Gourmet food to eat in Taiwan! A list of famous restaurants, noodles, sweets, and even octagon-free menus!
Table of Contents
- 1 What makes Taiwanese cuisine so appealing?
- 2 6 Must-Try Classic Dishes in Taiwan
- 3 5 Must-Visit Restaurants for Taiwanese Cuisine
- 4 4 Recommended Taiwanese Noodle Dishes
- 5 5 Recommended Taiwanese Desserts
- 6 What are some Taiwanese dishes you can enjoy without worrying about star anise?
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Taiwanese Cuisine
- 8 summary
What makes Taiwanese cuisine so appealing?
Taiwan is packed with culinary delights, from street stalls to famous restaurantsA Food Lover's ParadiseIt is.
In this article, we cover everything from classic dishes and famous restaurants to noodles, desserts, and even dishes you can enjoy without star anise,A Comprehensive Guide to Taiwanese CuisineLet me introduce it to you.
Even if it’s your first trip to Taiwan, you’ll have no trouble sampling the local food!
◆For those who want to research famous restaurants and recommended dining spots in advance
◆For those who aren't fond of star anise and are worried about whether they'll be able to enjoy Taiwanese cuisine
◆For those who want to learn more about Taiwanese noodle dishes and desserts
Taiwan Recommendations
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6 Must-Try Classic Dishes in Taiwan
There are so many different kinds of Taiwanese food that it’s hard to choose, isn’t it?
If you make sure to try the six dishes featured here, your meals while traveling will beYou're sure to be completely satisfiedThat's right!
soup dumpling
When it comes to Taiwanese cuisine, xiaolongbao is definitely the first thing that comes to mind!
The thin wrapper is filled with plenty of soup, and the moment you take a bite,Juices gush outCome and experience the magic for yourself.
The authentic way to enjoy this dish is to top it with ginger and dip it in black vinegar sauce.
Lu Lo Fan
Pork belly simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, generously poured over piping hot riceTaiwanese Soul Food。
Each restaurant has its own unique seasoning and cuts of meat, so comparing them is part of the fun.
Please note that some restaurants use star anise or five-spice powder in their stews,Unique spices...is being used.
If you're concerned, try using the confirmation phrases described below.
fermented tofu
Fermented tofu is known for its strong smell, but when you actually try it, it’s surprisinglyCreamy and addictiveIt is a taste that becomes
There are fried and steamed varieties, and fried stinky tofu is a staple at night markets.
With a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior, this dish lets you experience the true essence of Taiwanese cuisine.
Why not take the plunge and give it a try?
mochi with red bean paste
Crispy on the outside, fresh out of the oven, and soft on the insideJuicy ground pork with a peppery kickThat combination is just irresistibleStreet FoodIt is.
Baked in a traditional oven, the dough has a rich, toasty flavor, and the best way to enjoy it is to bite into a fresh-out-of-the-oven piece.
If you see this at Raohe Street Night Market or Shilin Night Market, be sure to join the line. It’s piping hot, so be careful not to burn yourself!
Scallion Pancake
A Taiwanese dish made by baking thin pancakes packed with green onions on a griddleBreakfast and Street Food ClassicsIt is.
Simple, yetThe savory aroma of green onionsWith its perfect combination of a crispy exterior and chewy interior, it’s a huge hit with both locals and tourists.
There are also plenty of variations, such as versions with eggs or beef rolls, andThe taste varies from stall to stallThat's what makes it interesting.
Boiled dumplings
Taiwanese dumplings have thicker wrappers than Japanese ones,A chewy textureis a feature of this product.
The classic fillings are pork and Chinese chives, and the juicy, savory flavor of the steamed dumplings fills your mouth.
Enjoy it simply with soy sauce or chili oilThat's the authentic style.
One of the highlights at specialty shops is watching the food simmer away in large pots, and we also recommend getting it to go and eating it on the go.
5 Must-Visit Restaurants for Taiwanese Cuisine
Taiwan is home to many famous restaurants where long lines are a given.
Since you're coming all this way,A famous restaurant loved by both locals and touristsLet's make sure to keep this in mind!
Enjoy Taiwan's Popular Restaurants and Culinary Delights!
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Jinfeng Lu Rou Fan
This restaurant, located near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station, is famous for its lu rou fan.
It’s a huge hit with both locals and tourists alike because it offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine at reasonable prices.
