Fresh seafood in Taiwan 

Fresh Seafood in Taiwan: A Must-Try Culinary Experience 🦞🐟

    Taiwan, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, offers an abundance of fresh and high-quality seafood. From bustling seafood markets to picturesque coastal towns, the island’s seafood scene is vibrant and diverse. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to explore new flavors, Taiwan’s fresh seafood is an essential part of its culinary culture. Here's a guide to some of the best fresh seafood in Taiwan! 🇹🇼🐚

1. Grilled Oyster (烤蚵) 🦪🔥

Fresh oysters are widely available in Taiwan, often grilled with a variety of seasonings like garlic, soy sauce, and butter. The grilling process enhances the oysters' natural sweetness, making them a popular street food item.

• Where to Try: Keelung Night Market (台北基隆夜市) is known for its freshly grilled oysters.

2. Sashimi (生魚片) 🍣

Taiwan’s proximity to the ocean means that sushi-grade fish and sashimi are always fresh. Enjoy a selection of raw fish, including tuna, salmon, and mackerel, often served with wasabi and soy sauce.

• Where to Try: Taipei Fish Market offers a great variety of fresh sashimi, as well as seafood restaurants across coastal cities like Kaohsiung and Hualien.

3. Mackerel (鯖魚) 🐟

Mackerel is abundant in Taiwanese waters and is often served fresh or grilled. Its rich flavor makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s also commonly served in a savory soup or with rice.

• Where to Try: Local restaurants along Taiwan's coasts, especially in Taitung and Hualien, serve some of the best mackerel dishes.

4. Crab (螃蟹) 🦀

Taiwan is famous for its sweet and delicate crabs, such as mud crabs and flower crabs. Many seafood restaurants serve crabs steamed, boiled, or in spicy hot pots, often accompanied by dipping sauces.

• Where to Try: Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung is famous for its crab dishes. Also, Keelung offers great crab meat during the season.

5. Shrimp (蝦) 🍤

Fresh shrimp is commonly featured in Taiwanese cuisine. It can be grilled, steamed, or served in a savory stir-fry. Taiwanese shrimp farms also offer the opportunity to try “shrimp fishing,” where you catch your own and have it cooked right on the spot.

• Where to Try: Shrimp can be found in night markets like Raohe Night Market in Taipei, or specialized shrimp fishing farms near the coast.

6. Squid (魷魚) 🦑

Squid is a popular seafood item in Taiwan, served in many ways such as grilled, deep-fried, or in soups. A favorite dish is grilled squid on a stick, usually seasoned with soy sauce and chili.

• Where to Try: Visit Shilin Night Market or Liuhe Night Market for grilled squid on skewers, or try Yilan for fresh squid dishes.

7. Sea Urchin (海膽) 🦪

Sea urchin, or uni, is a delicacy in Taiwan. Its sweet, briny flavor is often enjoyed raw, spread over rice or eaten as sashimi. The freshness of the uni is key to fully appreciating its taste.

• Where to Try: Coastal towns such as Hualien and Taitung are known for serving the freshest sea urchin in Taiwan.

8. Taiwanese Fish Head Soup (魚頭湯) 🍲

Fish head soup is a traditional Taiwanese dish made from fish heads, particularly from snapper or tilapia. The soup is simmered for hours, resulting in a flavorful broth with tender fish meat.

• Where to Try: Jiufen and Keelung are famous for their fish head soup, and many seafood restaurants offer it as a specialty.

9. Abalone (鮑魚) 🐚

Abalone is a prized delicacy in Taiwan. Whether served steamed, stir-fried, or in a hot pot, its tender meat and subtle flavor make it a luxurious addition to any meal.

• Where to Try: Taitung and Kaohsiung are great places to try fresh, locally sourced abalone.

10. Clams and Mussels (蛤蜊與青口) 🦪

Clams and mussels are plentiful in Taiwan's coastal areas. They're often served in broths or stir-fried with garlic and chili. Taiwan also offers many dishes with clam soup, where the clams are simmered with ginger and herbs.

• Where to Try: Keelung and Tainan are known for their fresh clams and mussels, especially in the local night markets.

11. Seafood Hot Pot (海鮮火鍋) 🍲🦞

A popular dish in Taiwan, seafood hot pot is a communal meal where a variety of fresh seafood, vegetables, and noodles are cooked in a flavorful broth. The freshness of the seafood makes this dish especially satisfying.

• Where to Try: Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hualien are well-known for their seafood hot pots.

12. Taiwanese Fish Ball Soup (魚丸湯) 🍲

Fish balls made from fresh fish paste are a popular snack in Taiwan, served in clear broth or as part of a noodle soup. The texture is soft and chewy, and the fish balls are often filled with minced pork or shrimp.

• Where to Try: Local eateries and night markets in Kaohsiung and Tainan.

Tips for Enjoying Fresh Seafood in Taiwan:

• Freshness Matters: Taiwan’s seafood is incredibly fresh due to its location by the sea. Look for seafood restaurants that source from local fishing markets for the best quality.
• Night Markets: Taiwan’s night markets are a haven for fresh seafood. Don’t miss Shilin Night Market in Taipei or Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung.
• Seafood Restaurants: Coastal cities like Keelung, Hualien, and Taitung have a range of seafood restaurants offering the freshest catches of the day.
• Seafood Markets: Visit the Taipei Fish Market or Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market to pick out your seafood and have it cooked to your preference.

Conclusion:

Taiwan is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering a wide array of fresh, flavorful, and unique dishes. Whether you're enjoying street food, seafood hot pots, or delicate sashimi, Taiwan’s seafood will definitely leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. 🦀🍤