7 breakfast menus to eat on your trip to Taiwan! In-depth explanation of soy milk, sheng dou jiang, and even Michelin-starred restaurants!
Table of Contents
- 1 When it comes to Taiwan, it’s all about breakfast culture! Essential information for travelers
- 2 7 Must-Try Taiwanese Breakfast Dishes
- 3 3 Must-Try Breakfast Spots in Taiwan! From Michelin-starred restaurants to local favorites
- 4 A Guide to Enjoying Breakfast in Taiwan: By Time of Day, Budget, and Area
- 5 Taiwanese Breakfast Menu & Tips for Ordering
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Breakfast in Taiwan
- 7 summary
When you think of Taiwan, you think of its breakfast culture!
Essential Information for Travelers
In Taiwan,"Breakfast (Zao Zhan)"A breakfast culture known as [name] is well established, and many people start their day by eating out.
One of the joys of traveling is enjoying the lively local morning scene at a breakfast spot that opens early.
In this column, we’ll explore places beloved by localsClassic MenuFrom Michelin-starred restaurants to tips on ordering and estimated budgets, we’ll cover everything in detail!
◆ For those wondering where to eat breakfast during their trip to Taiwan
◆ For those who want to try a Michelin-listed Taiwanese breakfast spot
◆ For those who want to check how to place orders and what the budget is like while there
Taiwan Recommendations
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7 Must-Try Taiwanese Breakfast Dishes
Taiwanese breakfast menus offer a wide variety of options, including soy milk-based drinks and light meals made with flour.
All of them are easy to eat, andIt offers excellent value for moneyThat's what makes it so appealing!
Soy milk
Soy milk is a staple of the Taiwanese breakfastHot soy milk drink。
There are two varieties available: "Sweet Soy Milk" and "Unsweetened Soy Milk," so you can choose whichever you prefer.
The mild bean flavor and subtle sweetness will gently warm your stomach first thing in the morning.
Danbing
Danbing is,Thin, chewy doughwrapped in eggTaiwanese-style crepeIt is.
In addition to plain, there are plenty of variations, such as cheese and tuna, and at local breakfast spots,Classic MenuI always see it used in this way.
Just one piece is more than enough to satisfy your appetite, making it the perfect introduction to a Taiwanese breakfast!
Salty Soy Milk
Salty soy milk (xian doujiang) is made by adding vinegar, fried dough sticks, dried shrimp, and scallions to soy milkSalty Soy Milk SoupIt is.
The acid in the vinegar causes the soy milk to partially curdle, creating a unique, creamy texture.
Many people are surprised when they try it for the first time, but once you get a taste, you’ll be hooked on this uniquely Taiwanese flavor!
Rice Ball (Phan Thuan)
Onigiri (Phan Thuan) is,Taiwanese-style rice balls made with glutinous riceIt is.
The filling includes fried dough sticks, shredded pork, and pickles, making it a hearty and satisfying treat.
You can find them at convenience stores in Taiwan, but the ones from specialty shops are especially delicious.
Fried Buns and Fried Dough Sticks (Xiaobing and You Tiao)
Shao Bing You Tiao (Shao Bing and You Tiao) consists of a crispy sesame-seed pastry (Shao Bing)with a fried dough stick (you tiao) in the middleA staple of Taiwanese breakfast.
The crispy texture and toasty flavor are simply perfect.Eat it while dipping it in soy milkThat’s the Taiwanese way of enjoying it, so be sure to give it a try.
Radish Cake (Luobo Gao)
Luobo Gao is made by steaming daikon radish and glutinous rice flourGrilled daikon radish cakesIt is.
It is characterized by a crispy exterior and a chewy interior, and is typically eaten with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce.
It’s a popular staple not only at breakfast spots but also at night markets.
Scallion Pancake (Zongbing)
Scallion pancakes (Zongbing) are,Made with plenty of green onionsThese are chewy pancakes.
The outside is crispy, while the aroma of green onions wafts from the inside. It has a simple yet complex flavor, and it’s often a popular item at breakfast spots.
3 Must-Try Breakfast Spots in Taiwan!
From Michelin-starred restaurants to local eateries
The high standard of Taiwan's breakfast culture has even been recognized by the Michelin Guide.
At this world-renowned restaurant,An Authentic BreakfastWhy not give it a try?
Fu Hang Soy Milk (Taipei, Shandao Temple)
Fuhang Doujiang is,ミシBiburkman of YuranIt’s a super-famous soy milk shop that has also been selected for [...].
This popular restaurant is sure to have long lines, and it’s known for the long queues that form even before it opens.
