Taiwan Food: Surprising, delicious, creative
Taiwan food adventure? Get ready, because let’s just say that food in Taiwan – in all its many forms, from Taiwan street food to five star Taiwan specialty food – is all about incredible flavors, freshness, and originality. A stunning synthesis of multicultural influences, on a tour of Taiwan you will discover local, fresh ingredients; a preference for steamed, stir-fried, seafood, and soups; and a creativity that confers universal appeal upon the many diverse specialty dishes, street food snacks, and fine dining to be found here. In this article on the very best of Taiwan food, we’ve covered pretty much everything you need to know. A mix of tastes, famous dishes, and popular destinations, we’re confident – okay, perhaps even supremely confident – that you’ll not only be hungry, but have put together your own ‘yes, I have to try this dish’ list for your visit to this gorgeous little island.
So, with all that said, let’s tuck in!
Taiwan famous food: Delicious on any day
You could be forgiven for thinking that you perhaps know the food in Taiwan, but that would be a misperception. When you’ve finally booked your Taiwan tour and are getting around to assembling all the lovely little details that go with an international travel adventure, then food must form an important part of your travel plan. Because in Taiwan, every destination holds the promise of delicious dishes that not only awaken your flavor senses, but also open the window into the people, culture, and history behind them. What constitutes famous food in Taiwan? Well, that’s difficult to define in a single sentence or a single dish. External commentators have pointed to the unusual dishes like zhuxie gao (pig blood cake), which is a favorite with locals. Taiwanese cuisine, however, is actually an eclectic mix of dishes that are predominantly pan-fried and steamed, and sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter in flavor. Where does this mix come from? It’s a function of the island’s background that is steeped deeply in traditional Chinese cuisine, with many Japanese, Western, and other cultural influences. Here’s a healthy sample of Taiwan famous food for hungry travelers.
Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
We love the ‘factual’ descriptions of dishes like Taiwanese three cup chicken, or San Bei Ji (三杯鸡). Quite literally chicken and a cup each of the three essential ingredients for the sauce (which is more like a syrup), namely sesame oil, dark soy sauce and rice wine, the flavors of this dish are enhanced further in a delightful marriage with ginger, garlic and basil. Originally from Jiangxi province, San Bei Ji is probably the most popular chicken dish in Taiwan and no two households, street food vendors, or restaurants make it the same way. So, does this mean you need to try a version in every destination in Taiwan? Probably! But mouthful and we’re pretty sure you won’t mind doing that.
Taiwan Style Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Fo Tiao Qiang)
Taiwan Style Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Fo Tiao Qiang)
Originating out of Fuzhou in China’s southeast during the Qing dynasty, the Taiwanese version of Fo Tiao Qiang is a variation on the original theme. A somewhat more relaxed take, the Taiwanese version includes stir fried scallion, garlic and onion shallot, and is seasoned with soy sauce and ground white pepper. With the option to go fancy or simple, depending on available ingredients, Fo tiao qiang affords the chef substantial creative license. Typically, the main ingredients for a Taiwanese style Fo Tiao Qiang are: Fried pork ribs, rehydrated dried sea cucumber, taro, soaked dried bamboo shoots, soaked dried scallops, mushrooms, quail eggs, and chestnuts. Ingredients must be prepared, through rehydration or soaking, then deep fried or boiled separately, before mixing into the soup to stew. Fo tiao qiang is a classic dish that you’ll find on the banquet table of every family’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice Bowl (Lu Rou Fan)
Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice Bowl (Lu Rou Fan)
Synonymous with Taiwan, Lu Rou Fan could almost be considered the island’s most iconic dish. Simple yet flavorsome, Lu Rou Fan is popular, not least for its combination of ground pork that is braised in a wonderful combination of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and rice wine. Served either with rice or noodles, and occasionally a side dish of pickled cucumbers or shiitake mushrooms, Lu Rou Fan also goes by the moniker Taiwanese ragú. Taiwanese farmers may have had dibs on Lu Rou Fan in previous generations, but it is a much loved dish all over the island today.
Taiwanese Preserved Radish Omelet (Cai Fu Dan)
Taiwanese Preserved Radish Omelet (Cai Fu Dan)
Preserved (or dried) radish is a staple in the diet of people in Taiwan, and one popular way to savor this traditional ingredient is in cai fu dan, a preserved radish omelet. Like many dishes from this lovely island, Cai Fu Dan is simple and quick to prepare. A traditional Hakka classic, this omelet is a typical Taiwanese breakfast and is often served with congee or steamed rice. You can also find Cai Fu Dan in Fujian, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, so if these destinations are part of your itinerary, you can enjoy Cai Fu Dan there too.
Taiwanese-Style Ginger Duck Stew (Jiang Mu Ya)
Taiwanese-Style Ginger Duck Stew (Jiang Mu Ya)
