There are plenty of reasons to love Taiwan. Its people have a welcoming nature that makes you want to keep coming back to the island. Despite the language barrier, the local people will befriend you and help you in any way they can.
The hospitality of the Taiwanese people are truly remarkable. But apart from that, another reason to visit this island in East Asia is its local cuisine. So include a food tour in your itinerary when you visit Taiwan.
A Food Lovers’ Haven
Here, you can find a wide selection of local dishes, from the fresh seafood to the flavourful street food. Taiwanese people love to eat, that’s why midnight snacking is popular among locals; tourists eventually pick up the habit.
You can also find numerous night markets packed with locals and tourists waiting for their midnight snack. The Taiwanese cooks value the preservation of a continued tradition. They believe a cook’s heartfelt persistence is the source of the flavours of good food.
Taiwanese cuisine has various influences from different nations, including mainland China, South East Asia, Japan and the US. These influences resulted in a wide range of cuisines that provide new and exciting flavours.
Taiwanese Cuisine You Shouldn’t Miss
Taiwan has a lot to offer when it comes to food. Almost anywhere you can find delicious dishes for any time of the day. Here are some popular Taiwanese food you should try on your next visit to the island.
Breakfast
Youtiao – fried donut sticks you can enjoy while on the go. This affordable, tasty breakfast goes well with soy milk and porridge.
Shaobing – a layered flatbread stuffed with various fillings and topped off with sesame seeds. Fillings include red bean, black sesame paste, and sometimes, savoury fillings are also available.
Lunch
Beef noodle soup – your trip to Taiwan wouldn’t be complete without tasting authentic beef noodles. Its sweet and savoury beef tomato stew will make you want more.
Soup dumplings (xiao long bao) – this is another tasty and satisfying food in Taiwan. Each dumpling contains pork broth, so be careful when eating them because they are surely hot.
Braised pork rice – this is one of the local favourites because of its simple, hearty and tasty flavour. You can enjoy it with side dishes, like soup, tofu and stir-fried vegetables.
Snacks
Gua bao – steamed flatbread filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard, ground peanuts and coriander. This simple, yet flavourful dish is the Taiwanese hamburger.
Stinky fried tofu – this is an excellent snack to enjoy after a day of exploring Taiwan’s busy cities. Despite its strong aroma, this snack is a best-seller among locals and tourists. Stinky fried tofu comes with a spicy sauce.
Bubble tea – Taiwan is home to this worldwide-favourite drink. Enjoy the original boba in different varieties while you’re on the island.
Where to Get Delicious Food in Taiwan
Taipei serves not only as Taiwan’s capital because it’s also home to the island’s famous night markets and food culture. Here, you can find the Shilin Night Market, which is one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan when it comes to food. You can find a food paradise in a food court along the western edge of the market.
The Shilin Night Market Food Court serves Taiwan’s traditional food at reasonable prices. There will be friendly locals who can offer guidance with certain selections.
In case you missed the fun at the night market, there are more stores and restaurants throughout Taipei that serve authentic Taiwanese food. Don’t be afraid to explore the vibrant city, and discover more interesting things about the city.
