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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 10 (from laksa016)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa010.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/","crawl_time":1774962545,"first_indexed_time":1739788158,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,illumelation!www,\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/ s443","src_root_hash":"9821579620758690210","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Best Food In Taiwan & Must-Try Eats: First Timers Guide 🍜","meta_descriptions":["An updated guide to the best food in Taiwan, Taiwanese street foods, and where to eat them! From juicy dumplings to noodle soups to mochi, let's dive in."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"When I travelled across Taiwan, north to south, my mission was simple:\neat the best food in Taiwan\n.\nFrom\nTaipei\nto Jiufen to Kaohsiung, we slurped life-changing beef noodle soups, devoured plump juicy dumplings at night markets, and discovered some of the\nbest things to eat\nin Taiwan\n.\nCult Taiwanese street food like\nMichelin-rated oyster omelettes\nand\npork pepper buns\nwere sensationally textured and flavour-packed. Some dishes were – like one particular bowl of dry spiced beef noodles –\nlife-changing\n. I kid you not!\nSpicy beef noodle soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei\nFood in Taiwan is affordable, and thanks to influences from Chinese and Japanese culture, delightfully different. Taiwan has some of the\nbest street food\nI’ve eaten, and I’ve travelled a lot.\nArmed with an appetite (and very helpfully, a travel buddy who spoke both\nCantonese and Mandarin\n– shout out\nVenus\n!), I tracked every bite and pulled together my\ntop picks for the best food in Taiwan\n. Wherever possible, I’ve included the exact spots we ate, but many of these dishes can be found at any night market or food stalls unless noted otherwise.\nNow I’ll walk you through\n10+ must-eat foods in Taiwan\n, where to find them, a rundown of Taiwanese street food you can’t miss, and answer the big question: what are the very best foods to try in Taiwan?\nRelated reading:\n10 Best Things To Do In Taipei\nTaiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei\nBest Food in Taiwan: What To Eat\nTable of Contents\nBest Food in Taiwan: What To Eat\nBest Food In Taiwan: Savoury\nTaiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)\nBeef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)\nPepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)\nTaiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)\nTaiwanese Buns (Bao 包)\nOyster Omelette（蚵仔煎）\nChewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)\nPork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)\nChiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）\nGreen Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)\nBraised Pork Belly\nSteamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice\nThree Cup Chicken 三杯雞\nTaiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks\nTaro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)\nMochi and Dango\nBai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )\nMilk Tea Popsicles\nPineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)\nTaiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)\nAlishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)\nMatcha Specialty Drinks\nBest Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences\nWhere to get good street food in Taipei\nDoes Taiwan have good food?\nBest Food In Taiwan: Savoury\nAmazing Taiwanese breakfast: dan bing egg rolls with sweetcorn, pork floss, cheese and beansprouts\nTaiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)\nDan Bing is a breakfast classic in Taiwan, loved for its chewy, savoury goodness and limitless ways to make it your own. Essentially an egg crêpe roll, it’s filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, bacon, or pork floss, and often topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce that ties it all together. You can choose between wet style, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or dry style, where the flavors of the roll shine on their own. For me, Dan Bing is the ultimate way to start a morning in Taiwan. Since returning home, I’ve cooked it so many times—ham, cheddar, and sweetcorn is my go-to combo!\n📍\nBreakfast Stall \n阿母古早味粉漿蛋餅\/早午餐\n,\nTaichung\n– but for great\ndan bing\nin Taipei, check out my\nTaipei Guide\n.\nSteaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei\nBeef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)\nBeef noodle soup is often seen as Taiwan’s national dish, loved for its deep, savoury broth and tender, flavourful beef. The dish varies between regions. The best beef noodle soup in Taipei was, for me, at\nMaster Jim Beef Noodle\n. Their broth hits the perfect balance of rich spiciness, and the beef practically melts in your mouth. To say I still dream about the beef noodles in Taiwan is an understatement. I think I mention them at least once a week. Will travel for Taiwanese beef noodle soup!\n📍\nMaster Jim Beef Noodle\n, Taipei\nPepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)\nPepper buns are a street food masterpiece, baked to perfection in the inner walls of a blazing hot oven. The result? A crispy, sesame-studded bottom that’s irresistible. Chewy soft dough with a flavour-packed filling of spiced pork and fresh spring onions. These pepper buns have a well-deserved status as a must-try street food classic.The (rather long) queue for the Michelin-recommended\nFuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie\nat Raohe Night Street Market moved really quickly and the stall owner was hilarious. Our first bite of the bun compelled us to make inappropriate noises.\n📍\nFuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie\n,\nRaohe Street Night Market\nTHE most incredible Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung\nTaiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)\nTaiwanese fried chicken is a must-try. Some of the best I’ve had came from a humble food stall in Taichung. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. You can opt for a spicier kick if that’s your thing. What sets it apart is the spice mix in the batter—garlic, five-spice, and a hint of sweetness come together beautifully. Served hot with fresh basil leaves, it’s the kind of street food that really captures the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. If you’re exploring Taiwan, make time to try it. You won’t regret it.\n📍樹仔腳鹽酥雞台中店, No. 105號, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City\nTaiwanese Buns (Bao 包)\nWho doesn’t love bao?! Taiwanese meat buns (rou bao \/ gua bao) are a street food classic you can’t miss. These soft, steamed buns are packed with fillings like savoury pork belly and vegetables. You’ll find them in bustling night markets or tucked into the menus of local food joints. The combo of fluffy dough, texture and flavour hits the spot every time.\n📍\nRuifeng Night Market\n, Kaohsiung City\nOyster Omelette\n（蚵仔煎）\nOne of the best Taiwanese street foods to try is the\noyster omelette\n, a beloved local delicacy full of texture and flavour. Popular family-run stall and Michelin-rated\nLee Chi Oyster Omelets\n(李記蚵仔煎)\nat Raohe Street Night Market is the place to have them. Sizzling combo of fresh oysters, fluffy eggs, and tender spinach, brought together with a sweet-sour glaze. We devoured our first omelettes so fast that we ordered it twice! Paired with a cold beer, this hearty dish is a steal at just NT $100 (£2.50).\n📍\nLee Chi Oyster Omelettes (李記蚵仔煎)\n at Raohe Night Market in Taipei\nChewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)\nAnother must-try Taiwanese street food is sheng jian bao, which are crispy-bottomed, pan-fried soup dumplings. These chewy parcels are made with doughy, hand-rolled dough that’s filled with a savoury mix of minced pork and rich flavour. I could honestly smash about 8 in one sitting. These dumplings are truly some of the best food in Taiwan.\n📍 Raohe Street Night Market\nPork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)\nMinced pork rice, or\nLu Rou Fan\n, is a comfort food you’ll find on nearly every street in Taiwan. Humble yet mouthwatering, lu rou fan features tender minced pork braised in a fragrant soy sauce infused with sweet garlicky goodness, served on steamed white rice. It’s also affordable, making it a staple eat for locals and visitors alike.\n📍\nDatong District\nor\nZhongzheng District\n, Taipei\nChiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）\nSimilar to pork rice, Chiayi turkey rice is an iconic specialty dish from Chiayi Country. The rice is drizzled with a savoury gravy made from turkey drippings and soy sauce, which gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. My partner loved turkey rice so much he crushed three bowls in one sitting!\n📍\n家禾火雞肉飯\nin Chiayi City\nGreen Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)\nCrispy, flaky, and packed with flavour, the green onion pancake is a street food favorite that never disappoints. Bite into its golden, perfectly layered exterior, and you’ll be met with a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, savoury inside. The blend of fresh green onions and simple seasonings creates an understated yet addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh off the griddle from a bustling food stall or made at home, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!\nDelicious soy-braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature in Taipei\nBraised Pork Belly\nOne dish you’ve got to try in Taiwanese cooking is braised pork belly. It’s soft, rich, and packed with flavour. One of the best meals we had in Taipei was at one Michelin-starred restaurant\nShin Yeh Taiwanese Signature\n, a chain that’s been around since 1977. At Shin Yeh, they nailed it. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, with tender layers of meat and just the right amount of silky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. The sauce, similar to hoisin, was rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami.\n📍 Shin Yeh\n, Taipei\nSteamed crab roe with sticky rice at Shin Yeh restaurant in Taipei\nSteamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice\nIf you fancy something indulgent then try out Taiwanese steamed crab roe on glutinous rice.I had it at Shin Yeh. They start with glutinous rice mixed with mushrooms, pork, carrots, deep-fried red onions, and coriander, all steamed to perfection. Then, they take it up a notch by placing a raw red crab on top and steaming it together. This lets the rice soak up all the rich, briny crab juices.\n📍 Shin Yeh,\nTaipei\nThree Cup Chicken 三杯雞\nThree cup chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish that deserves a place on your must-try list. The name comes from the three key ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine—that combine with garlic, basil, ginger and chilli to create a rich, aromatic glaze. The chicken, usually cut into bite-sized pieces, is simmered in this mixture until it soaks up all those bold, savoury flavours.\nI tried it at\nShin Yeh\n, where their take stood out. The balance of sweetness and umami was just right, and super comforting.\n📍 Shin Yeh,\nTaipei\nTaiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks\nTaro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)\nOne of my favourite foods I tried in Taiwan! They make little dough balls out of taro, boil them, then serve them hot or cold (over ice) with a scoop of sweet beans. Some of the taro balls are mixed with other flavours, like sweet potato, black sesame, and matcha. The texture is phenomenal – similar to mochi, but less sticky.\nI had this at\n賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls\n– a famous dessert shop serving up taro balls (a signature food item in the Ruifang area). We went to Grandma Lai’s – one of the three oldest sweet taro ball shops in Jiufen – for some sticky taro balls (like a mochi\/boba hybrid) with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato and sweet adzuki red beans.\nIt was quite the sight seeing multiple generations of family members slapping and pounding taro, sealing the mix in ball form with tapioca powder. So much love and muscle in every ball!\n📍 Jiufen\nis the best place to try this, though it can be found all over Taiwan!\nFresh dango on Chifeng Street\nMochi and Dango\nIf you’re not into chewy textures, mochi might not be for you. But for the rest of us, these sticky, stretchy bites are a treat. In Taiwan, mochi comes in a few main forms: boiled and served with black sesame or peanut toppings, or in a sweet soup.\nDango (as above) is in a sweet-salty soy glaze. Grab an afternoon snack at Japanese Dango spot\n赤丸\nand enjoy their classic chewy mochi balls dipped in a sweet-salty soy sauce.\nTry the mochi at \nBuloa Hakka Traditional Mochi\nin Taipei or\nNingxia Night Market\n, where they serve freshly boiled mochi with sesame and peanut on the side.\n📍 Chifeng Street\n, Taipei\nBai Leng popsicles in Guguan: Adzuki Red Bean Ice and Pine Tree Ice\nBai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )\nDuring our stay at\nHoshinoya Guguan\n, we discovered the world’s best ice lolly: the Bai Leng popsicle. These ice lollies were unbelievably tasty. Produced by a famous popsicle vendor in the region, they offer unique local flavours including pine green, milk, sour plum, red bean milk, green bean milk, longan and champagne. Our taxi driver brought us to the original popsicle shop as we drove back down to Taichung City. My favourite flavours were pine (so refreshing), milk, and red bean milk! You can check out the popsicle spot \nhere\n.\n📍\nBai Leng Popsicle Stall\n, Guguan (en route to Taichung)\nConvenience store ice lollies in Taiwan: milk tea ice cream bars\nMilk Tea Popsicles\nFamily Mart’s best ice lolly – try the\nThai milk tea\nor the\nEarl Grey milk tea\nice lolly. Sensational.\n📍\nFamily Mart,\nall over Taiwan\nPineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)\nPineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese treat that perfectly balances a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. These cakes aren’t ‘fresh’ as such but are hard and individually wrapped. These make amazing souvenirs. I bought two boxes and ended up keeping one because they taste\nso good. \n📍\n7-11\nor \nFamily Mart\n, also, \nTaiwan Airport\nBubble Tea: Taiwan’s unofficial national drink! \nTaiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)\nBubble tea, or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global favourite. It’s a mix of tea, milk or fruit, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwan, the options go far beyond the basics. Classics like jasmine green tea with pearls sit alongside sweet options like taro milk tea (my fave – but with non-dairy milk!) and brown sugar bubble tea. For extra texture, go for toppings like popping boba, grass jelly, aloe vera, and red bean. Bubble tea is a cultural staple in Taiwan, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than bottled water!\nWhere to get the best boba in Taipei\nThere’s a bubble tea shop on almost every corner of Taipei!\nTenRen\n– had a sensational Pu’erh milk tea here at the Eslite branch\n50嵐 \/ 50 Lan \/ FIFTYLAN\n– not the best but one of the oldest and most iconic! Try the Golden Oolong Milk Tea!\nMACU Tea\n– best known for their fruit tea. Try the Orange Green Tea!\nTRUEDAN 珍煮丹\n– popular bubble tea chain in Taipei: go for a brown sugar bubble tea\nKEBUKE Tea Co\n– black tea drinks are their specialty: try the Peach Black Tea or Bubble Milk Tea\nChun Shui Tang\n– known as the originators of bubble tea, worth visiting a Taipei branch!\n📍All over Taiwan\nExperiencing a tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen\nAlishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)\nAlishan Mountain Tea is one of those teas that stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a high-altitude oolong grown in the misty mountains of Taiwan, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, creamy texture. What makes it so special? The cool, high-altitude climate gives the tea leaves a natural sweetness and a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. We came home with about four packs of bougie oolong – plus some sachets from our hotel. Genuinely delicious tea.\n📍Alishan, Jiufen or Chiayi\nHaving a matcha lemonade on Chifeng Street – known for its specialty cafés\nMatcha Specialty Drinks\nMatcha is big in Taiwan – and so are specialty matcha drinks. Creamy lattes, matcha frappés, and even matcha lemonade. I also picked up some fresh green tea powder when we were at a mountain tea shop in Alishan, which is similar to matcha, but it wasn’t ceremonial-grade. Great for baking with, though!\n📍All over Taiwan\nBest Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences\n🥟\nXiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei\n–\nBook this cooking class and make authentic Taiwanese dishes like Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and bubble tea. Hands-on guidance from local chefs in a small-group class – perfect for showing you the heart of Taiwan’s food culture!\n🧋\nFlavors of Taipei: Indulge in a Private Culinary Adventure\n– A TRUE Taiwan foodie tour! Join this 6-hour “Taste & Tales of Taipei” for a culinary journey from Yongkang Street to Raohe St Night Market, blending foodie delights with cultural insights\n🥟\nTaipei: Food Tours with Top 10 Taiwanese Food (Lunch\/Dinner)\n– Have you ever wondered what the top 10 Taiwanese foods are or searched online? With two thoughtfully curated food tours, we make exploring Taiwan’s iconic dishes fun, effortless, and unforgettable!\nWhere to get good street food in Taipei\nOne of the\nbest things to do in Taipei\nis dive into the bustling food stalls at night markets across the city. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous and food-centric markets, is a non-negotiable place to visit in Taipei!\nMore popular night markets in Taipei include:\nShilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market,\nand\nHuaxi Street Night Market\n– though my companions and I picked out Raohe Street because it has so many award-winning food stalls.\nMy travel buddies and I split a food kitty between us so that we could try as many local dishes as possible during our week in Taiwan – a recommended approach if you’re all foodies!