Not just lu rou fan, but also,There is also a wide selection of typical Taiwanese side dishes, such as soup and braised eggsIt’s a great way to get a taste of the local vibe.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Fuhang Doujiang
Located on the second floor of a building right next to Shandou Temple Station in Taipei,A super-popular restaurant specializing in breakfastIt is.
This highly regarded restaurant has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand,Soy milk soup and fried breadPeople line up every day to get it.
The shop opens at 5:30 a.m., but even around 7:00 a.m., you might have to wait an hour. It’s definitely worth getting up early to stand in line!
We are closed on MondaysTherefore, caution is required.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Yongkang Beef Noodles
Located in the Yongkang Street area near Dongmen StationA renowned beef noodle shopIt is.
With its rich braised beef soup and chunks of tender, slow-cooked beef, this bowl is sure to leave you completely satisfied!
A shop loved by both tourists and localsSo, it gets especially crowded at lunchtime.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Shilin Night Market
TaiwanThe Largest Night MarketAnother appealing feature is its convenient location, just a short walk from Jiantan Station.
The underground food court is home to a wide variety of Taiwanese delicacies, including stinky tofu, giant chicken cutlets, and bubble teaWe have everything you need。
There are so many food stalls that it’s easy to get lost, but that’s part of the charm of Shilin Night Market. It starts to get busy around 6:00 p.m. and stays lively until late at night.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
Raoh Street Night Market
Located just a short walk from Matsuyama Station, approximatelyA compact night market stretching 600 metersIt is.
Since it’s not as big as Shilin, it’s easy to get around without getting lost, and at the entrance...The pepper cake stall is a famous attraction at Raohe Street Night Marketis famous for...
It has a strong local feel and offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind after getting tired of the tourist crowds.
For those who want to efficiently sample popular local cuisineThis is a night market we highly recommend.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
↓Click here for more information about the night market↓
Enjoy the night market!
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4 Recommended Taiwanese Noodle Dishes
Taiwan's noodle culture is rich and diverse, offering everything from soup-based to stir-fried varieties.
Here,4 items that are especially popular with travelersLet me introduce you to...
Beef Noodles
A signature Taiwanese noodle dish featuring braised beef andA rich soupis a feature of this product.
The standard soup options are the spicy soy sauce-based "Hong Shao" and the light, herbal "Qing Dun."
Star anise is often used in soupsTherefore, if you have any concerns, we recommend checking with our staff before placing your order.
Danzi Noodles
A local noodle dish originating in Tainan, served in a small bowlSoup with a rich shrimp brothIt’s a bowl of thin noodles topped with minced pork, shrimp, and a soft-boiled egg.
A light, mild flavorPlus, it’s great that the portions are just the right size for a quick bite while you’re out and about.
You can easily find it at almost any restaurant in Tainan.
Oa Mi Soa
Oysters and thin, noodle-like somen noodles,A thick soy sauce brothIt's a Taiwanese soul food dish simmered in...
With its addictive chewy and melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can enjoy this dish at street stalls and diners at reasonable prices.
It often comes topped with cilantroTherefore, if you don’t like it, it’s best to specify “No cilantro (būyào xiāncài)” when ordering.
Dried noodles
These noodles are served without soup, offering a simple yet rich flavor.An essential part of a Taiwanese breakfastIt's a one-of-a-kind item.
The typical style involves tossing the noodles in a soy sauce-based sauce with a small amount of oil, then topping them with green onions and ground meat.
Depending on the restaurant, peanut sauce or black vinegar may be added, giving each dish its own unique character.
5 Recommended Taiwanese Desserts
Taiwanese sweets are perfect for the hot weatherCold thingsSomething cozy and heartwarmingSomething warm...are all available.
Be sure to give it a try between meals!
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan, tastes completely different when you drink it in its country of origin.
You can customize the sweetness and amount of iceThat’s the Taiwanese way. You can easily find them anywhere—from chain stores in the city to night market stalls—so they’re perfect for snacking on as you walk around.
Mango Shaved Ice
Shaved ice made with plenty of Taiwanese mangoes is a particularly popular Taiwanese dessert among Japanese tourists.
The sight of fresh mango, mango sauce, and condensed milk drizzled over fluffy shaved ice isIt looks great in photos！
The peak season is from May to September頃So, if you visit during this season, you can enjoy mangoes with a sweeter flavor.
↓Click here for more information about Taiwanese shaved ice↓
Douhua
This soft tofu dessert is made by setting soy milk, and is typically served with warm or cold syrup.