A traditional dish with both healing and nourishing benefits, Jiang Mu Ya, or ginger duck stew, is a popular winter dish in Taiwan. Made with duck, ginger, sesame oil and high alcohol rice wine, Jiang Mu Ya not only fills an empty tummy, but also warms the soul. Made as a hot pot, you will find Jiang Mu Ya a spicy, sweet, soupy dish. Add side orders like mushrooms, cabbage, or tofu for a truly filling meal.
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
Not nearly as spicy as its Sichuan counterpart, and simmered for many hours, the Taiwan incarnation of beef noodle soup is more like ramen beloved by the Japanese. Taiwan beef noodle soup is a dish that is the result of many influences, elements, and cooking methods from different cuisines. The method of braising found in Shanghai cuisine, the process of preparing the broth by the Cantonese, and the addition of pickled vegetables (a Hokkien influence), hot and spicy Sichuan flavors, the unique taste of Taiwan’s onion shallot, and even Southeast Asia’s satay flavors.
With such an eclectic mix of flavors to experience, why wouldn’t you try Taiwanese beef noodle soup? There are many versions of beef soup noodles in Taiwan, so take your pick. Our two recommendations? Choose from a slow cooked clear stew soup or a red spicy soup cooked with chili bean paste. So good! And for the dedicated beef noodle soup lovers visiting Taipei, there is even an annual competition to judge the best beef noodle soup.
Steamed Sticky Rice with Mud Crab (Hong Xun Mi Gao)
Steamed Sticky Rice with Mud Crab (Hong Xun Mi Gao)
If you happen to be in Taiwan for Chinese New Year, or a guest at a local wedding, expect the banquet to round out with this famous Taiwanese dish: steamed sticky rice with mud crab. Deeply entrenched in Taiwanese culture, this dish originated in the south of the island. Aside from cleaning the mud crabs, this dish is simple to prepare. Soaked sticky rice is stir fried with shitake mushrooms, rehydrated dried shrimps, diced ham, and some other ingredients. And for the finale? It’s topped with mud crab and steamed for 20 minutes.
Squid and Sea Snails Soup with Green Garlic (Youyu Luorou Suan)
Squid and Sea Snails Soup with Green Garlic (Youyu Luorou Suan)
Feeling adventurous and wanting to immerse yourself in Taiwanese cuisine? Then this classic Taiwanese dish is a must. Frequently on the menu of Chinese New Year banquets, its three key ingredients are squid, sea snails, and green garlic. The dried squid is rehydrated for over eight hours prior to being added to the precooked pork rib soup and canned sea snails. For an enriching flavor, green garlic is added just before serving.
Din Tai Fung Steamed Buns (Xiao Long Bao)
Din Tai Fung Steamed Buns (Xiao Long Bao)
Xiao long bao is a small steamed bun filled with mince and juicy broth. It is a universal favorite and a longstanding traditional Chinese staple that originated during the period of the Qing dynasty. There are as many versions of Xiao Long Bao as there are outlets that sell them, so don’t just try them once when on tour in Taiwan. Our insider’s tip for the very best however, is the restaurant, Din Tai Fung. It is deservedly famous for its paper-thin wrapped Xiao Long Bao, with fans traveling from all over the world for a taste. If you’re a serious foodie, Din Tai Fung is a definite inclusion on your Taiwan food bucket list. Imbibe these delights daily while traveling on your Taiwan tour.
Bitter Melon Soup with Chicken and Pineapple (Fengli Kugua Ji)
Bitter Melon Soup with Chicken and Pineapple (Fengli Kugua Ji)
Apart from flavor there is often a rhyme and reason to dishes emanating from Taiwan. How else can the famous Hakka dish bitter melon soup with chicken and pineapple. A mouthful to say, let alone eat, this unique combination of ingredients – pineapple, bitter melon and chicken – is popular during summer because of its ‘cooling’ effect. The health giving properties of the ingredients are a bonus.
Hakka-Style Stir Fry with Pork Belly and Squid (Kejia Xiaochao)
Hakka-Style Stir Fry with Pork Belly and Squid (Kejia Xiaochao)
Colloquially referred to as Hakka stir fry, this dish is a traditional Hakka dish that was originally the brainchild of frugal Hakka housekeepers wanting to feed their family. These resourceful people took leftover food and stir fried it up into a wholesome dish. Today the basic ingredients of this tasty dish include pork belly, soaked dried squid, dry tofu, and celery. And it’s no less loved by international travelers than Hakka families!
Taiwanese-Style Lamb Hot Pot (Yang Rou Lu)
Taiwanese-Style Lamb Hot Pot (Yang Rou Lu)
Heartwarming and typically consumed in cooler months, this lamb hot pot is stewed in a hot pot with vegetables and Chinese herbal ingredients, including old ginger, angelica root, astragalus root, processed rehmannia root, Chinese cassia, goji berry, and Szechwan lovage rhizome (a herb used to promote healthy blood flow). Consumed as a kind of ‘food therapy’, this is a very special dish and should be included on your ‘must try’ list if you’re traveling during winter.
Taiwan street food: Local snacks you can’t walk past
Taiwan is famous for its many (okay, countless!) night markets that introduce international visitors to the amazing, interesting, and delicious street food that is an essential ingredient in any travel to this delightful destination. How many street food options are there? Too many to list here, but having consulted with our Taiwan team, we have included our favorites. Not all are available at every market, so be sure to plan ahead or book a Taiwan private tour so you don’t miss anything on your bucket list.