\nDoes Taiwan have good food?\nHopefully this post answers the question with a resounding yes. Taiwan has incredible food. From texture to taste, your tummy won’t go hungry here!\nI hope this guide to Taiwanese street food was useful.\nIf you’ve been debating a trip to Taiwan or Taipei, this is your sign. Bring a friend (to share your food with), book your flights, and maybe plan in some sit-ups for when you’re back.\nCheck out\n10 Best Things To Do In Taipei\nfor more tips on travelling Taiwan!\nHow To Spend A Weekend In Taipei: 48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary\nKimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Best Boutique Hotel\nHoshinoya Guguan Review: Taiwan’s Most Luxurious Hot Spring","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#ajax-content-wrap)\n\n[Close Search](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/)\n\n- [*Menu*](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#sidewidgetarea)\n\n[![illumelation](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/illumelation_FA-01copy.png)![illumelation](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/illumelation_150.png)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/)\n\n- [Work with Mel\\!](https:\/\/illumelation.com\/collaborate)\n\n[*Menu*](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#sidewidgetarea)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/about\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/)\n- [Destinations](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/destinations\/)\n  - 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Some dishes were – like one particular bowl of dry spiced beef noodles – **life-changing**. I kid you not\\!\n\n![First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-6-715x1024.jpg) *Spicy beef noodle soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei*\n\nFood in Taiwan is affordable, and thanks to influences from Chinese and Japanese culture, delightfully different. Taiwan has some of the **best street food** I’ve eaten, and I’ve travelled a lot.\n\nArmed with an appetite (and very helpfully, a travel buddy who spoke both **Cantonese and Mandarin** – shout out [Venus](http:\/\/instagram.com\/venus.onthego)!), I tracked every bite and pulled together my **top picks for the best food in Taiwan**. Wherever possible, I’ve included the exact spots we ate, but many of these dishes can be found at any night market or food stalls unless noted otherwise.\n\nNow I’ll walk you through **10+ must-eat foods in Taiwan**, where to find them, a rundown of Taiwanese street food you can’t miss, and answer the big question: what are the very best foods to try in Taiwan?\n\nRelated reading: [10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/)\n\n![Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Guide - illumelation](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Guide - illumelation](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Guide-illumelation.jpg) *Taiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei*\n## **Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat**\nTable of Contents\n\n[Toggle](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/)\n\n- [Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Best_Food_in_Taiwan_What_To_Eat)\n  - [Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Best_Food_In_Taiwan_Savoury)\n    - [Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Egg_Crepe_Roll_%E8%9B%8B%E9%A4%85_Dan_Bing)\n    - [Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Beef_Noodle_Soup_%E7%89%9B%E8%82%89%E9%BA%B5)\n    - [Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Pepper_Buns_%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E9%A4%85_hujiao_bing)\n    - [Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Fried_Chicken_%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E9%B9%BD%E9%85%A5%E9%9B%9E)\n    - [Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Buns_Bao_%E5%8C%85)\n    - [Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎）](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Oyster_Omelette%EF%BC%88%E8%9A%B5%E4%BB%94%E7%85%8E%EF%BC%89)\n    - [Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Chewy_Dumplings_sheng_jian_bao_%E7%94%9F%E7%85%8E%E5%8C%85)\n    - [Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Pork_Rice_Lu_Rou_Fan_%E6%BB%B7%E8%82%89%E9%A3%AF)\n    - [Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Chiayi_Turkey_Rice%EF%BC%88%E5%98%89%E7%BE%A9%E7%81%AB%E9%9B%9E%E9%A3%AF%EF%BC%89)\n    - [Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Green_Onion_Pancake_Scallion_Pancake_%E8%94%A5%E6%B2%B9%E9%A4%85)\n    - [Braised Pork Belly](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Braised_Pork_Belly)\n    - [Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Steamed_Crab_Roe_with_Sticky_Rice)\n    - [Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Three_Cup_Chicken_%E4%B8%89%E6%9D%AF%E9%9B%9E)\n  - [Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Street_Food_and_Dishes_Sweets_Drinks)\n    - [Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taro_Balls_%E8%8A%8B%E5%9C%93_yu_yuan)\n    - [Mochi and Dango](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Mochi_and_Dango)\n    - [Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Bai_Leng_Popsicles_%E7%99%BD%E5%86%B7%E5%86%B0%E6%A3%92)\n    - [Milk Tea Popsicles](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Milk_Tea_Popsicles)\n    - [Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Pineapple_Cake_%E9%B3%B3%E6%A2%A8%E9%85%A5)\n    - [Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Bubble_Milk_Tea_aka_Boba_%E7%8F%8D%E7%8F%A0%E5%A5%B6%E8%8C%B6)\n    - [Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Alishan_Mountain_Oolong_Tea_%E9%98%BF%E9%87%8C%E5%B1%B1%E7%83%8F%E9%BE%8D%E8%8C%B6)\n    - [Matcha Specialty Drinks](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Matcha_Specialty_Drinks)\n- [Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Best_Food_Tours_In_Taipei_Taiwan_Street_Food_Experiences)\n- [Where to get good street food in Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Where_to_get_good_street_food_in_Taipei)\n- [Does Taiwan have good food?](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Does_Taiwan_have_good_food)\n### **Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury**\n![DAN BING TAIWANESE EGG ROLL BREAKFAST IN TAICHUNG - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![DAN BING TAIWANESE EGG ROLL BREAKFAST IN TAICHUNG - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DAN-BING-TAIWANESE-EGG-ROLL-BREAKFAST-IN-TAICHUNG-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-WHAT-TO-EAT-IN-TAIWAN-1.jpg) Amazing Taiwanese breakfast: dan bing egg rolls with sweetcorn, pork floss, cheese and beansprouts\n#### Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)\nDan Bing is a breakfast classic in Taiwan, loved for its chewy, savoury goodness and limitless ways to make it your own. Essentially an egg crêpe roll, it’s filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, bacon, or pork floss, and often topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce that ties it all together. You can choose between wet style, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or dry style, where the flavors of the roll shine on their own. For me, Dan Bing is the ultimate way to start a morning in Taiwan. Since returning home, I’ve cooked it so many times—ham, cheddar, and sweetcorn is my go-to combo\\!\n\n**📍** Breakfast Stall [阿母古早味粉漿蛋餅\/早午餐](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/rCL81eVHkXCaNvZe6), **Taichung** – but for great *dan bing* in Taipei, check out my **[Taipei Guide](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/)**.\n\n![Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-4.jpg) *Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei*\n#### Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)\nBeef noodle soup is often seen as Taiwan’s national dish, loved for its deep, savoury broth and tender, flavourful beef. The dish varies between regions. The best beef noodle soup in Taipei was, for me, at [Master Jim Beef Noodle](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/1qnnk3U). Their broth hits the perfect balance of rich spiciness, and the beef practically melts in your mouth. To say I still dream about the beef noodles in Taiwan is an understatement. I think I mention them at least once a week. Will travel for Taiwanese beef noodle soup\\!\n\n**📍**[Master Jim Beef Noodle](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/1qnnk3U), Taipei\n\n![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-27.jpg)\n\n#### Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)\nPepper buns are a street food masterpiece, baked to perfection in the inner walls of a blazing hot oven. The result? A crispy, sesame-studded bottom that’s irresistible. Chewy soft dough with a flavour-packed filling of spiced pork and fresh spring onions. These pepper buns have a well-deserved status as a must-try street food classic.The (rather long) queue for the Michelin-recommended **Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie** at Raohe Night Street Market moved really quickly and the stall owner was hilarious. Our first bite of the bun compelled us to make inappropriate noises.\n\n**📍 [Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/oqAQSBX),** Raohe Street Night Market\n\n![Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung - Best Food To Eat in Taiwan](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung - Best Food To Eat in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Taiwanese-Fried-Chicken-Stall-in-Taichung-Best-Food-To-Eat-in-Taiwan-647x1024.jpg) *THE most incredible Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung*\n#### Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)\nTaiwanese fried chicken is a must-try. Some of the best I’ve had came from a humble food stall in Taichung. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. You can opt for a spicier kick if that’s your thing. What sets it apart is the spice mix in the batter—garlic, five-spice, and a hint of sweetness come together beautifully. Served hot with fresh basil leaves, it’s the kind of street food that really captures the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. If you’re exploring Taiwan, make time to try it. You won’t regret it.\n\n**📍樹仔腳鹽酥雞台中店, No. 105號, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City**\n\n#### ![Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun ](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun ](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bao-Best-Street-Food-in-Taiwan.jpg)\n#### Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包)\nWho doesn’t love bao?! Taiwanese meat buns (rou bao \/ gua bao) are a street food classic you can’t miss. These soft, steamed buns are packed with fillings like savoury pork belly and vegetables. You’ll find them in bustling night markets or tucked into the menus of local food joints. The combo of fluffy dough, texture and flavour hits the spot every time.\n\n📍**Ruifeng Night Market**, Kaohsiung City\n\n#### ![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-13-759x1024.jpg)![Oyster Omelette at Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide by illumelation 4](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![Oyster Omelette at Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide by illumelation 4](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oyster-Omelette-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Taiwan-Travel-Guide-by-illumelation-4-819x1024.jpg)\n#### Oyster Omelette**（蚵仔煎）**\nOne of the best Taiwanese street foods to try is the **oyster omelette**, a beloved local delicacy full of texture and flavour. Popular family-run stall and Michelin-rated **Lee Chi Oyster Omelets** (李記蚵仔煎)  at Raohe Street Night Market is the place to have them. Sizzling combo of fresh oysters, fluffy eggs, and tender spinach, brought together with a sweet-sour glaze. We devoured our first omelettes so fast that we ordered it twice! Paired with a cold beer, this hearty dish is a steal at just NT \\$100 (£2.50).\n\n**📍Lee Chi Oyster Omelettes (李記蚵仔煎)** at Raohe Night Market in Taipei\n\n![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taipei-101-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-1-2.jpg)\n\n#### Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)\nAnother must-try Taiwanese street food is sheng jian bao, which are crispy-bottomed, pan-fried soup dumplings. These chewy parcels are made with doughy, hand-rolled dough that’s filled with a savoury mix of minced pork and rich flavour. I could honestly smash about 8 in one sitting. These dumplings are truly some of the best food in Taiwan.\n\n**📍 Raohe Street Night Market**\n\n#### ![Lu Rou Fan - Pork on Rice Turkey on Rice in Taiwan](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![Lu Rou Fan - Pork on Rice Turkey on Rice in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Lu-Rou-Fan-Pork-on-Rice-Turkey-on-Rice-in-Taiwan1.jpg)\n#### Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)\nMinced pork rice, or **Lu Rou Fan**, is a comfort food you’ll find on nearly every street in Taiwan. Humble yet mouthwatering, lu rou fan features tender minced pork braised in a fragrant soy sauce infused with sweet garlicky goodness, served on steamed white rice. It’s also affordable, making it a staple eat for locals and visitors alike.\n\n**📍** **Datong District** or **Zhongzheng District**, Taipei\n\n#### Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）\nSimilar to pork rice, Chiayi turkey rice is an iconic specialty dish from Chiayi Country. The rice is drizzled with a savoury gravy made from turkey drippings and soy sauce, which gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. My partner loved turkey rice so much he crushed three bowls in one sitting\\!\n\n**📍 [家禾火雞肉飯](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/jRh4eotRaifpPDj18)** in Chiayi City\n\n#### Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)\nCrispy, flaky, and packed with flavour, the green onion pancake is a street food favorite that never disappoints. Bite into its golden, perfectly layered exterior, and you’ll be met with a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, savoury inside. The blend of fresh green onions and simple seasonings creates an understated yet addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh off the griddle from a bustling food stall or made at home, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself\\!\n\n![SHIN YEH TAIWANESE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN TAIPEI - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE-1](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![SHIN YEH TAIWANESE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN TAIPEI - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE-1](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-1.jpg) *Delicious soy-braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature in Taipei*\n#### Braised Pork Belly\nOne dish you’ve got to try in Taiwanese cooking is braised pork belly. It’s soft, rich, and packed with flavour. One of the best meals we had in Taipei was at one Michelin-starred restaurant [**Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature**](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/L2uvXTg), a chain that’s been around since 1977. At Shin Yeh, they nailed it. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, with tender layers of meat and just the right amount of silky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. The sauce, similar to hoisin, was rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami.\n\n**📍 Shin Yeh**, Taipei\n\n![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-20.jpg) *Steamed crab roe with sticky rice at Shin Yeh restaurant in Taipei*\n#### Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice\nIf you fancy something indulgent then try out Taiwanese steamed crab roe on glutinous rice.I had it at Shin Yeh. They start with glutinous rice mixed with mushrooms, pork, carrots, deep-fried red onions, and coriander, all steamed to perfection. Then, they take it up a notch by placing a raw red crab on top and steaming it together. This lets the rice soak up all the rich, briny crab juices.\n\n**📍 Shin Yeh,** Taipei\n\n#### Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞\nThree cup chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish that deserves a place on your must-try list. The name comes from the three key ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine—that combine with garlic, basil, ginger and chilli to create a rich, aromatic glaze. The chicken, usually cut into bite-sized pieces, is simmered in this mixture until it soaks up all those bold, savoury flavours.\n\nI tried it at **Shin Yeh**, where their take stood out. The balance of sweetness and umami was just right, and super comforting.\n\n**📍 Shin Yeh,** Taipei\n\n### **Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks**\n![](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/JIUFEN-TARO-BALLS-1-738x1024.jpg)\n\n#### Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)\nOne of my favourite foods I tried in Taiwan! They make little dough balls out of taro, boil them, then serve them hot or cold (over ice) with a scoop of sweet beans. Some of the taro balls are mixed with other flavours, like sweet potato, black sesame, and matcha. The texture is phenomenal – similar to mochi, but less sticky.\n\nI had this at **[賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/Bu7cR7C)**– a famous dessert shop serving up taro balls (a signature food item in the Ruifang area). We went to Grandma Lai’s – one of the three oldest sweet taro ball shops in Jiufen – for some sticky taro balls (like a mochi\/boba hybrid) with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato and sweet adzuki red beans.\n\nIt was quite the sight seeing multiple generations of family members slapping and pounding taro, sealing the mix in ball form with tapioca powder. So much love and muscle in every ball\\!\n\n**📍 Jiufen** is the best place to try this, though it can be found all over Taiwan\\!