Best food to eat in Taiwan

    Taiwan is a food lover's paradise, offering an incredible variety of dishes, from savory street food to rich traditional meals. Whether you’re visiting Taiwan or simply looking to try something new, here are some of the best foods you must try when in Taiwan! 🇹🇼🍴

1. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) 🍜

This dish is Taiwan's signature comfort food! A bowl of hot, savory broth filled with tender beef chunks, noodles, and herbs. It's usually served with pickled mustard greens or chili sauce on the side for extra flavor.

• Where to Try: You'll find beef noodle soup in almost every restaurant or noodle shop, but Yong Kang Beef Noodle in Taipei is a famous spot.

2. Taiwanese Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) 🧋

Also known as "boba," Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea. The drink consists of sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. You can customize it by adding fruit, different types of tea, or a variety of toppings like aloe vera or grass jelly.

• Where to Try: Chun Shui Tang in Taichung is often credited as the birthplace of bubble tea.

3. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) 🦪🍳

A popular street food made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a savory starch-based batter, topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. The combination of seafood and eggs is absolutely delicious!

• Where to Try: Shilin Night Market and Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung are great places to find oyster omelettes.

4. Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯) 🍚

This comforting dish consists of braised minced pork (often served with soy sauce and spices) over a bowl of steaming white rice. It's simple but full of flavor and commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch.

• Where to Try: Tainan is famous for its delicious Lu Rou Fan, with many local shops offering their unique take on this dish.

5. Gua Bao (刈包) 🍔

Sometimes referred to as the "Taiwanese hamburger," Gua Bao is a steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, ground peanuts, and cilantro. It’s a savory-sweet treat that's impossible to resist.

• Where to Try: Raohe Night Market in Taipei is known for its Gua Bao.

6. Taiwanese Hot Pot (火鍋) 🍲

Hot pot is a fun, interactive dining experience where you cook your own ingredients in a bubbling pot of broth. Taiwan offers many varieties of hot pot, from mild broths to spicy Sichuan-style options, and a variety of fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables.

• Where to Try: Da Xiang Hot Pot in Taipei is a well-loved chain for hot pot.

7. Taiwanese Scallion Pancakes (蔥油餅) 🥞

These crispy, flaky pancakes are filled with chopped scallions and sometimes a touch of soy sauce or chili oil for extra flavor. They’re often served as a snack or breakfast dish.

• Where to Try: You can find these in night markets and food stalls, especially in Taipei.

8. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) 🧀

Stinky tofu is a polarizing street food. It’s fermented tofu, deep-fried and served with spicy pickled cabbage and sometimes chili sauce. Despite its strong smell, many love its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful inside.

• Where to Try: Shilin Night Market in Taipei is famous for its stinky tofu.

9. Taiwanese Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) 🍍

A beloved Taiwanese pastry, pineapple cakes are small, buttery treats filled with a sweet pineapple jam. These cakes are a popular souvenir for visitors to bring back home.

• Where to Try: Chia Te Bakery in Taipei is one of the best spots to try these.

10. Bubble Egg Waffle (雞蛋糕) 🍳🍪

Bubble egg waffles are light, sweet, and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. They’re often served in a fun shape and can be filled with cream, fruits, or chocolate.

• Where to Try: Night markets like Raohe Night Market and Ximending in Taipei offer great bubble egg waffles.

11. Taiwanese Pineapple Beer (鳳梨啤酒) 🍻🍍

For a refreshing drink, try Taiwanese pineapple beer. This fruit-flavored beer has a smooth, sweet taste with a tropical twist.

• Where to Try: Available at local bars or supermarkets across Taiwan.

12. Baked Sweet Potato (烤地瓜) 🍠

Taiwan's cold winters make this simple yet satisfying street food popular. The sweet potatoes are baked until soft and sweet, then served hot. They’re a perfect snack on a chilly day.

• Where to Try: Street vendors and night markets across Taiwan.

13. Shaved Ice (刨冰) 🍧

This popular dessert is a cooling treat, especially in the summer. It consists of finely shaved ice topped with a variety of sweet toppings, such as fruit, red beans, and condensed milk.

• Where to Try: Ice Monster in Taipei is a famous spot for shaved ice.

Conclusion:

Taiwan’s food scene is vibrant, diverse, and full of flavors that cater to every taste. From street food to delicious desserts, every meal is an adventure in itself. So, whether you’re in Taiwan or exploring Taiwanese cuisine at home, make sure to try these iconic dishes! 🌍🍴