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Food in Taiwan is a vibrant mix of flavours, combining traditional Taiwanese cuisine with influences from China, Japan, and other countries. It’s known for its variety of street food, fresh ingredients, and bold flavours. Meals are often made with rice, noodles, meat, seafood, and vegetables, served in a way that makes every bite interesting. Taiwanese food reflects the island’s culture and history, offering a wide range of delicious and satisfying dishes. From savoury snacks like bubble tea to rich, hearty meals like beef noodle soup, Taiwanese food is a culinary adventure worth exploring.
10 Best Food In Taiwan
Here is a list of the most famous and delicious food in Taiwan, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions enjoyed across the region:
1. Beef Noodle Soup
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Beef noodle soup is a famous food in Taiwan, known for its rich and comforting flavours. The dish features a broth simmered for hours with beef bones, herbs, and spices, resulting in a deep, savoury taste. The beef is braised until tender and is the star of the meal. This dish is served with chewy noodles that absorb the flavourful broth. It is further enhanced with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs for added freshness. The beef noodle soup is loved by locals and tourists alike and offers a true taste of Taiwan’s culinary tradition.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Taichung
2. Fried Chicken Cutlet
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Fried chicken cutlet is a crispy, deep-fried dish where the chicken is coated in a seasoned batter before being fried to golden perfection. The chicken is tender inside and crispy outside, making it a favourite snack or meal in Taiwan. It’s often served with a side of fries or rice and can be found at many street vendors and night markets. The dish is usually seasoned with a mix of spices that give it a rich, savoury flavour. A fried chicken cutlet is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious, crispy treat.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Kaohsiung
3. Lu Rou Fan
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Lu Rou fan is a famous food in Taiwan, and it is known for being a comforting and hearty meal. This dish consists of braised pork belly served over steamed rice. The pork is slowly cooked in soy sauce, five-spice powder, and other seasonings, making it tender and full of flavour. The rich sauce is poured over the rice, adding a savoury taste. It is often garnished with pickled vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, providing a nice balance of flavours and textures. Lu rou fan is widely enjoyed in Taiwan as a simple and satisfying meal.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Kaohsiung
4. Taiwanese Omelette (Dan Bing)
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Taiwanese Omelette (Dan Bing) is the best food in Taiwan, known for its simple yet satisfying taste. It is made with a thin pancake-like base, filled with scrambled eggs and vegetables, and sometimes meat. The omelette is usually topped with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce, which adds to its flavour. The combination of the crispy edges and the soft, savoury filling creates a pleasant texture. Dan Bing is a popular street food, often found at food stalls. It is a versatile dish, and vendors may offer various versions with different fillings to cater to different tastes.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Tainan
5. Gua Bao
Photo: Kent Wang / Wikimedia Commons
Gua Bao is a popular Taiwanese street snack made with a soft, steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and fresh herbs like coriander. The tender pork is sweet and juicy, while the pickles provide a tangy contrast, creating a perfect balance of flavours. It is often called a Taiwanese hamburger and can be found at food markets or street vendors nationwide. This tasty snack is a beloved part of Taiwanese street food culture and is a must-try when exploring the famous food in Taiwan.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Taichung
6. Taiwanese Hot Pot
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Taiwanese hotpot is a communal meal where various ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables are cooked in a bubbling pot of broth. The ingredients are often dipped in sauces before being eaten, adding extra flavour. Hotpot is particularly popular during colder months but can be enjoyed year-round. The dish encourages sharing, making it a social meal. People can customise their hotpot with their favourite ingredients, making it a fun and interactive dining experience. Taiwanese hotpot restaurants offer various broths and ingredients, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Tainan
7. Oyster Omelette
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Oyster omelette is a beloved Taiwanese street food that combines oysters, eggs, and starch to form a savoury, slightly chewy dish. The oysters are cooked in a sweet potato starch mixture, creating a unique texture, while the eggs bind everything together. The dish is often served with a sweet and spicy sauce that enhances the overall flavour. Oyster omelette is a famous food in Taiwan and is loved for its balance of savouriness and slight sweetness. It’s a must-try for those looking to experience authentic Taiwanese street food.
Best Places To Try: Keelung, Taipei
8. Stinky Tofu
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Stinky tofu is a popular deep-fried snack in Taiwan. It is made by marinating tofu in a special brine before frying it until crispy and golden. The tofu has a unique flavour that many people enjoy, combining crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often served with pickled cabbage and a dipping sauce that complements the rich taste. Despite its distinct aroma, stinky tofu is a favourite in Taiwan and offers a memorable taste. It is the best food in Taiwan, and it is enjoyed by many for its bold flavours.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Taichung
9. Pineapple Cake
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Pineapple cake is a popular Taiwanese dessert made with a buttery, crumbly pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam. The cake has a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, with the pineapple filling offering a refreshing burst of flavour. It is commonly enjoyed as a treat after a meal and is loved for its soft, flaky texture. Pineapple cake is also a popular gift in Taiwan, symbolising good fortune and prosperity. It can be found in bakeries throughout the island, where it is appreciated for its comforting taste and rich filling, making it a favourite snack for many.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Hualien
10. Tofu Pudding
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Tofu pudding, or douhua, is a soft, creamy dessert made from silken tofu. It is served with sweet syrup and various toppings like peanuts, red beans, or tapioca pearls. The tofu provides a smooth, delicate base that complements the sweetness of the syrup. It’s a refreshing, light dessert that can be enjoyed as a snack or after a meal. Tofu pudding is a popular treat in Taiwan, especially during hot weather with a cooling effect. It’s a simple yet satisfying dessert that showcases Taiwan’s love for tofu-based treats.
Best Places To Try: Taipei, Tainan
Food in Taiwan offers a rich mix of flavours, influenced by traditional Taiwanese dishes and culinary traditions from neighbouring countries. From savoury beef noodle soup to sweet pineapple cakes, Taiwanese food provides a wide variety of tasty meals. The food culture of Taiwan reflects the island’s history and diverse influences. This makes it an exciting destination for food lovers. Book your trip with TripXL and enjoy the authentic flavours of Taiwan.
Cover Photo: N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