\n\n![Dango on Chifeng Street - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Illumelation Travel Guide-12](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Dango on Chifeng Street - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Illumelation Travel Guide-12](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chifeng-Street-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-12.jpg) *Fresh dango on Chifeng Street*\n#### Mochi and Dango\nIf you’re not into chewy textures, mochi might not be for you. But for the rest of us, these sticky, stretchy bites are a treat. In Taiwan, mochi comes in a few main forms: boiled and served with black sesame or peanut toppings, or in a sweet soup.\n\nDango (as above) is in a sweet-salty soy glaze. Grab an afternoon snack at Japanese Dango spot [赤丸](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iSdWKoFgmN5YV3nJA) and enjoy their classic chewy mochi balls dipped in a sweet-salty soy sauce.\n\nTry the mochi at ****Buloa Hakka Traditional Mochi**** in Taipei or ****Ningxia Night Market****, where they serve freshly boiled mochi with sesame and peanut on the side.\n\n**📍 Chifeng Street**, Taipei\n\n![Best ice lolly popsicle in Taiwan - Bai Leng in Guguan](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Best ice lolly popsicle in Taiwan - Bai Leng in Guguan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Best-ice-lolly-popsicle-in-Taiwan-Bai-Leng-in-Guguan-1024x868.jpg) *Bai Leng popsicles in Guguan: Adzuki Red Bean Ice and Pine Tree Ice*\n#### Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )\nDuring our stay at [Hoshinoya Guguan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/hoshinoya-guguan-review\/), we discovered the world’s best ice lolly: the Bai Leng popsicle. These ice lollies were unbelievably tasty. Produced by a famous popsicle vendor in the region, they offer unique local flavours including pine green, milk, sour plum, red bean milk, green bean milk, longan and champagne. Our taxi driver brought us to the original popsicle shop as we drove back down to Taichung City. My favourite flavours were pine (so refreshing), milk, and red bean milk! You can check out the popsicle spot [here](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6).\n\n**📍 [Bai Leng Popsicle Stall](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6)**, Guguan (en route to Taichung)\n\n![Best convenience store desserts in Taiwan - milk tea ice lolly](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Best convenience store desserts in Taiwan - milk tea ice lolly](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Best-convenience-store-desserts-in-Taiwan-milk-tea-ice-lolly-1024x784.jpg) *Convenience store ice lollies in Taiwan: milk tea ice cream bars*\n#### Milk Tea Popsicles\nFamily Mart’s best ice lolly – try the **Thai milk tea** or the **Earl Grey milk tea** ice lolly. Sensational.\n\n📍**Family Mart,** all over Taiwan\n\n#### Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)\nPineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese treat that perfectly balances a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. These cakes aren’t ‘fresh’ as such but are hard and individually wrapped. These make amazing souvenirs. I bought two boxes and ended up keeping one because they taste *so good.*\n\n📍**7-11** or **Family Mart**, also, **Taiwan Airport**\n\n![Bubble Tea Boba in Taiwan - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Pexels](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Bubble Tea Boba in Taiwan - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Pexels](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bubble-Tea-Boba-in-Taiwan-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Pexels.jpg) *Bubble Tea: Taiwan’s unofficial national drink\\!*\n#### Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)\nBubble tea, or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global favourite. It’s a mix of tea, milk or fruit, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwan, the options go far beyond the basics. Classics like jasmine green tea with pearls sit alongside sweet options like taro milk tea (my fave – but with non-dairy milk!) and brown sugar bubble tea. For extra texture, go for toppings like popping boba, grass jelly, aloe vera, and red bean. Bubble tea is a cultural staple in Taiwan, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than bottled water\\!\n\n##### Where to get the best boba in Taipei\nThere’s a bubble tea shop on almost every corner of Taipei\\!\n\n- **TenRen** – had a sensational Pu’erh milk tea here at the Eslite branch\n- **50嵐 \/ 50 Lan \/ FIFTYLAN** – not the best but one of the oldest and most iconic! Try the Golden Oolong Milk Tea\\!\n- **MACU Tea** – best known for their fruit tea. Try the Orange Green Tea\\!\n- **TRUEDAN 珍煮丹** – popular bubble tea chain in Taipei: go for a brown sugar bubble tea\n- **KEBUKE Tea Co** – black tea drinks are their specialty: try the Peach Black Tea or Bubble Milk Tea\n- **Chun Shui Tang** – known as the originators of bubble tea, worth visiting a Taipei branch\\!\n\n📍All over Taiwan\n\n![Experiencing A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen near Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![Experiencing A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen near Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Experiencing-A-Mei-Teahouse-in-Jiufen-near-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-819x1024.jpg) *Experiencing a tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen*\n#### Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)\nAlishan Mountain Tea is one of those teas that stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a high-altitude oolong grown in the misty mountains of Taiwan, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, creamy texture. What makes it so special? The cool, high-altitude climate gives the tea leaves a natural sweetness and a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. We came home with about four packs of bougie oolong – plus some sachets from our hotel. Genuinely delicious tea.\n\n📍Alishan, Jiufen or Chiayi\n\n![What To Do in Chifeng Street Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei ](data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\n\n![What To Do in Chifeng Street Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei ](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/What-To-Do-in-Chifeng-Street-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-1.jpg) *Having a matcha lemonade on Chifeng Street – known for its specialty cafés*\n#### Matcha Specialty Drinks\nMatcha is big in Taiwan – and so are specialty matcha drinks. Creamy lattes, matcha frappés, and even matcha lemonade. I also picked up some fresh green tea powder when we were at a mountain tea shop in Alishan, which is similar to matcha, but it wasn’t ceremonial-grade. Great for baking with, though\\!\n\n📍All over Taiwan\n\n## **Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences**\n- **🥟 [Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei](https:\/\/www.viator.com\/en-GB\/tours\/Taipei\/Taiwanese-XiaoLongBao-Cooking-Class-with-Market-Tour\/d5262-90665P1) –** Book this cooking class and make authentic Taiwanese dishes like Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and bubble tea. Hands-on guidance from local chefs in a small-group class – perfect for showing you the heart of Taiwan’s food culture\\!\n- **🧋****[Flavors of Taipei: Indulge in a Private Culinary Adventure](https:\/\/www.getyourguide.co.uk\/taipei-city-l190\/flavors-of-taipei-indulge-in-a-private-culinary-adventure-t662304\/)** – A TRUE Taiwan foodie tour! Join this 6-hour “Taste & Tales of Taipei” for a culinary journey from Yongkang Street to Raohe St Night Market, blending foodie delights with cultural insights\n- 🥟 [**Taipei: Food Tours with Top 10 Taiwanese Food (Lunch\/Dinner)**](https:\/\/www.getyourguide.co.uk\/taipei-city-l190\/taipei-food-tours-with-top-10-taiwanese-food-lunchdinner-t524054\/) – Have you ever wondered what the top 10 Taiwanese foods are or searched online? With two thoughtfully curated food tours, we make exploring Taiwan’s iconic dishes fun, effortless, and unforgettable\\!\n## **Where to get good street food in Taipei**\nOne of the [**best things to do in Taipei**](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/) is dive into the bustling food stalls at night markets across the city. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous and food-centric markets, is a non-negotiable place to visit in Taipei\\!\n\nMore popular night markets in Taipei include: **Shilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market,** and **Huaxi Street Night Market** – though my companions and I picked out Raohe Street because it has so many award-winning food stalls.\n\nMy travel buddies and I split a food kitty between us so that we could try as many local dishes as possible during our week in Taiwan – a recommended approach if you’re all foodies\\!\n\n## **Does Taiwan have good food?**\nHopefully this post answers the question with a resounding yes. Taiwan has incredible food. From texture to taste, your tummy won’t go hungry here\\!\n\nI hope this guide to Taiwanese street food was useful.\n\nIf you’ve been debating a trip to Taiwan or Taipei, this is your sign. Bring a friend (to share your food with), book your flights, and maybe plan in some sit-ups for when you’re back.\n\nCheck out **[10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/)** for more tips on travelling Taiwan\\!\n\n- **[How To Spend A Weekend In Taipei: 48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/weekend-in-taipei-itinerary\/)**\n- **[Kimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Best Boutique Hotel](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/hotel-kimpton-da-an-review-taipei\/)**\n- **[Hoshinoya Guguan Review: Taiwan’s Most Luxurious Hot Spring](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/hoshinoya-guguan-review\/)**\n\n![Mel Legarda](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cd406b8283faafca2d777f392cab5fe79d9c3eb6b4d838d927e1c147ad8f2db9?s=80&d=mm&r=g)\n\n### [Mel Legarda](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/author\/illumelationgmail-com\/)\nMelissa Legarda is the founder of [illumelation](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/). She has worked as a travel blogger, creator and writer since 2015, and has collaborated with well-known brands worldwide. She has helped over 1,100+ students improve their travel photography skills since launching her creative courses. Her mission is to encourage and empower others to travel and create more. Find her on [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illumelation).\n\n*Next Post*\n\n[How to Best Navigate Air Travel in the UK](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/guide\/air-travel-in-the-uk\/)\n\n[How to Best Navigate Air Travel in the UK](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/guide\/air-travel-in-the-uk\/)\n\n### Recommended For You\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20600%20403'%2F%3E)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/japan\/arima-onsen-tocen-goshoboh-review\/) [Japan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/japan\/)[Accommodation](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/accommodation\/)[Asia](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/asia\/)\n\n### Arima Onsen Tocen Goshoboh Review: Best Luxury Ryokan in Kobe\n![Mel Legarda](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cd406b8283faafca2d777f392cab5fe79d9c3eb6b4d838d927e1c147ad8f2db9?s=70&d=mm&r=g)\n\n[Mel Legarda](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/author\/illumelationgmail-com\/)January 18, 2026\n\n[![A-Mei Teahouse Exterior in Jiufen Taiwan-1](data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20600%20403'%2F%3E)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/things-to-do-in-jiufen-day-trip\/) [Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/)[Asia](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/asia\/)[Guide](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/guide\/)\n\n### 7+ Best Things to Do in Jiufen: Day Trip from Taipei\n![Mel Legarda](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cd406b8283faafca2d777f392cab5fe79d9c3eb6b4d838d927e1c147ad8f2db9?s=70&d=mm&r=g)\n\n[Mel Legarda](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/author\/illumelationgmail-com\/)January 6, 2026\n\n[![Sannenzaka - How to Spend 4 Days in Kyoto: Itinerary for First Timers](data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20600%20403'%2F%3E)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/japan\/4-days-in-kyoto-itinerary\/) [Japan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/japan\/)[Asia](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/asia\/)[Guide](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/guide\/)\n\n### How to Spend 4 Days in Kyoto Itinerary (for First Timers)\n![Mel Legarda](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cd406b8283faafca2d777f392cab5fe79d9c3eb6b4d838d927e1c147ad8f2db9?s=70&d=mm&r=g)\n\n[Mel Legarda](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/author\/illumelationgmail-com\/)January 4, 2026\n\n[Share](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/ \"Share this\")  [Tweet](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/ \"Tweet this\")  [Share](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/ \"Share this\")  [Pin](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/ \"Pin this\")\n\n##### Get In Touch\n#### [hello@illumelation.com](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/)\n**illumelation** is a travel inspiration blog by UK travel blogger Melissa Legarda, and is a [participant](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/shop\/illumelation) in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.\n\n###### [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/privacy-policy)\n\n##### Connect\n###### [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illumelation)\n###### [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@melissalegarda)\n###### [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/illumelation)\n###### [Media Kit](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/collaborate)\n\n[Close Menu](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/about\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/)\n- [Destinations](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/destinations\/)\n  - 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Some dishes were – like one particular bowl of dry spiced beef noodles – **life-changing**. I kid you not\\!\n\n![First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-6-715x1024.jpg)\n\n*Spicy beef noodle soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei*\n\nFood in Taiwan is affordable, and thanks to influences from Chinese and Japanese culture, delightfully different. Taiwan has some of the **best street food** I’ve eaten, and I’ve travelled a lot.\n\nArmed with an appetite (and very helpfully, a travel buddy who spoke both **Cantonese and Mandarin** – shout out [Venus](http:\/\/instagram.com\/venus.onthego)!), I tracked every bite and pulled together my **top picks for the best food in Taiwan**. Wherever possible, I’ve included the exact spots we ate, but many of these dishes can be found at any night market or food stalls unless noted otherwise.\n\nNow I’ll walk you through **10+ must-eat foods in Taiwan**, where to find them, a rundown of Taiwanese street food you can’t miss, and answer the big question: what are the very best foods to try in Taiwan?\n\nRelated reading: [10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/)\n\n![Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Guide - illumelation](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Guide-illumelation.jpg)\n\n*Taiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei*\n## **Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat**\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Best_Food_in_Taiwan_What_To_Eat)\n  - [Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Best_Food_In_Taiwan_Savoury)\n    - [Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Egg_Crepe_Roll_%E8%9B%8B%E9%A4%85_Dan_Bing)\n    - [Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Beef_Noodle_Soup_%E7%89%9B%E8%82%89%E9%BA%B5)\n    - [Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Pepper_Buns_%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E9%A4%85_hujiao_bing)\n    - [Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Fried_Chicken_%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E9%B9%BD%E9%85%A5%E9%9B%9E)\n    - [Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Buns_Bao_%E5%8C%85)\n    - [Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎）](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Oyster_Omelette%EF%BC%88%E8%9A%B5%E4%BB%94%E7%85%8E%EF%BC%89)\n    - [Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Chewy_Dumplings_sheng_jian_bao_%E7%94%9F%E7%85%8E%E5%8C%85)\n    - [Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Pork_Rice_Lu_Rou_Fan_%E6%BB%B7%E8%82%89%E9%A3%AF)\n    - [Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Chiayi_Turkey_Rice%EF%BC%88%E5%98%89%E7%BE%A9%E7%81%AB%E9%9B%9E%E9%A3%AF%EF%BC%89)\n    - [Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Green_Onion_Pancake_Scallion_Pancake_%E8%94%A5%E6%B2%B9%E9%A4%85)\n    - [Braised Pork Belly](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Braised_Pork_Belly)\n    - [Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Steamed_Crab_Roe_with_Sticky_Rice)\n    - [Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Three_Cup_Chicken_%E4%B8%89%E6%9D%AF%E9%9B%9E)\n  - [Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Street_Food_and_Dishes_Sweets_Drinks)\n    - [Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taro_Balls_%E8%8A%8B%E5%9C%93_yu_yuan)\n    - [Mochi and Dango](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Mochi_and_Dango)\n    - [Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Bai_Leng_Popsicles_%E7%99%BD%E5%86%B7%E5%86%B0%E6%A3%92)\n    - [Milk Tea Popsicles](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Milk_Tea_Popsicles)\n    - [Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Pineapple_Cake_%E9%B3%B3%E6%A2%A8%E9%85%A5)\n    - [Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Taiwanese_Bubble_Milk_Tea_aka_Boba_%E7%8F%8D%E7%8F%A0%E5%A5%B6%E8%8C%B6)\n    - [Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Alishan_Mountain_Oolong_Tea_%E9%98%BF%E9%87%8C%E5%B1%B1%E7%83%8F%E9%BE%8D%E8%8C%B6)\n    - [Matcha Specialty Drinks](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Matcha_Specialty_Drinks)\n- [Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Best_Food_Tours_In_Taipei_Taiwan_Street_Food_Experiences)\n- [Where to get good street food in Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Where_to_get_good_street_food_in_Taipei)\n- [Does Taiwan have good food?](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/best-food-in-taiwan\/#Does_Taiwan_have_good_food)\n### **Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury**\n![DAN BING TAIWANESE EGG ROLL BREAKFAST IN TAICHUNG - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DAN-BING-TAIWANESE-EGG-ROLL-BREAKFAST-IN-TAICHUNG-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-WHAT-TO-EAT-IN-TAIWAN-1.jpg)\n\nAmazing Taiwanese breakfast: dan bing egg rolls with sweetcorn, pork floss, cheese and beansprouts\n#### Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)\nDan Bing is a breakfast classic in Taiwan, loved for its chewy, savoury goodness and limitless ways to make it your own. Essentially an egg crêpe roll, it’s filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, bacon, or pork floss, and often topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce that ties it all together. You can choose between wet style, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or dry style, where the flavors of the roll shine on their own. For me, Dan Bing is the ultimate way to start a morning in Taiwan. Since returning home, I’ve cooked it so many times—ham, cheddar, and sweetcorn is my go-to combo\\!