Tapioca, red beans, taro balls, peanuts, and otherMix and match toppingsThat’s the Taiwanese way of enjoying it.
A light, subtle sweetnessIt’s also perfect for after a meal. It’s available everywhere from street stalls to specialty shops, and the reasonable prices are a big draw.
Herbal Jelly
It is a black jelly made from a plant called "senchao,"A subtle bitterness and a refreshing sweetnessThis is a dessert known for its distinctive features.
In summer, it’s customary to eat it chilled, and adding milk or syrup gives it a mellow flavor.
In Taiwan,Health BenefitsIt’s also a popular dessert that you can easily enjoy at night markets.
Pineapple Cake
A classic Taiwanese souvenir, featuring a buttery, flaky crust thatBaked goods filled with pineapple jamIt is.
Recently, there has been an increase in variety, including options like 100% pineapple and those with cream cheese.
Many tourists buy these items in bulk at specialty shops and department stores, and their relatively long shelf life is one of the reasons they make great souvenirs.
↓Click here for more information about pineapple cake↓
No star anise—so you can enjoy it with peace of mind
What makes Taiwanese cuisine so enjoyable?
I’m sure there are many people who want to enjoy Taiwanese cuisine but aren’t fond of star anise.
If you have the right knowledge,You can still fully enjoy Taiwanese cuisine even if you avoid star anise！
What Exactly Is Star Anise? How It’s Used in Taiwanese Cuisine
Star anise (bajiao) isA distinctive sweet aroma reminiscent of cinnamonThis spice is characterized by...
In Taiwanese cuisine, in stewed pork and beef dishesOdor removerIt is used as...
Since spices are often incorporated into the dish, it can be difficult to remove them, soThings to check before placing an orderis best.
List of Recommended Dishes You Can Enjoy Without Star Anise
Surprisingly, there are plenty of Taiwanese dishes you can enjoy even if you don't like star aniseAbundantis located at.
◆ Danzi Noodles
◆ Scallion Pancake
◆ Xiaolongbao
◆ Boiled dumplings
◆ Soy Milk Soup
Dishes to Watch Out For That Often Contain Star Anise
On the other hand, here are some dishes to watch out for because they often contain star anise:It contains meatCuisine.
◆ Beef Noodles
◆ Medicinal Soup
◆ Hot Pot Broth
◆ Tea-flavored eggs (boiled eggs from convenience stores)
◆ Braised pork dishes (such as braised pork belly)
When requesting an octagonal cutout
Chinese Phrases
Here are three useful Chinese phrases for telling someone you don’t like star anise.
"Please do not add star anise."
◆“I don't like star anise (Wo Bu Xi Huan Ba Jiao)
"I don't like star anise."
◆“Is there star anise in this dish? (Chāka tsāili yǒu pājiāo ma?)
"Does this dish contain star anise?"
Since just showing the text is enough to get the point across,ScreenshotIt’s a good idea to take a picture of it just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Taiwanese Cuisine
If this is your first trip to Taiwan, you won’t want to miss xiaolongbao, lu rou fan, bubble milk tea, and mango shaved ice. You can enjoy these dishes not only at restaurants but also at street stalls. For desserts, be sure to try douhua and grass jelly.
Yes, you can enjoy them! Dishes like xiaolongbao, boiled dumplings, scallion pancakes, danzai noodles, dry noodles, bubble milk tea, mango shaved ice, and douhua rarely contain star anise, so you can eat them without worry. Since star anise is often added to dishes like lu rou fan (braised pork over rice) and beef noodle soup, we recommend asking for “no star anise” (bù yào bā jiāo) when ordering, or confirming this before placing your order.
For first-time visitors, we recommend Shilin Night Market and Raohe Street Night Market. Shilin Night Market is Taiwan’s largest, offering a wide variety of goods, and you can enjoy a range of culinary delights in its underground food court. Raohe Street Night Market is compact and easy to navigate, making it perfect for sampling street food, including its famous pepper buns. Both markets start to get busy after 6:00 PM, and many shops have menus in Japanese, so even first-time visitors can enjoy them with peace of mind.
summary
From classic xiaolongbao to night market street food and exquisite desserts,The joys of food are endlessIt has its charm.
Even if you’re not a fan of star anise, you can still enjoy Taiwanese cuisine with confidence by following the tips we’ve shared here.
We hope you find something you love and enjoy your trip to Taiwan to the fullest!
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