Oyster Omelet | O-A-Chian
Unless your palate prevents you, no visit to a Taiwan night market is complete without sampling at least one famous oyster omelet. Quite literally, O-A-Chian is the all time number one favorite for locals and visitors who visit Taiwan night markets.

Oyster Vermicelli Noodles | O-A-Mee Sua
Although not statistically proven, we’re confident you won’t visit a single night market in Taiwan without uncovering a stall that sells oyster vermicelli. Effectively a noodle soup, oyster vermicelli noodles are topped with juicy oysters and it’s a dish that’s a true icon of Taiwan cuisine.

Taiwanese Milkfish Soup | Shimuyu Geng
Given that people in Taiwan consume around hundreds of millions of tonnes of milkfish annually, you can understand that milkfish is a popular ingredient in Taiwanese cuisine. Appreciated for its tenderness, milkfish is typically served in a soup or as a congee, hence the inclusion of Shimuyu Geng in our list. Milkfish emerged as a Taiwan food staple towards the end of the Ming dynasty and remains a favorite. Maybe it will become a favorite for you too. Discoverable at night markets around Taiwan, but especially Tainan from where it originated.

Taiwan-Style Hamburger | Gua Bao
For an incredibly popular Taiwan street food snack, you have to try the famous local gua bao – or Taiwan style hamburger. These steamed buns filled with the flavorsome braised pork belly and a handful of other ingredients, such as sour pickled mustard greens, chopped parsley, and lightly sweetened peanut powder. They are without question, the Taiwan equivalent of a hamburger, but way more delicious. Almost guaranteed to demand a second serve!

Taiwanese Stir Fried Squid Thick Soup
| Sheng Chao Huazhi
Taiwanese stir fried squid thick soup – also known as stir fried cuttlefish stew – is an absolute must eat if you plan to visit Shilin Night Market in Taipei. It’s pretty hard to go past the aroma of fresh cuttlefish stir fried with garlic, scallion, chili and carrots, which is then seasoned with rice wine, soy sauce, salt, sugar, vinegar and Shacha sauce – so we recommend you don’t! Ingredients are then stewed in a stock with cabbage thickened with potato starch. A handful of fresh basil is added just prior to serving. Run, don’t walk to the Shilin night markets for a truly delicious dish.