\n\n**📍** Breakfast Stall [阿母古早味粉漿蛋餅\/早午餐](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/rCL81eVHkXCaNvZe6), **Taichung** – but for great *dan bing* in Taipei, check out my **[Taipei Guide](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/)**.\n\n![Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-4.jpg)\n\n*Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei*\n#### Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)\nBeef noodle soup is often seen as Taiwan’s national dish, loved for its deep, savoury broth and tender, flavourful beef. The dish varies between regions. The best beef noodle soup in Taipei was, for me, at [Master Jim Beef Noodle](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/1qnnk3U). Their broth hits the perfect balance of rich spiciness, and the beef practically melts in your mouth. To say I still dream about the beef noodles in Taiwan is an understatement. I think I mention them at least once a week. Will travel for Taiwanese beef noodle soup\\!\n\n**📍**[Master Jim Beef Noodle](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/1qnnk3U), Taipei\n\n![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-27.jpg)\n\n#### Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)\nPepper buns are a street food masterpiece, baked to perfection in the inner walls of a blazing hot oven. The result? A crispy, sesame-studded bottom that’s irresistible. Chewy soft dough with a flavour-packed filling of spiced pork and fresh spring onions. These pepper buns have a well-deserved status as a must-try street food classic.The (rather long) queue for the Michelin-recommended **Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie** at Raohe Night Street Market moved really quickly and the stall owner was hilarious. Our first bite of the bun compelled us to make inappropriate noises.\n\n**📍 [Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/oqAQSBX),** Raohe Street Night Market\n\n![Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung - Best Food To Eat in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Taiwanese-Fried-Chicken-Stall-in-Taichung-Best-Food-To-Eat-in-Taiwan-647x1024.jpg)\n\n*THE most incredible Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung*\n#### Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)\nTaiwanese fried chicken is a must-try. Some of the best I’ve had came from a humble food stall in Taichung. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. You can opt for a spicier kick if that’s your thing. What sets it apart is the spice mix in the batter—garlic, five-spice, and a hint of sweetness come together beautifully. Served hot with fresh basil leaves, it’s the kind of street food that really captures the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. If you’re exploring Taiwan, make time to try it. You won’t regret it.\n\n**📍樹仔腳鹽酥雞台中店, No. 105號, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City**\n\n#### ![Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun ](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bao-Best-Street-Food-in-Taiwan.jpg)\n#### Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包)\nWho doesn’t love bao?! Taiwanese meat buns (rou bao \/ gua bao) are a street food classic you can’t miss. These soft, steamed buns are packed with fillings like savoury pork belly and vegetables. You’ll find them in bustling night markets or tucked into the menus of local food joints. The combo of fluffy dough, texture and flavour hits the spot every time.\n\n📍**Ruifeng Night Market**, Kaohsiung City\n\n#### ![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-13-759x1024.jpg)![Oyster Omelette at Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide by illumelation 4](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oyster-Omelette-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Taiwan-Travel-Guide-by-illumelation-4-819x1024.jpg)\n#### Oyster Omelette**（蚵仔煎）**\nOne of the best Taiwanese street foods to try is the **oyster omelette**, a beloved local delicacy full of texture and flavour. Popular family-run stall and Michelin-rated **Lee Chi Oyster Omelets** (李記蚵仔煎)  at Raohe Street Night Market is the place to have them. Sizzling combo of fresh oysters, fluffy eggs, and tender spinach, brought together with a sweet-sour glaze. We devoured our first omelettes so fast that we ordered it twice! Paired with a cold beer, this hearty dish is a steal at just NT \\$100 (£2.50).\n\n**📍Lee Chi Oyster Omelettes (李記蚵仔煎)** at Raohe Night Market in Taipei\n\n![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taipei-101-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-1-2.jpg)\n\n#### Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)\nAnother must-try Taiwanese street food is sheng jian bao, which are crispy-bottomed, pan-fried soup dumplings. These chewy parcels are made with doughy, hand-rolled dough that’s filled with a savoury mix of minced pork and rich flavour. I could honestly smash about 8 in one sitting. These dumplings are truly some of the best food in Taiwan.\n\n**📍 Raohe Street Night Market**\n\n#### ![Lu Rou Fan - Pork on Rice Turkey on Rice in Taiwan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Lu-Rou-Fan-Pork-on-Rice-Turkey-on-Rice-in-Taiwan1.jpg)\n#### Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)\nMinced pork rice, or **Lu Rou Fan**, is a comfort food you’ll find on nearly every street in Taiwan. Humble yet mouthwatering, lu rou fan features tender minced pork braised in a fragrant soy sauce infused with sweet garlicky goodness, served on steamed white rice. It’s also affordable, making it a staple eat for locals and visitors alike.\n\n**📍** **Datong District** or **Zhongzheng District**, Taipei\n\n#### Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）\nSimilar to pork rice, Chiayi turkey rice is an iconic specialty dish from Chiayi Country. The rice is drizzled with a savoury gravy made from turkey drippings and soy sauce, which gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. My partner loved turkey rice so much he crushed three bowls in one sitting\\!\n\n**📍 [家禾火雞肉飯](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/jRh4eotRaifpPDj18)** in Chiayi City\n\n#### Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)\nCrispy, flaky, and packed with flavour, the green onion pancake is a street food favorite that never disappoints. Bite into its golden, perfectly layered exterior, and you’ll be met with a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, savoury inside. The blend of fresh green onions and simple seasonings creates an understated yet addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh off the griddle from a bustling food stall or made at home, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself\\!\n\n![SHIN YEH TAIWANESE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN TAIPEI - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE-1](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-1.jpg)\n\n*Delicious soy-braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature in Taipei*\n#### Braised Pork Belly\nOne dish you’ve got to try in Taiwanese cooking is braised pork belly. It’s soft, rich, and packed with flavour. One of the best meals we had in Taipei was at one Michelin-starred restaurant [**Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature**](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/L2uvXTg), a chain that’s been around since 1977. At Shin Yeh, they nailed it. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, with tender layers of meat and just the right amount of silky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. The sauce, similar to hoisin, was rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami.\n\n**📍 Shin Yeh**, Taipei\n\n![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-20.jpg)\n\n*Steamed crab roe with sticky rice at Shin Yeh restaurant in Taipei*\n#### Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice\nIf you fancy something indulgent then try out Taiwanese steamed crab roe on glutinous rice.I had it at Shin Yeh. They start with glutinous rice mixed with mushrooms, pork, carrots, deep-fried red onions, and coriander, all steamed to perfection. Then, they take it up a notch by placing a raw red crab on top and steaming it together. This lets the rice soak up all the rich, briny crab juices.\n\n**📍 Shin Yeh,** Taipei\n\n#### Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞\nThree cup chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish that deserves a place on your must-try list. The name comes from the three key ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine—that combine with garlic, basil, ginger and chilli to create a rich, aromatic glaze. The chicken, usually cut into bite-sized pieces, is simmered in this mixture until it soaks up all those bold, savoury flavours.\n\nI tried it at **Shin Yeh**, where their take stood out. The balance of sweetness and umami was just right, and super comforting.\n\n**📍 Shin Yeh,** Taipei\n\n### **Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks**\n![](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/JIUFEN-TARO-BALLS-1-738x1024.jpg)\n\n#### Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)\nOne of my favourite foods I tried in Taiwan! They make little dough balls out of taro, boil them, then serve them hot or cold (over ice) with a scoop of sweet beans. Some of the taro balls are mixed with other flavours, like sweet potato, black sesame, and matcha. The texture is phenomenal – similar to mochi, but less sticky.\n\nI had this at **[賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls](https:\/\/g.co\/kgs\/Bu7cR7C)**– a famous dessert shop serving up taro balls (a signature food item in the Ruifang area). We went to Grandma Lai’s – one of the three oldest sweet taro ball shops in Jiufen – for some sticky taro balls (like a mochi\/boba hybrid) with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato and sweet adzuki red beans.\n\nIt was quite the sight seeing multiple generations of family members slapping and pounding taro, sealing the mix in ball form with tapioca powder. So much love and muscle in every ball\\!\n\n**📍 Jiufen** is the best place to try this, though it can be found all over Taiwan\\!\n\n![Dango on Chifeng Street - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Illumelation Travel Guide-12](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chifeng-Street-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-12.jpg)\n\n*Fresh dango on Chifeng Street*\n#### Mochi and Dango\nIf you’re not into chewy textures, mochi might not be for you. But for the rest of us, these sticky, stretchy bites are a treat. In Taiwan, mochi comes in a few main forms: boiled and served with black sesame or peanut toppings, or in a sweet soup.\n\nDango (as above) is in a sweet-salty soy glaze. Grab an afternoon snack at Japanese Dango spot [赤丸](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iSdWKoFgmN5YV3nJA) and enjoy their classic chewy mochi balls dipped in a sweet-salty soy sauce.\n\nTry the mochi at ****Buloa Hakka Traditional Mochi**** in Taipei or ****Ningxia Night Market****, where they serve freshly boiled mochi with sesame and peanut on the side.\n\n**📍 Chifeng Street**, Taipei\n\n![Best ice lolly popsicle in Taiwan - Bai Leng in Guguan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Best-ice-lolly-popsicle-in-Taiwan-Bai-Leng-in-Guguan-1024x868.jpg)\n\n*Bai Leng popsicles in Guguan: Adzuki Red Bean Ice and Pine Tree Ice*\n#### Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )\nDuring our stay at [Hoshinoya Guguan](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/hoshinoya-guguan-review\/), we discovered the world’s best ice lolly: the Bai Leng popsicle. These ice lollies were unbelievably tasty. Produced by a famous popsicle vendor in the region, they offer unique local flavours including pine green, milk, sour plum, red bean milk, green bean milk, longan and champagne. Our taxi driver brought us to the original popsicle shop as we drove back down to Taichung City. My favourite flavours were pine (so refreshing), milk, and red bean milk! You can check out the popsicle spot [here](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6).\n\n**📍 [Bai Leng Popsicle Stall](https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6)**, Guguan (en route to Taichung)\n\n![Best convenience store desserts in Taiwan - milk tea ice lolly](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Best-convenience-store-desserts-in-Taiwan-milk-tea-ice-lolly-1024x784.jpg)\n\n*Convenience store ice lollies in Taiwan: milk tea ice cream bars*\n#### Milk Tea Popsicles\nFamily Mart’s best ice lolly – try the **Thai milk tea** or the **Earl Grey milk tea** ice lolly. Sensational.\n\n📍**Family Mart,** all over Taiwan\n\n#### Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)\nPineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese treat that perfectly balances a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. These cakes aren’t ‘fresh’ as such but are hard and individually wrapped. These make amazing souvenirs. I bought two boxes and ended up keeping one because they taste *so good.*\n\n📍**7-11** or **Family Mart**, also, **Taiwan Airport**\n\n![Bubble Tea Boba in Taiwan - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Pexels](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bubble-Tea-Boba-in-Taiwan-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Pexels.jpg)\n\n*Bubble Tea: Taiwan’s unofficial national drink\\!*\n#### Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)\nBubble tea, or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global favourite. It’s a mix of tea, milk or fruit, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwan, the options go far beyond the basics. Classics like jasmine green tea with pearls sit alongside sweet options like taro milk tea (my fave – but with non-dairy milk!) and brown sugar bubble tea. For extra texture, go for toppings like popping boba, grass jelly, aloe vera, and red bean. Bubble tea is a cultural staple in Taiwan, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than bottled water\\!\n\n##### Where to get the best boba in Taipei\nThere’s a bubble tea shop on almost every corner of Taipei\\!\n\n- **TenRen** – had a sensational Pu’erh milk tea here at the Eslite branch\n- **50嵐 \/ 50 Lan \/ FIFTYLAN** – not the best but one of the oldest and most iconic! Try the Golden Oolong Milk Tea\\!\n- **MACU Tea** – best known for their fruit tea. Try the Orange Green Tea\\!\n- **TRUEDAN 珍煮丹** – popular bubble tea chain in Taipei: go for a brown sugar bubble tea\n- **KEBUKE Tea Co** – black tea drinks are their specialty: try the Peach Black Tea or Bubble Milk Tea\n- **Chun Shui Tang** – known as the originators of bubble tea, worth visiting a Taipei branch\\!\n\n📍All over Taiwan\n\n![Experiencing A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen near Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Experiencing-A-Mei-Teahouse-in-Jiufen-near-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-819x1024.jpg)\n\n*Experiencing a tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen*\n#### Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)\nAlishan Mountain Tea is one of those teas that stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a high-altitude oolong grown in the misty mountains of Taiwan, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, creamy texture. What makes it so special? The cool, high-altitude climate gives the tea leaves a natural sweetness and a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. We came home with about four packs of bougie oolong – plus some sachets from our hotel. Genuinely delicious tea.\n\n📍Alishan, Jiufen or Chiayi\n\n![What To Do in Chifeng Street Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei ](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/What-To-Do-in-Chifeng-Street-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-1.jpg)\n\n*Having a matcha lemonade on Chifeng Street – known for its specialty cafés*\n#### Matcha Specialty Drinks\nMatcha is big in Taiwan – and so are specialty matcha drinks. Creamy lattes, matcha frappés, and even matcha lemonade. I also picked up some fresh green tea powder when we were at a mountain tea shop in Alishan, which is similar to matcha, but it wasn’t ceremonial-grade. Great for baking with, though\\!\n\n📍All over Taiwan\n\n## **Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences**\n- **🥟 [Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei](https:\/\/www.viator.com\/en-GB\/tours\/Taipei\/Taiwanese-XiaoLongBao-Cooking-Class-with-Market-Tour\/d5262-90665P1) –** Book this cooking class and make authentic Taiwanese dishes like Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and bubble tea. Hands-on guidance from local chefs in a small-group class – perfect for showing you the heart of Taiwan’s food culture\\!