asia/jiufen-and-shifen/)
[**6 Best Hotels In Beitou With Private Hot Spring Baths**](https://travelswithelle.com/other/hotels-in-beitou/) | ||||||||||||||||||
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