Their thick-style fried pancakes and savory soy milk are absolutely delicious, making this a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience a traditional Taiwanese breakfast. Please note that they are only open early in the morning and are closed on Mondays.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
World Soy Milk King (Yonghe, Taipei)
World Soy Milk King is located in the Yonghe area of TaipeiOpen 24 hours a dayIt's a soy milk shop.
Since it’s open from late at night until early morning, it’s a favorite among locals as a place to wrap up a night out.
They have a wide variety of menu items, so you can enjoy not only soy milk but also egg pancakes and rice balls.
Access: 20 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Ding Yuan Soy Milk (Zhongzheng District, Taipei)
Dingyuan Soy Milk is located in Zhongzheng District, TaipeiPopular with both locals and touristsIt's a breakfast spot.
The combination of salty soy milk and shaobing is particularly renowned as a delicacy, and the shop is bustling with customers from early in the morning.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
How to Enjoy a Taiwanese Breakfast
Guide by Time of Day, Budget, and Area
To get the most out of a Taiwanese breakfast,Know the time frame and budget in advanceIt is important to...
Each area has its own unique atmosphere, so choose one that suits your travel style.
Getting up early is key! Recommended times
Many breakfast shops in Taiwan,Early morning, around 6:00–7:00 a.m.We will begin operations starting from .
Since popular shops often sell out by mid-morning, we recommend heading out as early as possible.
If you arrive by 9 o'clock at the latest, you'll have plenty of time to choose from the menu.
Estimated budget per meal
Breakfast in Taiwan is very affordable, costing aboutNT$50–150 (approx. ¥200–600)This is a rough guide.
A cup of soy milk costs about 30 to 50 Taiwanese dollars, and a danbing costs about 35 to 55 Taiwanese dollars, so it’s nice that ordering multiple items won’t break the bank.
Taiwanese breakfast is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers too!
By Area: Taipei, Tainan, and Taichung
Recommended Areas
In TaipeiYonghe, Zhongzheng District, Da'an DistrictThese areas are home to a concentration of long-established breakfast spots.
Tainan is known as the "City of Fine Dining," and visitors can enjoy unique local breakfast specialties such as milkfish congee.
There are many places to grab breakfast around Fengjia Night Market and the Yizhong Street area in Taichung, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll and sampling the local food.
Taiwanese Breakfast Menu & Tips for Ordering
Even if there’s a language barrier, knowing a few simple tips will help you enjoy Taiwanese breakfast spotsYou can enjoy it without a hitch。
We’ve put together some helpful information for ordering at local restaurants, so please feel free to use it as a guide!
Common Chinese Phrases
At breakfast spots in Taiwan, English isn't always understood, but simpleChinese PhrasesIt’s helpful to keep this in mind.
◆ "Neiyong = Dining in"
◆ "Dai-zō = Takeout"
◆ "This (Jäger) = I'll take this"
If you just memorize these four phrases, you'll be able to handle almost any situation.
A standard menu for pointing
At breakfast spots in Taiwan, the menuChinese onlyThat's usually the case.
It’s easier to order by pointing if you save the names of menu items—such as “soy milk,” “egg pancake,” “salty soy milk,” “rice ball,” and “fried bun”—in Chinese on your smartphone beforehand. Be sure to use a translation app as well.
How to Order Takeout
Breakfast in Taiwan is usually takeout (Take Away / Daizou) is common, and it’s also standard practice to have it packed in a bag to eat on the go.
Just say "Takeout" and they'll prepare your order to go. Eating in the park or along the riverbank is a typical Taiwanese experience—I highly recommend it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Breakfast in Taiwan
For breakfast in Taiwan, we recommend eating at the many “breakfast shops” or “soy milk shops” found throughout the city. In Taipei, famous spots are concentrated in the Shandao Temple, Yonghe, and Zhongzheng District areas. If you choose a shop where locals are lining up, you’re sure to find a delicious breakfast.
A typical meal costs between 50 and 150 New Taiwan Dollars (about 200 to 600 yen). A cup of soy milk costs about 30–50 Taiwanese dollars, and a danbing costs about 35–55 Taiwanese dollars, so even if you order multiple items, the total will usually come in under 1,000 yen. Breakfast in Taiwan offers excellent value for money and is extremely popular among travelers.
It’s helpful to memorize simple phrases like “这个 (Jia-ge) = I’ll have this,” “带走 (Dai-zou) = Takeout,” and “内用 (Nei-yong) = Eat-in.” Another effective method is to save the names of menu items in Chinese on your smartphone and point to them when ordering. You might also want to try using a translation app.
summary
Taiwan's breakfast culture is also a highlight for travelersOne of the best experiencesIt is.
Be sure to try all the classics—soy milk, egg pancakes, and savory soy milk—and make a point of visiting both Michelin-starred restaurants and local favorites.
Waking up early to experience the morning in Taiwan alongside the locals is sure to be a memorable part of your trip!
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