\n- **🧋****[Flavors of Taipei: Indulge in a Private Culinary Adventure](https:\/\/www.getyourguide.co.uk\/taipei-city-l190\/flavors-of-taipei-indulge-in-a-private-culinary-adventure-t662304\/)** – A TRUE Taiwan foodie tour! Join this 6-hour “Taste & Tales of Taipei” for a culinary journey from Yongkang Street to Raohe St Night Market, blending foodie delights with cultural insights\n- 🥟 [**Taipei: Food Tours with Top 10 Taiwanese Food (Lunch\/Dinner)**](https:\/\/www.getyourguide.co.uk\/taipei-city-l190\/taipei-food-tours-with-top-10-taiwanese-food-lunchdinner-t524054\/) – Have you ever wondered what the top 10 Taiwanese foods are or searched online? With two thoughtfully curated food tours, we make exploring Taiwan’s iconic dishes fun, effortless, and unforgettable\\!\n## **Where to get good street food in Taipei**\nOne of the [**best things to do in Taipei**](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/) is dive into the bustling food stalls at night markets across the city. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous and food-centric markets, is a non-negotiable place to visit in Taipei\\!\n\nMore popular night markets in Taipei include: **Shilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market,** and **Huaxi Street Night Market** – though my companions and I picked out Raohe Street because it has so many award-winning food stalls.\n\nMy travel buddies and I split a food kitty between us so that we could try as many local dishes as possible during our week in Taiwan – a recommended approach if you’re all foodies\\!\n\n## **Does Taiwan have good food?**\nHopefully this post answers the question with a resounding yes. Taiwan has incredible food. From texture to taste, your tummy won’t go hungry here\\!\n\nI hope this guide to Taiwanese street food was useful.\n\nIf you’ve been debating a trip to Taiwan or Taipei, this is your sign. Bring a friend (to share your food with), book your flights, and maybe plan in some sit-ups for when you’re back.\n\nCheck out **[10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei\/)** for more tips on travelling Taiwan\\!\n\n- **[How To Spend A Weekend In Taipei: 48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/weekend-in-taipei-itinerary\/)**\n- **[Kimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Best Boutique Hotel](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/hotel-kimpton-da-an-review-taipei\/)**\n- **[Hoshinoya Guguan Review: Taiwan’s Most Luxurious Hot Spring](https:\/\/www.illumelation.com\/blog\/taiwan\/hoshinoya-guguan-review\/)**","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	When I travelled across Taiwan, north to south, my mission was simple: eat the best food in Taiwan . From Taipei to Jiufen to Kaohsiung, we slurped life-changing beef noodle soups, devoured plump juicy dumplings at night markets, and discovered some of the best things to eat in Taiwan . Cult Taiwanese street food like Michelin-rated oyster omelettes and pork pepper buns were sensationally textured and flavour-packed. Some dishes were – like one particular bowl of dry spiced beef noodles – life-changing . I kid you not! Spicy beef noodle soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei Food in Taiwan is affordable, and thanks to influences from Chinese and Japanese culture, delightfully different. Taiwan has some of the best street food I’ve eaten, and I’ve travelled a lot. Armed with an appetite (and very helpfully, a travel buddy who spoke both Cantonese and Mandarin – shout out Venus !), I tracked every bite and pulled together my top picks for the best food in Taiwan . Wherever possible, I’ve included the exact spots we ate, but many of these dishes can be found at any night market or food stalls unless noted otherwise. Now I’ll walk you through 10+ must-eat foods in Taiwan , where to find them, a rundown of Taiwanese street food you can’t miss, and answer the big question: what are the very best foods to try in Taiwan? Related reading: 10 Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat Table of Contents Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing) Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing) Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞) Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包) Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎） Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包) Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯) Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯） Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅) Braised Pork Belly Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞 Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán) Mochi and Dango Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 ) Milk Tea Popsicles Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶) Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶) Matcha Specialty Drinks Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences Where to get good street food in Taipei Does Taiwan have good food? Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury Amazing Taiwanese breakfast: dan bing egg rolls with sweetcorn, pork floss, cheese and beansprouts Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing) Dan Bing is a breakfast classic in Taiwan, loved for its chewy, savoury goodness and limitless ways to make it your own. Essentially an egg crêpe roll, it’s filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, bacon, or pork floss, and often topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce that ties it all together. You can choose between wet style, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or dry style, where the flavors of the roll shine on their own. For me, Dan Bing is the ultimate way to start a morning in Taiwan. Since returning home, I’ve cooked it so many times—ham, cheddar, and sweetcorn is my go-to combo! 📍 Breakfast Stall 阿母古早味粉漿蛋餅/早午餐 , Taichung – but for great dan bing in Taipei, check out my Taipei Guide . Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) Beef noodle soup is often seen as Taiwan’s national dish, loved for its deep, savoury broth and tender, flavourful beef. The dish varies between regions. The best beef noodle soup in Taipei was, for me, at Master Jim Beef Noodle . Their broth hits the perfect balance of rich spiciness, and the beef practically melts in your mouth. To say I still dream about the beef noodles in Taiwan is an understatement. I think I mention them at least once a week. Will travel for Taiwanese beef noodle soup! 📍 Master Jim Beef Noodle , Taipei Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing) Pepper buns are a street food masterpiece, baked to perfection in the inner walls of a blazing hot oven. The result? A crispy, sesame-studded bottom that’s irresistible. Chewy soft dough with a flavour-packed filling of spiced pork and fresh spring onions. These pepper buns have a well-deserved status as a must-try street food classic.The (rather long) queue for the Michelin-recommended Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie at Raohe Night Street Market moved really quickly and the stall owner was hilarious. Our first bite of the bun compelled us to make inappropriate noises. 📍 Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie , Raohe Street Night Market THE most incredible Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞) Taiwanese fried chicken is a must-try. Some of the best I’ve had came from a humble food stall in Taichung. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. You can opt for a spicier kick if that’s your thing. What sets it apart is the spice mix in the batter—garlic, five-spice, and a hint of sweetness come together beautifully. Served hot with fresh basil leaves, it’s the kind of street food that really captures the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. If you’re exploring Taiwan, make time to try it. You won’t regret it. 📍樹仔腳鹽酥雞台中店, No. 105號, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包) Who doesn’t love bao?! Taiwanese meat buns (rou bao / gua bao) are a street food classic you can’t miss. These soft, steamed buns are packed with fillings like savoury pork belly and vegetables. You’ll find them in bustling night markets or tucked into the menus of local food joints. The combo of fluffy dough, texture and flavour hits the spot every time. 📍 Ruifeng Night Market , Kaohsiung City Oyster Omelette （蚵仔煎） One of the best Taiwanese street foods to try is the oyster omelette , a beloved local delicacy full of texture and flavour. Popular family-run stall and Michelin-rated Lee Chi Oyster Omelets (李記蚵仔煎) at Raohe Street Night Market is the place to have them. Sizzling combo of fresh oysters, fluffy eggs, and tender spinach, brought together with a sweet-sour glaze. We devoured our first omelettes so fast that we ordered it twice! Paired with a cold beer, this hearty dish is a steal at just NT $100 (£2.50). 📍 Lee Chi Oyster Omelettes (李記蚵仔煎) at Raohe Night Market in Taipei Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包) Another must-try Taiwanese street food is sheng jian bao, which are crispy-bottomed, pan-fried soup dumplings. These chewy parcels are made with doughy, hand-rolled dough that’s filled with a savoury mix of minced pork and rich flavour. I could honestly smash about 8 in one sitting. These dumplings are truly some of the best food in Taiwan. 📍 Raohe Street Night Market Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯) Minced pork rice, or Lu Rou Fan , is a comfort food you’ll find on nearly every street in Taiwan. Humble yet mouthwatering, lu rou fan features tender minced pork braised in a fragrant soy sauce infused with sweet garlicky goodness, served on steamed white rice. It’s also affordable, making it a staple eat for locals and visitors alike. 📍 Datong District or Zhongzheng District , Taipei Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯） Similar to pork rice, Chiayi turkey rice is an iconic specialty dish from Chiayi Country. The rice is drizzled with a savoury gravy made from turkey drippings and soy sauce, which gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. My partner loved turkey rice so much he crushed three bowls in one sitting! 📍 家禾火雞肉飯 in Chiayi City Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅) Crispy, flaky, and packed with flavour, the green onion pancake is a street food favorite that never disappoints. Bite into its golden, perfectly layered exterior, and you’ll be met with a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, savoury inside. The blend of fresh green onions and simple seasonings creates an understated yet addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh off the griddle from a bustling food stall or made at home, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Delicious soy-braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature in Taipei Braised Pork Belly One dish you’ve got to try in Taiwanese cooking is braised pork belly. It’s soft, rich, and packed with flavour. One of the best meals we had in Taipei was at one Michelin-starred restaurant Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature , a chain that’s been around since 1977. At Shin Yeh, they nailed it. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, with tender layers of meat and just the right amount of silky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. The sauce, similar to hoisin, was rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami. 📍 Shin Yeh , Taipei Steamed crab roe with sticky rice at Shin Yeh restaurant in Taipei Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice If you fancy something indulgent then try out Taiwanese steamed crab roe on glutinous rice.I had it at Shin Yeh. They start with glutinous rice mixed with mushrooms, pork, carrots, deep-fried red onions, and coriander, all steamed to perfection. Then, they take it up a notch by placing a raw red crab on top and steaming it together. This lets the rice soak up all the rich, briny crab juices. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞 Three cup chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish that deserves a place on your must-try list. The name comes from the three key ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine—that combine with garlic, basil, ginger and chilli to create a rich, aromatic glaze. The chicken, usually cut into bite-sized pieces, is simmered in this mixture until it soaks up all those bold, savoury flavours. I tried it at Shin Yeh , where their take stood out. The balance of sweetness and umami was just right, and super comforting. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán) One of my favourite foods I tried in Taiwan! They make little dough balls out of taro, boil them, then serve them hot or cold (over ice) with a scoop of sweet beans. Some of the taro balls are mixed with other flavours, like sweet potato, black sesame, and matcha. The texture is phenomenal – similar to mochi, but less sticky. I had this at 賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls – a famous dessert shop serving up taro balls (a signature food item in the Ruifang area). We went to Grandma Lai’s – one of the three oldest sweet taro ball shops in Jiufen – for some sticky taro balls (like a mochi/boba hybrid) with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato and sweet adzuki red beans. It was quite the sight seeing multiple generations of family members slapping and pounding taro, sealing the mix in ball form with tapioca powder. So much love and muscle in every ball! 📍 Jiufen is the best place to try this, though it can be found all over Taiwan! Fresh dango on Chifeng Street Mochi and Dango If you’re not into chewy textures, mochi might not be for you. But for the rest of us, these sticky, stretchy bites are a treat. In Taiwan, mochi comes in a few main forms: boiled and served with black sesame or peanut toppings, or in a sweet soup. Dango (as above) is in a sweet-salty soy glaze. Grab an afternoon snack at Japanese Dango spot 赤丸 and enjoy their classic chewy mochi balls dipped in a sweet-salty soy sauce. Try the mochi at Buloa Hakka Traditional Mochi in Taipei or Ningxia Night Market , where they serve freshly boiled mochi with sesame and peanut on the side. 📍 Chifeng Street , Taipei Bai Leng popsicles in Guguan: Adzuki Red Bean Ice and Pine Tree Ice Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 ) During our stay at Hoshinoya Guguan , we discovered the world’s best ice lolly: the Bai Leng popsicle. These ice lollies were unbelievably tasty. Produced by a famous popsicle vendor in the region, they offer unique local flavours including pine green, milk, sour plum, red bean milk, green bean milk, longan and champagne. Our taxi driver brought us to the original popsicle shop as we drove back down to Taichung City. My favourite flavours were pine (so refreshing), milk, and red bean milk! You can check out the popsicle spot here . 📍 Bai Leng Popsicle Stall , Guguan (en route to Taichung) Convenience store ice lollies in Taiwan: milk tea ice cream bars Milk Tea Popsicles Family Mart’s best ice lolly – try the Thai milk tea or the Earl Grey milk tea ice lolly. Sensational. 📍 Family Mart, all over Taiwan Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) Pineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese treat that perfectly balances a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. These cakes aren’t ‘fresh’ as such but are hard and individually wrapped. These make amazing souvenirs. I bought two boxes and ended up keeping one because they taste so good. 📍 7-11 or Family Mart , also, Taiwan Airport Bubble Tea: Taiwan’s unofficial national drink! Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶) Bubble tea, or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global favourite. It’s a mix of tea, milk or fruit, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwan, the options go far beyond the basics. Classics like jasmine green tea with pearls sit alongside sweet options like taro milk tea (my fave – but with non-dairy milk!) and brown sugar bubble tea. For extra texture, go for toppings like popping boba, grass jelly, aloe vera, and red bean. Bubble tea is a cultural staple in Taiwan, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than bottled water! Where to get the best boba in Taipei There’s a bubble tea shop on almost every corner of Taipei! TenRen – had a sensational Pu’erh milk tea here at the Eslite branch 50嵐 / 50 Lan / FIFTYLAN – not the best but one of the oldest and most iconic! Try the Golden Oolong Milk Tea! MACU Tea – best known for their fruit tea. Try the Orange Green Tea! TRUEDAN 珍煮丹 – popular bubble tea chain in Taipei: go for a brown sugar bubble tea KEBUKE Tea Co – black tea drinks are their specialty: try the Peach Black Tea or Bubble Milk Tea Chun Shui Tang – known as the originators of bubble tea, worth visiting a Taipei branch! 📍All over Taiwan Experiencing a tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶) Alishan Mountain Tea is one of those teas that stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a high-altitude oolong grown in the misty mountains of Taiwan, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, creamy texture. What makes it so special? The cool, high-altitude climate gives the tea leaves a natural sweetness and a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. We came home with about four packs of bougie oolong – plus some sachets from our hotel. Genuinely delicious tea. 📍Alishan, Jiufen or Chiayi Having a matcha lemonade on Chifeng Street – known for its specialty cafés Matcha Specialty Drinks Matcha is big in Taiwan – and so are specialty matcha drinks. Creamy lattes, matcha frappés, and even matcha lemonade. I also picked up some fresh green tea powder when we were at a mountain tea shop in Alishan, which is similar to matcha, but it wasn’t ceremonial-grade. Great for baking with, though! 📍All over Taiwan Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences 🥟 Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei – Book this cooking class and make authentic Taiwanese dishes like Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and bubble tea. Hands-on guidance from local chefs in a small-group class – perfect for showing you the heart of Taiwan’s food culture! 🧋 Flavors of Taipei: Indulge in a Private Culinary Adventure – A TRUE Taiwan foodie tour! Join this 6-hour “Taste & Tales of Taipei” for a culinary journey from Yongkang Street to Raohe St Night Market, blending foodie delights with cultural insights 🥟 Taipei: Food Tours with Top 10 Taiwanese Food (Lunch/Dinner) – Have you ever wondered what the top 10 Taiwanese foods are or searched online? With two thoughtfully curated food tours, we make exploring Taiwan’s iconic dishes fun, effortless, and unforgettable! Where to get good street food in Taipei One of the best things to do in Taipei is dive into the bustling food stalls at night markets across the city. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous and food-centric markets, is a non-negotiable place to visit in Taipei! More popular night markets in Taipei include: Shilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and Huaxi Street Night Market – though my companions and I picked out Raohe Street because it has so many award-winning food stalls. My travel buddies and I split a food kitty between us so that we could try as many local dishes as possible during our week in Taiwan – a recommended approach if you’re all foodies! Does Taiwan have good food? Hopefully this post answers the question with a resounding yes. Taiwan has incredible food. From texture to taste, your tummy won’t go hungry here! I hope this guide to Taiwanese street food was useful. If you’ve been debating a trip to Taiwan or Taipei, this is your sign. Bring a friend (to share your food with), book your flights, and maybe plan in some sit-ups for when you’re back. Check out 10 Best Things To Do In Taipei for more tips on travelling Taiwan! How To Spend A Weekend In Taipei: 48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary Kimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Best Boutique Hotel Hoshinoya Guguan Review: Taiwan’s Most Luxurious Hot Spring