Taiwanese Fried Chicken | Yansu Ji
Frequently rated among Taiwan’s night market top three favorite street food snacks, Taiwanese fried chicken (or popcorn chicken) is traditionally flavored with salt, pepper, garlic, and basil. These small pieces of chicken, usually thigh meat, are coated in potato or corn starch, then deep fried. Modern interpretations of Yansu Ji have included other seasoning flavors, such as seaweed or mustard powder and allspice, but the outcome is all the same: An irresistible street food snack for locals and visitors alike.

Tainan Danzai Noodles | Ta-A-Mi
The creation of a resourceful fisherman in 1895, Ta-A-Mi also referred to as ‘shoulder pole noodles’ – this classic local street food snack from Tainan is potentially the most delicious soup you’ll enjoy in Taiwan. A shrimp-flavored broth of wheat noodles, pork mince, and spices, every outlet maintains strict secrecy around its recipe. We think you’ll love a bowl or two of Tainan danzai noodles.

Small Sausage in A Large Sausage
| Dachang Bao Xiaochang
A quirky name for what is essentially the Taiwan equivalent of a hotdog. A pork sausage is grilled, then wrapped in a half-cut sticky rice ‘sausage’ and topped with sauce, condiments like garlic, pickled veggies, ground peanuts, and herbs such as coriander and basil.

Stinky Tofu | Chou Doufu
Just as the name describes, stinky tofu is just that; tofu with a pungent smell that has a loyal following among dedicated locals. Found at virtually every night market in Taiwan, stinky tofu is fermented tofu; a process which involves the tofu being placed in a jar of brine, together with bamboo shoots, shrimps, and green cabbage. Fermented for a month (incredibly, the jars are left open), the tofu is then soaked in a container jars for several hours, a step which results in the ‘stinky’ part of the tofu. Vendors often concoct their own flavors to complement the tofu, including garlic or chili sauce, or pickled cabbage. Stinky tofu is served fried, steamed, or stewed, but novices should opt for deep-fried as this is one Taiwan street food snack that is definitely an acquired taste.

Taiwanese Scallion Pancake | Cong You Bing
Much loved by the locals, you can find versions of flaky scallion pancakes in most night markets in Taiwan. An iconic favorite that is crispy and flaky (what a combination), scallion pancakes can be eaten on their own, or wrapped around eggs, fresh basil, cheese, kimchi, spicy sauce and other ingredients, you’ll probably have to try this one multiple times. These pancakes are definitely a ‘must try’ and can be enjoyed at any meal from breakfast through to dinner. And if you do happen to make it to Yilan, be sure to try the Sanxing scallion pancakes there. They’re considered the very best; a big call considering there is plenty of competition.

Pineapple Shrimp Balls with Mayonnaise
| Feng Li Xia Qiu
For a pick-me-up dish in summer months, it’s hard to walk past pineapple and shrimp balls. These are usually served with mayonnaise and are the most popular dish ordered at re chao restaurants – famously casual (but delicious) local eateries that are a staple of the Taiwanese food culture. Again, like many other dishes, you will find this one is a perennial family favorite. Prawns are deep fried, stir fried with pineapples, and mixed with mayonnaise for the perfect match of sweet and sour pineapple with prawns.

Tube Sticky Rice Pudding | Tongzai Gao
Although we would typically associate a pudding with being a sweet dessert, Tongzai gao or tube sticky rice pudding is actually a savory dish. Often served with mushrooms, pork, shallots, and eggs, the pudding immersed in a sweet and spicy sauce. A delicious breakfast that originated in Qingshui of Taichung, but today found in many specialty restaurants all over the island, be sure to try Tongzai Gao at least once during your Taiwan vacation.

Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes | Fenglisu
A buttery, flaky cake with a crust, Taiwanese pineapple cakes are delicious, sweet cakes and a popular ‘gift’ or souvenir for visitors to the island. A bit like traditional mooncake pastry in texture, the filling for these delights is a sweet pineapple jam or pineapple mixed with winter melon. Behind this treat, it’s said there is a lovely story of romance. During the Three Kingdoms dynasty, the Shu Emperor sent a large pineapple cake to a sister of the Wu emperor in an effort to win her over. We think that if she enjoyed a Fenglisu with a hot tea, as is recommended, it’s likely Emperor Shu’s advances were worth the effort! The reality is, however, that the popularity of pineapple cakes is closely aligned to the importance of pineapples in Taiwan’s economy. For nearly 100 years, Taiwan has been a net exporter of pineapples, and local bakers have made good use of excess by creating their own version of these famous treats.