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[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/illumelation) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@melissalegarda) - [Work with Mel\!](https://illumelation.com/collaborate) ![illumelation](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/illumelation_FA-01copy.png) [Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/)[Asia](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/asia/)[Food-Drink](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/food-drink/)[Guide](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/guide/) # First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan ![Mel Legarda](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cd406b8283faafca2d777f392cab5fe79d9c3eb6b4d838d927e1c147ad8f2db9?s=40&d=mm&r=g)[Mel Legarda](https://www.illumelation.com/author/illumelationgmail-com/ "Posts by Mel Legarda")February 17, 2025January 18th, 202616 min read When I travelled across Taiwan, north to south, my mission was simple: eat the best food in Taiwan. From [Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) to Jiufen to Kaohsiung, we slurped life-changing beef noodle soups, devoured plump juicy dumplings at night markets, and discovered some of the **best things to eat in Taiwan. Cult Taiwanese street food like Michelin-rated oyster omelettes and pork pepper buns were sensationally textured and flavour-packed. Some dishes were – like one particular bowl of dry spiced beef noodles – life-changing*. I kid you not\! ![First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-6-715x1024.jpg) Spicy beef noodle soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei* Food in Taiwan is affordable, and thanks to influences from Chinese and Japanese culture, delightfully different. Taiwan has some of the best street food I’ve eaten, and I’ve travelled a lot. Armed with an appetite (and very helpfully, a travel buddy who spoke both Cantonese and Mandarin – shout out [Venus](http://instagram.com/venus.onthego)!), I tracked every bite and pulled together my top picks for the best food in Taiwan. Wherever possible, I’ve included the exact spots we ate, but many of these dishes can be found at any night market or food stalls unless noted otherwise. Now I’ll walk you through 10+ must-eat foods in Taiwan, where to find them, a rundown of Taiwanese street food you can’t miss, and answer the big question: what are the very best foods to try in Taiwan? Related reading: [10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) ![Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Guide - illumelation](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Guide - illumelation](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Guide-illumelation.jpg) Taiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei ## Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat Table of Contents [Toggle](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/) - [Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Best_Food_in_Taiwan_What_To_Eat) - [Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Best_Food_In_Taiwan_Savoury) - [Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Egg_Crepe_Roll_%E8%9B%8B%E9%A4%85_Dan_Bing) - [Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Beef_Noodle_Soup_%E7%89%9B%E8%82%89%E9%BA%B5) - [Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Pepper_Buns_%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E9%A4%85_hujiao_bing) - [Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Fried_Chicken_%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E9%B9%BD%E9%85%A5%E9%9B%9E) - [Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Buns_Bao_%E5%8C%85) - [Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎）](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Oyster_Omelette%EF%BC%88%E8%9A%B5%E4%BB%94%E7%85%8E%EF%BC%89) - [Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Chewy_Dumplings_sheng_jian_bao_%E7%94%9F%E7%85%8E%E5%8C%85) - [Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Pork_Rice_Lu_Rou_Fan_%E6%BB%B7%E8%82%89%E9%A3%AF) - [Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Chiayi_Turkey_Rice%EF%BC%88%E5%98%89%E7%BE%A9%E7%81%AB%E9%9B%9E%E9%A3%AF%EF%BC%89) - [Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Green_Onion_Pancake_Scallion_Pancake_%E8%94%A5%E6%B2%B9%E9%A4%85) - [Braised Pork Belly](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Braised_Pork_Belly) - [Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Steamed_Crab_Roe_with_Sticky_Rice) - [Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Three_Cup_Chicken_%E4%B8%89%E6%9D%AF%E9%9B%9E) - [Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Street_Food_and_Dishes_Sweets_Drinks) - [Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taro_Balls_%E8%8A%8B%E5%9C%93_yu_yuan) - [Mochi and Dango](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Mochi_and_Dango) - [Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Bai_Leng_Popsicles_%E7%99%BD%E5%86%B7%E5%86%B0%E6%A3%92) - [Milk Tea Popsicles](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Milk_Tea_Popsicles) - [Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Pineapple_Cake_%E9%B3%B3%E6%A2%A8%E9%85%A5) - [Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Bubble_Milk_Tea_aka_Boba_%E7%8F%8D%E7%8F%A0%E5%A5%B6%E8%8C%B6) - [Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Alishan_Mountain_Oolong_Tea_%E9%98%BF%E9%87%8C%E5%B1%B1%E7%83%8F%E9%BE%8D%E8%8C%B6) - [Matcha Specialty Drinks](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Matcha_Specialty_Drinks) - [Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Best_Food_Tours_In_Taipei_Taiwan_Street_Food_Experiences) - [Where to get good street food in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Where_to_get_good_street_food_in_Taipei) - [Does Taiwan have good food?](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Does_Taiwan_have_good_food) ### Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury ![DAN BING TAIWANESE EGG ROLL BREAKFAST IN TAICHUNG - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![DAN BING TAIWANESE EGG ROLL BREAKFAST IN TAICHUNG - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DAN-BING-TAIWANESE-EGG-ROLL-BREAKFAST-IN-TAICHUNG-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-WHAT-TO-EAT-IN-TAIWAN-1.jpg) Amazing Taiwanese breakfast: dan bing egg rolls with sweetcorn, pork floss, cheese and beansprouts #### Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing) Dan Bing is a breakfast classic in Taiwan, loved for its chewy, savoury goodness and limitless ways to make it your own. Essentially an egg crêpe roll, it’s filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, bacon, or pork floss, and often topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce that ties it all together. You can choose between wet style, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or dry style, where the flavors of the roll shine on their own. For me, Dan Bing is the ultimate way to start a morning in Taiwan. Since returning home, I’ve cooked it so many times—ham, cheddar, and sweetcorn is my go-to combo\! 📍 Breakfast Stall [阿母古早味粉漿蛋餅/早午餐](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rCL81eVHkXCaNvZe6), Taichung – but for great dan bing in Taipei, check out my [Taipei Guide](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/). ![Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-4.jpg) Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei #### Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) Beef noodle soup is often seen as Taiwan’s national dish, loved for its deep, savoury broth and tender, flavourful beef. The dish varies between regions. The best beef noodle soup in Taipei was, for me, at [Master Jim Beef Noodle](https://g.co/kgs/1qnnk3U). Their broth hits the perfect balance of rich spiciness, and the beef practically melts in your mouth. To say I still dream about the beef noodles in Taiwan is an understatement. I think I mention them at least once a week. Will travel for Taiwanese beef noodle soup\! 📍[Master Jim Beef Noodle](https://g.co/kgs/1qnnk3U), Taipei ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-27.jpg) #### Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing) Pepper buns are a street food masterpiece, baked to perfection in the inner walls of a blazing hot oven. The result? A crispy, sesame-studded bottom that’s irresistible. Chewy soft dough with a flavour-packed filling of spiced pork and fresh spring onions. These pepper buns have a well-deserved status as a must-try street food classic.The (rather long) queue for the Michelin-recommended Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie at Raohe Night Street Market moved really quickly and the stall owner was hilarious. Our first bite of the bun compelled us to make inappropriate noises. 📍 [Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie](https://g.co/kgs/oqAQSBX), Raohe Street Night Market ![Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung - Best Food To Eat in Taiwan](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung - Best Food To Eat in Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Taiwanese-Fried-Chicken-Stall-in-Taichung-Best-Food-To-Eat-in-Taiwan-647x1024.jpg) THE most incredible Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung #### Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞) Taiwanese fried chicken is a must-try. Some of the best I’ve had came from a humble food stall in Taichung. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. You can opt for a spicier kick if that’s your thing. What sets it apart is the spice mix in the batter—garlic, five-spice, and a hint of sweetness come together beautifully. Served hot with fresh basil leaves, it’s the kind of street food that really captures the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. If you’re exploring Taiwan, make time to try it. You won’t regret it. 📍樹仔腳鹽酥雞台中店, No. 105號, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City #### ![Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun ](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun ](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bao-Best-Street-Food-in-Taiwan.jpg) #### Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包) Who doesn’t love bao?! Taiwanese meat buns (rou bao / gua bao) are a street food classic you can’t miss. These soft, steamed buns are packed with fillings like savoury pork belly and vegetables. You’ll find them in bustling night markets or tucked into the menus of local food joints. The combo of fluffy dough, texture and flavour hits the spot every time. 📍Ruifeng Night Market, Kaohsiung City #### ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-13-759x1024.jpg)![Oyster Omelette at Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide by illumelation 4](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![Oyster Omelette at Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide by illumelation 4](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Oyster-Omelette-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Taiwan-Travel-Guide-by-illumelation-4-819x1024.jpg) #### Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎） One of the best Taiwanese street foods to try is the oyster omelette, a beloved local delicacy full of texture and flavour. Popular family-run stall and Michelin-rated Lee Chi Oyster Omelets (李記蚵仔煎) at Raohe Street Night Market is the place to have them. Sizzling combo of fresh oysters, fluffy eggs, and tender spinach, brought together with a sweet-sour glaze. We devoured our first omelettes so fast that we ordered it twice! Paired with a cold beer, this hearty dish is a steal at just NT \$100 (£2.50). 📍Lee Chi Oyster Omelettes (李記蚵仔煎) at Raohe Night Market in Taipei ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taipei-101-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-1-2.jpg) #### Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包) Another must-try Taiwanese street food is sheng jian bao, which are crispy-bottomed, pan-fried soup dumplings. These chewy parcels are made with doughy, hand-rolled dough that’s filled with a savoury mix of minced pork and rich flavour. I could honestly smash about 8 in one sitting. These dumplings are truly some of the best food in Taiwan. 📍 Raohe Street Night Market #### ![Lu Rou Fan - Pork on Rice Turkey on Rice in Taiwan](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![Lu Rou Fan - Pork on Rice Turkey on Rice in Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lu-Rou-Fan-Pork-on-Rice-Turkey-on-Rice-in-Taiwan1.jpg) #### Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯) Minced pork rice, or Lu Rou Fan, is a comfort food you’ll find on nearly every street in Taiwan. Humble yet mouthwatering, lu rou fan features tender minced pork braised in a fragrant soy sauce infused with sweet garlicky goodness, served on steamed white rice. It’s also affordable, making it a staple eat for locals and visitors alike. 📍 Datong District or Zhongzheng District, Taipei #### Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯） Similar to pork rice, Chiayi turkey rice is an iconic specialty dish from Chiayi Country. The rice is drizzled with a savoury gravy made from turkey drippings and soy sauce, which gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. My partner loved turkey rice so much he crushed three bowls in one sitting\! 📍 [家禾火雞肉飯](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jRh4eotRaifpPDj18) in Chiayi City #### Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅) Crispy, flaky, and packed with flavour, the green onion pancake is a street food favorite that never disappoints. Bite into its golden, perfectly layered exterior, and you’ll be met with a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, savoury inside. The blend of fresh green onions and simple seasonings creates an understated yet addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh off the griddle from a bustling food stall or made at home, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself\! ![SHIN YEH TAIWANESE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN TAIPEI - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE-1](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![SHIN YEH TAIWANESE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN TAIPEI - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE-1](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-1.jpg) Delicious soy-braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature in Taipei #### Braised Pork Belly One dish you’ve got to try in Taiwanese cooking is braised pork belly. It’s soft, rich, and packed with flavour. One of the best meals we had in Taipei was at one Michelin-starred restaurant [Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature](https://g.co/kgs/L2uvXTg), a chain that’s been around since 1977. At Shin Yeh, they nailed it. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, with tender layers of meat and just the right amount of silky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. The sauce, similar to hoisin, was rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-20.jpg) Steamed crab roe with sticky rice at Shin Yeh restaurant in Taipei #### Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice If you fancy something indulgent then try out Taiwanese steamed crab roe on glutinous rice.I had it at Shin Yeh. They start with glutinous rice mixed with mushrooms, pork, carrots, deep-fried red onions, and coriander, all steamed to perfection. Then, they take it up a notch by placing a raw red crab on top and steaming it together. This lets the rice soak up all the rich, briny crab juices. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei #### Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞 Three cup chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish that deserves a place on your must-try list. The name comes from the three key ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine—that combine with garlic, basil, ginger and chilli to create a rich, aromatic glaze. The chicken, usually cut into bite-sized pieces, is simmered in this mixture until it soaks up all those bold, savoury flavours. I tried it at Shin Yeh, where their take stood out. The balance of sweetness and umami was just right, and super comforting. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei ### Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JIUFEN-TARO-BALLS-1-738x1024.jpg) #### Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán) One of my favourite foods I tried in Taiwan! They make little dough balls out of taro, boil them, then serve them hot or cold (over ice) with a scoop of sweet beans. Some of the taro balls are mixed with other flavours, like sweet potato, black sesame, and matcha. The texture is phenomenal – similar to mochi, but less sticky. I had this at [賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls](https://g.co/kgs/Bu7cR7C)– a famous dessert shop serving up taro balls (a signature food item in the Ruifang area). We went to Grandma Lai’s – one of the three oldest sweet taro ball shops in Jiufen – for some sticky taro balls (like a mochi/boba hybrid) with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato and sweet adzuki red beans. It was quite the sight seeing multiple generations of family members slapping and pounding taro, sealing the mix in ball form with tapioca powder. So much love and muscle in every ball\! 📍 Jiufen is the best place to try this, though it can be found all over Taiwan\! ![Dango on Chifeng Street - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Illumelation Travel Guide-12](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Dango on Chifeng Street - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Illumelation Travel Guide-12](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chifeng-Street-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-12.jpg) Fresh dango on Chifeng Street #### Mochi and Dango If you’re not into chewy textures, mochi might not be for you. But for the rest of us, these sticky, stretchy bites are a treat. In Taiwan, mochi comes in a few main forms: boiled and served with black sesame or peanut toppings, or in a sweet soup. Dango (as above) is in a sweet-salty soy glaze. Grab an afternoon snack at Japanese Dango spot [赤丸](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSdWKoFgmN5YV3nJA) and enjoy their classic chewy mochi balls dipped in a sweet-salty soy sauce. Try the mochi at **Buloa Hakka Traditional Mochi in Taipei or Ningxia Night Market, where they serve freshly boiled mochi with sesame and peanut on the side. 📍 Chifeng Street*, Taipei ![Best ice lolly popsicle in Taiwan - Bai Leng in Guguan](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Best ice lolly popsicle in Taiwan - Bai Leng in Guguan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Best-ice-lolly-popsicle-in-Taiwan-Bai-Leng-in-Guguan-1024x868.jpg) Bai Leng popsicles in Guguan: Adzuki Red Bean Ice and Pine Tree Ice* #### Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 ) During our stay at [Hoshinoya Guguan](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/hoshinoya-guguan-review/), we discovered the world’s best ice lolly: the Bai Leng popsicle. These ice lollies were unbelievably tasty. Produced by a famous popsicle vendor in the region, they offer unique local flavours including pine green, milk, sour plum, red bean milk, green bean milk, longan and champagne. Our taxi driver brought us to the original popsicle shop as we drove back down to Taichung City. My favourite flavours were pine (so refreshing), milk, and red bean milk! You can check out the popsicle spot [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6). 📍 [Bai Leng Popsicle Stall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6), Guguan (en route to Taichung) ![Best convenience store desserts in Taiwan - milk tea ice lolly](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Best convenience store desserts in Taiwan - milk tea ice lolly](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Best-convenience-store-desserts-in-Taiwan-milk-tea-ice-lolly-1024x784.jpg) Convenience store ice lollies in Taiwan: milk tea ice cream bars #### Milk Tea Popsicles Family Mart’s best ice lolly – try the Thai milk tea or the Earl Grey milk tea ice lolly. Sensational. 📍Family Mart, all over Taiwan #### Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) Pineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese treat that perfectly balances a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. These cakes aren’t ‘fresh’ as such but are hard and individually wrapped. These make amazing souvenirs. I bought two boxes and ended up keeping one because they taste so good. 📍7-11 or Family Mart, also, Taiwan Airport ![Bubble Tea Boba in Taiwan - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Pexels](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Bubble Tea Boba in Taiwan - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Pexels](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bubble-Tea-Boba-in-Taiwan-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Pexels.jpg) Bubble Tea: Taiwan’s unofficial national drink\! #### Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶) Bubble tea, or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global favourite. It’s a mix of tea, milk or fruit, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwan, the options go far beyond the basics. Classics like jasmine green tea with pearls sit alongside sweet options like taro milk tea (my fave – but with non-dairy milk!) and brown sugar bubble tea. For extra texture, go for toppings like popping boba, grass jelly, aloe vera, and red bean. Bubble tea is a cultural staple in Taiwan, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than bottled water\! ##### Where to get the best boba in Taipei There’s a bubble tea shop on almost every corner of Taipei\! - TenRen – had a sensational Pu’erh milk tea here at the Eslite branch - 50嵐 / 50 Lan / FIFTYLAN – not the best but one of the oldest and most iconic! Try the Golden Oolong Milk Tea\! - MACU Tea – best known for their fruit tea. Try the Orange Green Tea\! - TRUEDAN 珍煮丹 – popular bubble tea chain in Taipei: go for a brown sugar bubble tea - KEBUKE Tea Co – black tea drinks are their specialty: try the Peach Black Tea or Bubble Milk Tea - Chun Shui Tang – known as the originators of bubble tea, worth visiting a Taipei branch\! 📍All over Taiwan ![Experiencing A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen near Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![Experiencing A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen near Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Experiencing-A-Mei-Teahouse-in-Jiufen-near-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-819x1024.jpg) Experiencing a tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen #### Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶) Alishan Mountain Tea is one of those teas that stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a high-altitude oolong grown in the misty mountains of Taiwan, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, creamy texture. What makes it so special? The cool, high-altitude climate gives the tea leaves a natural sweetness and a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. We came home with about four packs of bougie oolong – plus some sachets from our hotel. Genuinely delicious tea. 📍Alishan, Jiufen or Chiayi ![What To Do in Chifeng Street Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei ](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7) ![What To Do in Chifeng Street Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei ](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/What-To-Do-in-Chifeng-Street-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-1.jpg) Having a matcha lemonade on Chifeng Street – known for its specialty cafés #### Matcha Specialty Drinks Matcha is big in Taiwan – and so are specialty matcha drinks. Creamy lattes, matcha frappés, and even matcha lemonade. I also picked up some fresh green tea powder when we were at a mountain tea shop in Alishan, which is similar to matcha, but it wasn’t ceremonial-grade. Great for baking with, though\! 📍All over Taiwan ## Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences - 🥟 [Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei](https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Taipei/Taiwanese-XiaoLongBao-Cooking-Class-with-Market-Tour/d5262-90665P1) – Book this cooking class and make authentic Taiwanese dishes like Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and bubble tea. Hands-on guidance from local chefs in a small-group class – perfect for showing you the heart of Taiwan’s food culture\! - 🧋[Flavors of Taipei: Indulge in a Private Culinary Adventure](https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/taipei-city-l190/flavors-of-taipei-indulge-in-a-private-culinary-adventure-t662304/) – A TRUE Taiwan foodie tour! Join this 6-hour “Taste & Tales of Taipei” for a culinary journey from Yongkang Street to Raohe St Night Market, blending foodie delights with cultural insights - 🥟 [Taipei: Food Tours with Top 10 Taiwanese Food (Lunch/Dinner)](https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/taipei-city-l190/taipei-food-tours-with-top-10-taiwanese-food-lunchdinner-t524054/) – Have you ever wondered what the top 10 Taiwanese foods are or searched online? With two thoughtfully curated food tours, we make exploring Taiwan’s iconic dishes fun, effortless, and unforgettable\! ## Where to get good street food in Taipei One of the [best things to do in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) is dive into the bustling food stalls at night markets across the city. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous and food-centric markets, is a non-negotiable place to visit in Taipei\! More popular night markets in Taipei include: Shilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and Huaxi Street Night Market – though my companions and I picked out Raohe Street because it has so many award-winning food stalls. My travel buddies and I split a food kitty between us so that we could try as many local dishes as possible during our week in Taiwan – a recommended approach if you’re all foodies\! ## Does Taiwan have good food? Hopefully this post answers the question with a resounding yes. Taiwan has incredible food. From texture to taste, your tummy won’t go hungry here\! I hope this guide to Taiwanese street food was useful. If you’ve been debating a trip to Taiwan or Taipei, this is your sign. Bring a friend (to share your food with), book your flights, and maybe plan in some sit-ups for when you’re back. Check out [10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) for more tips on travelling Taiwan\! - [How To Spend A Weekend In Taipei: 48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/weekend-in-taipei-itinerary/) - [Kimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Best Boutique Hotel](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/hotel-kimpton-da-an-review-taipei/) - [Hoshinoya Guguan Review: Taiwan’s Most Luxurious Hot Spring](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/hoshinoya-guguan-review/) ![Mel Legarda](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cd406b8283faafca2d777f392cab5fe79d9c3eb6b4d838d927e1c147ad8f2db9?s=80&d=mm&r=g) ### [Mel Legarda](https://www.illumelation.com/author/illumelationgmail-com/) Melissa Legarda is the founder of [illumelation](https://www.illumelation.com/). She has worked as a travel blogger, creator and writer since 2015, and has collaborated with well-known brands worldwide. She has helped over 1,100+ students improve their travel photography skills since launching her creative courses. Her mission is to encourage and empower others to travel and create more. Find her on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/illumelation). 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Readable Markdown	When I travelled across Taiwan, north to south, my mission was simple: eat the best food in Taiwan. From [Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) to Jiufen to Kaohsiung, we slurped life-changing beef noodle soups, devoured plump juicy dumplings at night markets, and discovered some of the **best things to eat in Taiwan. Cult Taiwanese street food like Michelin-rated oyster omelettes and pork pepper buns were sensationally textured and flavour-packed. Some dishes were – like one particular bowl of dry spiced beef noodles – life-changing*. I kid you not\! ![First Timers Guide to The Best Food In Taiwan: What To Eat in Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-6-715x1024.jpg) Spicy beef noodle soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei* Food in Taiwan is affordable, and thanks to influences from Chinese and Japanese culture, delightfully different. Taiwan has some of the best street food I’ve eaten, and I’ve travelled a lot. Armed with an appetite (and very helpfully, a travel buddy who spoke both Cantonese and Mandarin – shout out [Venus](http://instagram.com/venus.onthego)!), I tracked every bite and pulled together my top picks for the best food in Taiwan. Wherever possible, I’ve included the exact spots we ate, but many of these dishes can be found at any night market or food stalls unless noted otherwise. Now I’ll walk you through 10+ must-eat foods in Taiwan, where to find them, a rundown of Taiwanese street food you can’t miss, and answer the big question: what are the very best foods to try in Taiwan? Related reading: [10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) ![Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Guide - illumelation](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Guide-illumelation.jpg) Taiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei ## Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat Table of Contents - [Best Food in Taiwan: What To Eat](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Best_Food_in_Taiwan_What_To_Eat) - [Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Best_Food_In_Taiwan_Savoury) - [Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Egg_Crepe_Roll_%E8%9B%8B%E9%A4%85_Dan_Bing) - [Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Beef_Noodle_Soup_%E7%89%9B%E8%82%89%E9%BA%B5) - [Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Pepper_Buns_%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E9%A4%85_hujiao_bing) - [Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Fried_Chicken_%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E9%B9%BD%E9%85%A5%E9%9B%9E) - [Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Buns_Bao_%E5%8C%85) - [Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎）](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Oyster_Omelette%EF%BC%88%E8%9A%B5%E4%BB%94%E7%85%8E%EF%BC%89) - [Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Chewy_Dumplings_sheng_jian_bao_%E7%94%9F%E7%85%8E%E5%8C%85) - [Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Pork_Rice_Lu_Rou_Fan_%E6%BB%B7%E8%82%89%E9%A3%AF) - [Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯）](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Chiayi_Turkey_Rice%EF%BC%88%E5%98%89%E7%BE%A9%E7%81%AB%E9%9B%9E%E9%A3%AF%EF%BC%89) - [Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Green_Onion_Pancake_Scallion_Pancake_%E8%94%A5%E6%B2%B9%E9%A4%85) - [Braised Pork Belly](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Braised_Pork_Belly) - [Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Steamed_Crab_Roe_with_Sticky_Rice) - [Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Three_Cup_Chicken_%E4%B8%89%E6%9D%AF%E9%9B%9E) - [Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Street_Food_and_Dishes_Sweets_Drinks) - [Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taro_Balls_%E8%8A%8B%E5%9C%93_yu_yuan) - [Mochi and Dango](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Mochi_and_Dango) - [Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 )](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Bai_Leng_Popsicles_%E7%99%BD%E5%86%B7%E5%86%B0%E6%A3%92) - [Milk Tea Popsicles](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Milk_Tea_Popsicles) - [Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Pineapple_Cake_%E9%B3%B3%E6%A2%A8%E9%85%A5) - [Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Taiwanese_Bubble_Milk_Tea_aka_Boba_%E7%8F%8D%E7%8F%A0%E5%A5%B6%E8%8C%B6) - [Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶)](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Alishan_Mountain_Oolong_Tea_%E9%98%BF%E9%87%8C%E5%B1%B1%E7%83%8F%E9%BE%8D%E8%8C%B6) - [Matcha Specialty Drinks](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Matcha_Specialty_Drinks) - [Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Best_Food_Tours_In_Taipei_Taiwan_Street_Food_Experiences) - [Where to get good street food in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Where_to_get_good_street_food_in_Taipei) - [Does Taiwan have good food?](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/best-food-in-taiwan/#Does_Taiwan_have_good_food) ### Best Food In Taiwan: Savoury ![DAN BING TAIWANESE EGG ROLL BREAKFAST IN TAICHUNG - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DAN-BING-TAIWANESE-EGG-ROLL-BREAKFAST-IN-TAICHUNG-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-WHAT-TO-EAT-IN-TAIWAN-1.jpg) Amazing Taiwanese breakfast: dan bing egg rolls with sweetcorn, pork floss, cheese and beansprouts #### Taiwanese Egg Crêpe Roll (蛋餅 Dan Bing) Dan Bing is a breakfast classic in Taiwan, loved for its chewy, savoury goodness and limitless ways to make it your own. Essentially an egg crêpe roll, it’s filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, bacon, or pork floss, and often topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce that ties it all together. You can choose between wet style, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or dry style, where the flavors of the roll shine on their own. For me, Dan Bing is the ultimate way to start a morning in Taiwan. Since returning home, I’ve cooked it so many times—ham, cheddar, and sweetcorn is my go-to combo\! 📍 Breakfast Stall [阿母古早味粉漿蛋餅/早午餐](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rCL81eVHkXCaNvZe6), Taichung – but for great dan bing in Taipei, check out my [Taipei Guide](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/). ![Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MASTER-JIMS-BEEF-NOODLE-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-4.jpg) Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and homemade noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle in Taipei #### Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) Beef noodle soup is often seen as Taiwan’s national dish, loved for its deep, savoury broth and tender, flavourful beef. The dish varies between regions. The best beef noodle soup in Taipei was, for me, at [Master Jim Beef Noodle](https://g.co/kgs/1qnnk3U). Their broth hits the perfect balance of rich spiciness, and the beef practically melts in your mouth. To say I still dream about the beef noodles in Taiwan is an understatement. I think I mention them at least once a week. Will travel for Taiwanese beef noodle soup\! 