Bubble Tea | Zhen Zhu Nai Cha
Really requiring no introduction at all, the reputation of bubble tea precedes it. Also referred to as pearl milk tea, tapioca tea, boba tea, and foam milk tea, bubble tea is now a popular beverage worldwide. Incredibly, local Taiwan people consume about 100 million bubble teas annually. It is said that Chun Shui Tang, a teahouse founded in 1983, started to make a kind of ‘iced tea’ by using premium tea. In 1986, a young employee mixed her favorite tapioca balls into the iced milk tea and iced lemon tea by chance, and even sold this ‘private recipe iced tea” for a trial. Positive customer feedback sealed its success, so when she asked to sell the tea as an official product, approval was a fait accompli. In the Spring of 1987, the pearl milk tea was officially launched in Chun Shui Tang. Today there are countless bubble tea shops all over Taiwan. Expect to find many variations that are created by adding different ingredients, with herbal jelly, coconut jelly, taro balls, puddings, aloe, coffee jelly, and fruit pieces among them.

Taiwanese shaved ice dessert | Chua Bing
For those with a penchant for sweet treats, you cannot go past Chua Bing, Taiwan’s shaved ice dessert. Regardless of whether you’re a traditionalist and opt for a mound of shaved ice with a selection of chewy toppings and brown sugar; or go with a modern interpretation – shaved ice with pieces of fruit (often mango), ice cream, chocolate sauce, or condensed milk, you won’t be disappointed. Perfect summer or winter if you love desserts, and if you’re after an experience that sums up Taiwan in sweets.