📍[Master Jim Beef Noodle](https://g.co/kgs/1qnnk3U), Taipei ![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-27.jpg) #### Pepper Buns (胡椒餅, hújiāo bing) Pepper buns are a street food masterpiece, baked to perfection in the inner walls of a blazing hot oven. The result? A crispy, sesame-studded bottom that’s irresistible. Chewy soft dough with a flavour-packed filling of spiced pork and fresh spring onions. These pepper buns have a well-deserved status as a must-try street food classic.The (rather long) queue for the Michelin-recommended Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie at Raohe Night Street Market moved really quickly and the stall owner was hilarious. Our first bite of the bun compelled us to make inappropriate noises. 📍 [Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie](https://g.co/kgs/oqAQSBX), Raohe Street Night Market ![Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung - Best Food To Eat in Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Taiwanese-Fried-Chicken-Stall-in-Taichung-Best-Food-To-Eat-in-Taiwan-647x1024.jpg) THE most incredible Taiwanese Fried Chicken Stall in Taichung #### Taiwanese Fried Chicken (台灣鹽酥雞) Taiwanese fried chicken is a must-try. Some of the best I’ve had came from a humble food stall in Taichung. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. You can opt for a spicier kick if that’s your thing. What sets it apart is the spice mix in the batter—garlic, five-spice, and a hint of sweetness come together beautifully. Served hot with fresh basil leaves, it’s the kind of street food that really captures the bold, comforting flavors of Taiwanese cuisine. If you’re exploring Taiwan, make time to try it. You won’t regret it. 📍樹仔腳鹽酥雞台中店, No. 105號, Chenggong Rd, Central District, Taichung City #### ![Gua Bao Pork Belly Steamed Bun ](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bao-Best-Street-Food-in-Taiwan.jpg) #### Taiwanese Buns (Bao 包) Who doesn’t love bao?! Taiwanese meat buns (rou bao / gua bao) are a street food classic you can’t miss. These soft, steamed buns are packed with fillings like savoury pork belly and vegetables. You’ll find them in bustling night markets or tucked into the menus of local food joints. The combo of fluffy dough, texture and flavour hits the spot every time. 📍Ruifeng Night Market, Kaohsiung City #### ![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taiwanese-Street-Food-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-13-759x1024.jpg)![Oyster Omelette at Raohe Street Night Market - Best Things To Do In Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide by illumelation 4](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Oyster-Omelette-at-Raohe-Street-Night-Market-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Taiwan-Travel-Guide-by-illumelation-4-819x1024.jpg) #### Oyster Omelette（蚵仔煎） One of the best Taiwanese street foods to try is the oyster omelette, a beloved local delicacy full of texture and flavour. Popular family-run stall and Michelin-rated Lee Chi Oyster Omelets (李記蚵仔煎) at Raohe Street Night Market is the place to have them. Sizzling combo of fresh oysters, fluffy eggs, and tender spinach, brought together with a sweet-sour glaze. We devoured our first omelettes so fast that we ordered it twice! Paired with a cold beer, this hearty dish is a steal at just NT \$100 (£2.50). 📍Lee Chi Oyster Omelettes (李記蚵仔煎) at Raohe Night Market in Taipei ![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taipei-101-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-1-2.jpg) #### Chewy Dumplings (sheng jian bao 生煎包) Another must-try Taiwanese street food is sheng jian bao, which are crispy-bottomed, pan-fried soup dumplings. These chewy parcels are made with doughy, hand-rolled dough that’s filled with a savoury mix of minced pork and rich flavour. I could honestly smash about 8 in one sitting. These dumplings are truly some of the best food in Taiwan. 📍 Raohe Street Night Market #### ![Lu Rou Fan - Pork on Rice Turkey on Rice in Taiwan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lu-Rou-Fan-Pork-on-Rice-Turkey-on-Rice-in-Taiwan1.jpg) #### Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯) Minced pork rice, or Lu Rou Fan, is a comfort food you’ll find on nearly every street in Taiwan. Humble yet mouthwatering, lu rou fan features tender minced pork braised in a fragrant soy sauce infused with sweet garlicky goodness, served on steamed white rice. It’s also affordable, making it a staple eat for locals and visitors alike. 📍 Datong District or Zhongzheng District, Taipei #### Chiayi Turkey Rice（嘉義火雞飯） Similar to pork rice, Chiayi turkey rice is an iconic specialty dish from Chiayi Country. The rice is drizzled with a savoury gravy made from turkey drippings and soy sauce, which gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. My partner loved turkey rice so much he crushed three bowls in one sitting\! 📍 [家禾火雞肉飯](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jRh4eotRaifpPDj18) in Chiayi City #### Green Onion Pancake (Scallion Pancake 蔥油餅) Crispy, flaky, and packed with flavour, the green onion pancake is a street food favorite that never disappoints. Bite into its golden, perfectly layered exterior, and you’ll be met with a delightful crunch that gives way to a soft, savoury inside. The blend of fresh green onions and simple seasonings creates an understated yet addictive taste that keeps you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed fresh off the griddle from a bustling food stall or made at home, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort snack, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself\! ![SHIN YEH TAIWANESE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN TAIPEI - BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI - ILLUMELATION TRAVEL GUIDE-1](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-1.jpg) Delicious soy-braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature in Taipei #### Braised Pork Belly One dish you’ve got to try in Taiwanese cooking is braised pork belly. It’s soft, rich, and packed with flavour. One of the best meals we had in Taipei was at one Michelin-starred restaurant [Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature](https://g.co/kgs/L2uvXTg), a chain that’s been around since 1977. At Shin Yeh, they nailed it. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, with tender layers of meat and just the right amount of silky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. The sauce, similar to hoisin, was rich, slightly sweet, and full of umami. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei ![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHIN-YEH-TAIWANESE-SIGNATURE-RESTAURANT-IN-TAIPEI-BEST-THINGS-TO-DO-IN-TAIPEI-ILLUMELATION-TRAVEL-GUIDE-20.jpg) Steamed crab roe with sticky rice at Shin Yeh restaurant in Taipei #### Steamed Crab Roe with Sticky Rice If you fancy something indulgent then try out Taiwanese steamed crab roe on glutinous rice.I had it at Shin Yeh. They start with glutinous rice mixed with mushrooms, pork, carrots, deep-fried red onions, and coriander, all steamed to perfection. Then, they take it up a notch by placing a raw red crab on top and steaming it together. This lets the rice soak up all the rich, briny crab juices. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei #### Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞 Three cup chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish that deserves a place on your must-try list. The name comes from the three key ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine—that combine with garlic, basil, ginger and chilli to create a rich, aromatic glaze. The chicken, usually cut into bite-sized pieces, is simmered in this mixture until it soaks up all those bold, savoury flavours. I tried it at Shin Yeh, where their take stood out. The balance of sweetness and umami was just right, and super comforting. 📍 Shin Yeh, Taipei ### Taiwanese Street Food and Dishes: Sweets & Drinks ![](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JIUFEN-TARO-BALLS-1-738x1024.jpg) #### Taro Balls (芋圓, yù yuán) One of my favourite foods I tried in Taiwan! They make little dough balls out of taro, boil them, then serve them hot or cold (over ice) with a scoop of sweet beans. Some of the taro balls are mixed with other flavours, like sweet potato, black sesame, and matcha. The texture is phenomenal – similar to mochi, but less sticky. I had this at [賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls](https://g.co/kgs/Bu7cR7C)– a famous dessert shop serving up taro balls (a signature food item in the Ruifang area). We went to Grandma Lai’s – one of the three oldest sweet taro ball shops in Jiufen – for some sticky taro balls (like a mochi/boba hybrid) with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato and sweet adzuki red beans. It was quite the sight seeing multiple generations of family members slapping and pounding taro, sealing the mix in ball form with tapioca powder. So much love and muscle in every ball\! 📍 Jiufen is the best place to try this, though it can be found all over Taiwan\! ![Dango on Chifeng Street - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Illumelation Travel Guide-12](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chifeng-Street-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Illumelation-Travel-Guide-12.jpg) Fresh dango on Chifeng Street #### Mochi and Dango If you’re not into chewy textures, mochi might not be for you. But for the rest of us, these sticky, stretchy bites are a treat. In Taiwan, mochi comes in a few main forms: boiled and served with black sesame or peanut toppings, or in a sweet soup. Dango (as above) is in a sweet-salty soy glaze. Grab an afternoon snack at Japanese Dango spot [赤丸](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSdWKoFgmN5YV3nJA) and enjoy their classic chewy mochi balls dipped in a sweet-salty soy sauce. Try the mochi at **Buloa Hakka Traditional Mochi in Taipei or Ningxia Night Market, where they serve freshly boiled mochi with sesame and peanut on the side. 📍 Chifeng Street*, Taipei ![Best ice lolly popsicle in Taiwan - Bai Leng in Guguan](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Best-ice-lolly-popsicle-in-Taiwan-Bai-Leng-in-Guguan-1024x868.jpg) Bai Leng popsicles in Guguan: Adzuki Red Bean Ice and Pine Tree Ice* #### Bai Leng Popsicles (白冷冰棒 ) During our stay at [Hoshinoya Guguan](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/hoshinoya-guguan-review/), we discovered the world’s best ice lolly: the Bai Leng popsicle. These ice lollies were unbelievably tasty. Produced by a famous popsicle vendor in the region, they offer unique local flavours including pine green, milk, sour plum, red bean milk, green bean milk, longan and champagne. Our taxi driver brought us to the original popsicle shop as we drove back down to Taichung City. My favourite flavours were pine (so refreshing), milk, and red bean milk! You can check out the popsicle spot [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6). 📍 [Bai Leng Popsicle Stall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJbnsjfxhbJh88mG6), Guguan (en route to Taichung) ![Best convenience store desserts in Taiwan - milk tea ice lolly](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Best-convenience-store-desserts-in-Taiwan-milk-tea-ice-lolly-1024x784.jpg) Convenience store ice lollies in Taiwan: milk tea ice cream bars #### Milk Tea Popsicles Family Mart’s best ice lolly – try the Thai milk tea or the Earl Grey milk tea ice lolly. Sensational. 📍Family Mart, all over Taiwan #### Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) Pineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese treat that perfectly balances a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. These cakes aren’t ‘fresh’ as such but are hard and individually wrapped. These make amazing souvenirs. I bought two boxes and ended up keeping one because they taste so good. 📍7-11 or Family Mart, also, Taiwan Airport ![Bubble Tea Boba in Taiwan - Best Things To Do In Taipei - Pexels](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bubble-Tea-Boba-in-Taiwan-Best-Things-To-Do-In-Taipei-Pexels.jpg) Bubble Tea: Taiwan’s unofficial national drink\! #### Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea aka Boba (珍珠奶茶) Bubble tea, or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global favourite. It’s a mix of tea, milk or fruit, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. In Taiwan, the options go far beyond the basics. Classics like jasmine green tea with pearls sit alongside sweet options like taro milk tea (my fave – but with non-dairy milk!) and brown sugar bubble tea. For extra texture, go for toppings like popping boba, grass jelly, aloe vera, and red bean. Bubble tea is a cultural staple in Taiwan, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than bottled water\! ##### Where to get the best boba in Taipei There’s a bubble tea shop on almost every corner of Taipei\! - TenRen – had a sensational Pu’erh milk tea here at the Eslite branch - 50嵐 / 50 Lan / FIFTYLAN – not the best but one of the oldest and most iconic! Try the Golden Oolong Milk Tea\! - MACU Tea – best known for their fruit tea. Try the Orange Green Tea\! - TRUEDAN 珍煮丹 – popular bubble tea chain in Taipei: go for a brown sugar bubble tea - KEBUKE Tea Co – black tea drinks are their specialty: try the Peach Black Tea or Bubble Milk Tea - Chun Shui Tang – known as the originators of bubble tea, worth visiting a Taipei branch\! 📍All over Taiwan ![Experiencing A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen near Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Experiencing-A-Mei-Teahouse-in-Jiufen-near-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-819x1024.jpg) Experiencing a tea ceremony at A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen #### Alishan Mountain Oolong Tea (阿里山烏龍茶) Alishan Mountain Tea is one of those teas that stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a high-altitude oolong grown in the misty mountains of Taiwan, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, creamy texture. What makes it so special? The cool, high-altitude climate gives the tea leaves a natural sweetness and a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. We came home with about four packs of bougie oolong – plus some sachets from our hotel. Genuinely delicious tea. 📍Alishan, Jiufen or Chiayi ![What To Do in Chifeng Street Taipei - Best Things To Do in Taipei ](https://www.illumelation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/What-To-Do-in-Chifeng-Street-Taipei-Best-Things-To-Do-in-Taipei-1.jpg) Having a matcha lemonade on Chifeng Street – known for its specialty cafés #### Matcha Specialty Drinks Matcha is big in Taiwan – and so are specialty matcha drinks. Creamy lattes, matcha frappés, and even matcha lemonade. I also picked up some fresh green tea powder when we were at a mountain tea shop in Alishan, which is similar to matcha, but it wasn’t ceremonial-grade. Great for baking with, though\! 📍All over Taiwan ## Best Food Tours In Taipei: Taiwan Street Food Experiences - 🥟 [Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei](https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Taipei/Taiwanese-XiaoLongBao-Cooking-Class-with-Market-Tour/d5262-90665P1) – Book this cooking class and make authentic Taiwanese dishes like Xiao Long Bao, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and bubble tea. Hands-on guidance from local chefs in a small-group class – perfect for showing you the heart of Taiwan’s food culture\! - 🧋[Flavors of Taipei: Indulge in a Private Culinary Adventure](https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/taipei-city-l190/flavors-of-taipei-indulge-in-a-private-culinary-adventure-t662304/) – A TRUE Taiwan foodie tour! Join this 6-hour “Taste & Tales of Taipei” for a culinary journey from Yongkang Street to Raohe St Night Market, blending foodie delights with cultural insights - 🥟 [Taipei: Food Tours with Top 10 Taiwanese Food (Lunch/Dinner)](https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/taipei-city-l190/taipei-food-tours-with-top-10-taiwanese-food-lunchdinner-t524054/) – Have you ever wondered what the top 10 Taiwanese foods are or searched online? With two thoughtfully curated food tours, we make exploring Taiwan’s iconic dishes fun, effortless, and unforgettable\! ## Where to get good street food in Taipei One of the [best things to do in Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) is dive into the bustling food stalls at night markets across the city. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous and food-centric markets, is a non-negotiable place to visit in Taipei\! More popular night markets in Taipei include: Shilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and Huaxi Street Night Market – though my companions and I picked out Raohe Street because it has so many award-winning food stalls. My travel buddies and I split a food kitty between us so that we could try as many local dishes as possible during our week in Taiwan – a recommended approach if you’re all foodies\! ## Does Taiwan have good food? Hopefully this post answers the question with a resounding yes. Taiwan has incredible food. From texture to taste, your tummy won’t go hungry here\! I hope this guide to Taiwanese street food was useful. If you’ve been debating a trip to Taiwan or Taipei, this is your sign. Bring a friend (to share your food with), book your flights, and maybe plan in some sit-ups for when you’re back. Check out [10 Best Things To Do In Taipei](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/10-best-things-to-do-in-taipei/) for more tips on travelling Taiwan\! - [How To Spend A Weekend In Taipei: 48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/weekend-in-taipei-itinerary/) - [Kimpton Da An Review: Taipei’s Best Boutique Hotel](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/hotel-kimpton-da-an-review-taipei/) - [Hoshinoya Guguan Review: Taiwan’s Most Luxurious Hot Spring](https://www.illumelation.com/blog/taiwan/hoshinoya-guguan-review/)
Shard	10 (laksa)
Root Hash	9821579620758690210
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