Taiwanese Mochi | Mashu
Gooey, chewy, and glutinous, these rice cakes are a sweet dessert. Mochi come with various fillings, ranging from fruits to red bean paste and crushed peanuts. They also come coated with peanut powder or sesame seeds. There are even grilled mochi, and the very creative milk mochi. You will even find mochi added to a shaved ice dessert. Best consumed hot, explore the night market of your destination for a delicious local experience.
Traveling through Taiwan? Here’s our ultimate guide of recommended restaurants
Taiwan has an enviable reputation as a foodie’s heaven, so it’s almost impossible to curate a list of recommended restaurants because there are just so many. Fortunately, the ChinaTours.com team can solve that problem. We have trusty guides on the ground that double as dedicated researchers who are charged with the not-so-enviable task of picking out the best places for our lovely travel guests to dine. We know! It’s a tough job, but somebody has do it! From traditional Taiwanese cuisine, to street food, and fine dining, we’ve summarized the list for you, making it super easy for you to create your very own shortlist of restaurants to visit.
Hungry? Well, then, let’s get started!
Taiwan cuisine: Recommended restaurants
Re chao Everywhere in Taiwan
Re chao Everywhere in Taiwan
For a seriously authentic, local dining experience, at the top of the list you will find any re chao. Not quite a night market food stall, and not quite a restaurant, Taiwan’s re chao offer informal, casual roadside dining. The direct translation of re chao is ‘hot stir fry’, so really, what’s not to like? With food that is prepared quickly, is well priced, authentic, and delicious, there is no comparison. A must for serious food lovers and travelers wanting a genuine experience of local life.
Mountain and Sea House Taipei
Mountain and Sea House Taipei
Michelin loves Taiwan and it’s not hard to see why with Mountain and Sea House in Taipei. Famous for reinvigorating enthusiasm for the halcyon days of the 1930s, this restaurant prides itself on fine dining following a ‘farm to table’ philosophy with its dishes. All produce grown in the organic farm finds itself in the many signature dishes. Among those rating highly are steamed sticky rice with mud crab, M&S special fish, roast suckling pig, deboned chicken braised in pork tripe, stir fried rice noodle, and crispy roasted chicken. Bookings are essential.
Shin Yeh Taipei
Shin Yeh Taipei
First opening in 1977, Shin Yeh has expanded over decades to many outlets. Among them is Shin Yeh Taiwanese Cuisine, recommended by the Michelin guide as a restaurant of home-style flavors. It is popular with both locals and visitors. Catering to a younger generation of diners, Shin Yeh Shiao Ju was launched in 2013. With a relaxed environment for young people to meet with friends and enjoy food, Shin Yeh Shiao Ju has found its way into the hearts of a new generation of foodies. For those who prefer a ‘high end’ luxury dining experience, visit Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature. It’s here you can savor Shin Yeh’s ‘greatest hits’ from the past 40 years.
Inn’s + Taipei
Inn’s + Taipei
First opened in 2019, this hidden gem is a Michelin guide restaurant that previously operated as a private kitchen offering rustic homestyle dishes. Through word of mouth and a loyal local following, diners have become devotees of the restaurant’s signature specialties like deep-fried home-made baby oyster rolls, shrimp omelet, deep-fried crispy pork, braised pork feet with peanuts. Make a beeline for lunch or dinner, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of the owner who is also the house chef.
Golden Formosa Taipei
Golden Formosa Taipei
For over 60 years, Golden Formosa has delighted locals and travelers with its classic Taiwanese cuisine. It is most deserving of the Michelin star rating it has received for four consecutive years 2022. Favored among diners are its standout dishes: Deep-fried pork ribs, steamed sticky rice with mud crab, buddha jumps over the wall (fo tiao qiang), and Formosa’s sweet and sour sea fish. Now run by a third generation of the same family, Golden Formosa in Shilin, Taipei is hard to beat for a restaurant experience on a Taiwan tour.
Ao Ba (Green Leaf) Zhongshan Restaurant Taipei
Ao Ba (Green Leaf) Zhongshan Restaurant Taipei
The famous restaurant was founded in 1964 and is regarded as the oldest restaurant of classic Taiwanese cuisine in Taiwan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it closed in Oct 2020 only to re-emerge after two months. The restaurant offers over 200 dishes on its menu, including many that are representative of Taiwanese cuisine. Having moved with the times, diners can expect to enjoy traditional dishes that have been modernized to reflect changing dietary preferences. The three most frequently ordered dishes are: Braised pork in soy sauce, pan-fried pork liver in soy sauce, and preserved radish omelet, for which there is an exclusive chef who only cooks this dish. Be sure to book ahead.
Amei Restaurant Tainan
Amei Restaurant Tainan
Reflecting the changing times and tastes, Amei Restaurant, which is still operated by a third generation family, is a Tainan local favorite. Think authentic traditional Taiwanese dishes, including several dishes with century-old recipes. Among the house specialties you’ll find duck casserole, shrimp thick soup, and fish head casserole. For a dining experience with a historical flavor – the restaurant’s interior features traditional design, timber, and historical artifacts – this is the place to go in Tainan.
A-Sha Restaurant Tainan
A-Sha Restaurant Tainan
First established in 1940, A-Sha Restaurant began as a humble dim sum stall selling noodles. Some 80 years later, and still operating under ownership of by the same family, A-Sha is a Tainan icon. Book in and relish the humble, yet flavor-filled food in Taiwanese classics like steamed sticky rice with mud crab, charcoal grilled mullet roe, Tainan traditional style braised fish. Thanks to popular demand, a sub-branch has opened. Jin Xia was established in 2015 and became a Michelin restaurant in 2022.
Shan Shin Dining Room Taichung
Shan Shin Dining Room Taichung
Since it opened in 2013, this Michelin restaurant has earned its reputation for creating homestyle traditional Hakka and Taiwanese food using only the cleanest and best ingredients. Everything from the fresh meat to the finest rice, fresh sea water and even soy sauce is carefully selected from exclusive suppliers. A must for the health conscious food connoisseur.
Old New Taiwanese Cuisine Kaohsiung
Old New Taiwanese Cuisine Kaohsiung
With an old world feel reflected in the vintage interior decor and traditional dishes, Old New Taiwainese Cuisine is aptly named. Recommended by CNN and the Michelin Guide, the east-meets-west vibe and the authentic traditional Taiwanese cuisine takes diners back to a bygone era. Make a selection from one of the seven to eight course banquet menus and enjoy an experience of authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
For local snacks and Taiwan street food
Now of course you can wander the night markets in every Taiwan town and city and partake of the vast selection of local snacks and Taiwan street food, but in fact, many restaurants also offer an excellent choice of traditional dishes. Here is a handful of our recommendations for the intrepid traveling diner.

Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant | Tainan, Taipei & Penghu
Who doesn’t love noodles? If you’re in that cohort like the ChinaTours.com team, then the famous ta-a-mi noodles from Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant are a must. Whether you visit the Tainan, Taipei or Penghu outlets, you can also enjoy many other traditional Taiwanese dishes such as golden shrimp rolls, Gong Wan meatballs, braised pork rice and vermicelli rolls. A legendary foodie haunt? We think so!

Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice | Taipei
Located close to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this popular local restaurant does some serious hours, operating daily from 8.00am to 1.00am. Amazingly, regardless of the time of day and the weather, there is quite literally always a queue of people who come to pay homage to Taipei’s most famous braised pork rice. A superlative experience for eating local food with local people if Taipei’s on your itinerary.

Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken | Taipei
Deemed a legend of local street food for over 20 years, Hot Star Large Fried Chicken serves just that: Large fried chicken that smells and tastes fabulous. First becoming famous in Taichung and then moving over to the Shilin Night Market in Taipei, it’s one outlet that’s endured the test of time. Expect long wait times at all hours of the day and night.

Yong-Kang Beef Noodle | Taipei
First opening in 1963, this tiny noodle stall is now the undisputed leader in Taiwanese beef noodle provedores. The house specialty? Sichuan flavored hot and spicy soup. The restaurant has operated over 50 years and still continues to delight loyal locals who love a low key, but delicious dining experience.

Tien Hsia San Chueh | Taipei
Attracting stars and regular folk alike, this upmarket version of a typical beef noodle soup restaurant provides a unique experience if you’re after a traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup, but don’t want the rough and ready environment that are a feature of most outlets, then make your way to Tien Hsia San Chueh in Taipei. The food is as good as anywhere and is well matched by a stylish western cafe décor environment. There’s even wine available for those looking to complement their meal.

Tian Tian Li Restaurant | Taipei
Located in the area of Shi-men Ting (Ximending), Tian Tian Li is a local favorite. Hardly a glamorous affair, this is where to go for seriously authentic braised pork rice, oyster omelet, braised eggs, and Chinese Lo Bak Go (turnip cake).

Chun Shui Tang | Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Hsinchu, Taoyuan
Chun Shui Tang is to bubble tea what Starbucks is to coffee. With Taiwan’s ongoing love affair with bubble tea, there are over 50 Chun Shui Tang shops in Taiwan. In addition to many varieties of bubble tea, this chain of restaurants also offers a range of other Taiwanese local flavors and snacks.

Ice Monster | Taipei
Looking for a local Taiwanese dessert specialty? Then go no further than the well-known Taiwanese dessert chain Ice Monster, which first opened its doors in 1997. Everyone knows the mango shaved ice is the ‘masterpiece’, but don’t be misled. There is a dazzling array of fresh fruit shaved ice, sorbet, ice cream, frozen yogurt, fruit tea, and dessert soups. The perfect place to stop after a day of taking in the local sites.
Other specialty restaurants: Taiwan’s best
Din Tai Fung Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu
Din Tai Fung Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu
Now rockstar-famous across the globe, Din Tai Fung is considered the ‘pride of Taiwan’. This Taiwanese mecca for xiao long bao attracts pilgrims from all over the world and has been awarded a Michelin star not once, but several times. Besides the signature soup dumplings, there are many others available. The steamed buns, soups, noodles, fried rice, stir fried dishes, and wontons all rate a mention, and should be included on your dine in list. A definite stopover if there’s no Ding Tai Fung in your home town.
Le PalaisTaipei
Le PalaisTaipei
As the name suggests, this luxury restaurant has a palatial feel to it, not least because it’s located in the museum hotel of Palais de Chine in Taipei. Consistently receiving Michelin 3 star ratings since 2018, foodies will love the Cantonese-style crispy roast duck, which is considered Taiwan’s best roast duck by locals. No mean feat in a world that reveres a well-cooked duck. Impressive in every way, from the food to the decor to the impeccable service, Le Palais is an experience where you enjoy the fusion of contemporary and traditional in a setting that balances refined elegance with modern style. Even the difficult-to-impress will be won over here.
Silks PalaceTaipei
Silks PalaceTaipei
For a culinary art and architectural experience, visit Silks Palace in Taipei. Located in the National Palace Museum precinct, Silks Palace is a stunning building inside and out. Its architecture combines traditional Chinese elements with contemporary influences and respectful acknowledgement of the environment. Guests can experience a Chinese Pastry Open Kitchen performance; enjoy the ambience in one of the many private dining rooms (each named after a famous Chinese artist); admire the Song dynasty wall art; and of course, savor the delightful food. For those seeking a dining experience in less auspicious surrounds, make your way to the Taiwanese Food Court or the Open-space restaurant in the complex. Silks Palace is highly regarded for its exquisitely recreated classical dishes, which include: Jadeite Cabbage with Insects (actually they use shrimps as the ‘insects’), Buddha’s Tureen in Ting Cauldron with String Decoration, Meat-shaped Stone, and Yuan Dynasty Yun Lin Goose.
Shi-Yang RestaurantTaipei
Shi-Yang RestaurantTaipei
Shi-Yang Restaurant is located about an hour out of Taipei. To visit here is to enjoy a genuine Zen experience from start to finish. Owned by a former architect , Shi-Yang provides guests with stunning and creatively prepared multi course meals that fuse Chinese ingredients with Western cooking styles. With photo-worthy views out across the gully thanks to the restaurant’s mountain top location, dining here is not only the content of beautiful travel memories, it is a spiritual experience that will change how you see and eat food. Bookings are essential (the restaurant is booked out two months in advance), as you may find yourself competing with dignitaries, celebrities, and dedicated foodies all keen for their own experience of culinary Zen.
Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD)Taipei
Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD)Taipei
Are you a seafood lover? Do you set the bar high when it comes to all things pescatorial? Then, Addiction Aquatic Development, or AAD as it’s known by fans, is a treasure trove of seafood in every imaginable form. From sushi to fried fish to a fresh catch (yes, there are live tanks, so you can choose your own seafood adventure), AAD has it all. Arrive hungry and eat at the fabulous sushi bar, pick up a bento bowl to go, or dine in and enjoy a hotpot or grill. Apart from an incredible array of seafood, there’s also plenty of dining options. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Taipei.
Yu Shan GeTaipei, Kaohsiung
Yu Shan GeTaipei, Kaohsiung
It’s hard to overlook a restaurant where the philosophy is creating meals that bring happiness through joyful cooking. Taiwan’s leading high end vegetarian restaurant – found in two locations (Taipei and Kaohsiung) – Yu Shan Ge is the culinary devotion and dream of founder Eric Chen. With every dish crafted to be a work of art that inspires the diners, Yu Shan Ge’s signature dish is monkey head mushrooms in black pepper sauce, for which mushrooms are marinated 24 hours before being tenderized and fried. It’s the closest thing to vegetarian steak you’ll find in Taiwan. Book ahead.
Formosa PearlYilan
Formosa PearlYilan
Formosa Pearl really is just that. Established on a rice field by its owner, Formosa Pearl celebrates the culinary arts, tea Zen, and the work of local artists. A combination of restaurant, teahouse, art gallery, and wedding venue, Formosa Pearl is definitely a destination for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the delightfully constructed 10 course menu-less menu, then wander the grounds where you can bird watch at the aviary.
Dageeli Tribal HouseHualien
Dageeli Tribal HouseHualien
Founded in 2000 by a Taroko couple, Dageeli Tribal House in Hualien captures the authenticity of local indigenous food, culture and art. Providing a rustic, unaffected environment for guests to get up close and personal with traditional culture, the owner created a unique experience for international travelers. Discover Dageeli Tribal House on route to Taroko National Park, and once there, marvel at the decor, specifically the tables, chairs and wooden sculptures, which the owner crafted himself.