9 Foods to Try When Visiting Taipei Taiwan

Globe trotters visiting Taipei are drawn not only to the magnificent landmarks brimming with culture and history, but also to all the delicious eats and unique gastronomic experiences you can find. The food reflects what you find in authentic Chinese restaurants, plus so much more. From the freshest seafood and hearty soups and hotpot, here are some of our favorite food items we’re tried during our trip to Taipei.

Please check out other articles we have on our Taipei visit:
a. 8 Noteworthy Landmarks for your Taipei Taiwan Trip Itinerary
b. 11 Taiwan Travel Tips Before You Visit

#1 Beef Noodle Soup

No trip to Taipei is complete without trying Taiwan’s favorite comfort food, the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup. Eateries all over the country flaunt their own version oof this local favorite. What makes a delicious bowl of beef noodle soup is the tender cuts of beef, slightly chewy al dente noodles, and a broth with a super condensed, super beefy flavor. I love to add a bit of spicy beef paste or maybe some chili oil to heighten its flavor.

Our Favorite Places for Beef Noodle Soup:
a. Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles
b. Yong Kang Beef Noodles

#2 Oyster Omelet

Oysters may not be everyone’s favorite seafood. Most of the time it’s either you like it, or you don’t. But you have to try some of the best renditions of this Hokkien favorite when in Taiwan.

The oyster omelet is a Taiwanese night market favorite and has constantly been picked by visitors as a top dish to try when in Taiwan. Affordable generous portions fully packed with flavors making this an easy choice as a late night pick-me-up dish. Delicious, savory, and packed with delicious spices making this simple dish stand out as one of our top favorites.

#3 Shabu Shabu

Taiwanese shabu-shabu, or hot pot is more of an experience rather than an actual dish in itself. There’s something alluring about sharing your eating experience with families and friends. You start out with a light flavorful broth which you will bring to a boil. Afterwards, in goes thin slices of meat, seafood, vegetables or maybe some noodles. You get to decide pretty much whatever flavors you want to add to your dish. Dip your meat or vegetables into some sauce and you’re in shabu shabu heaven.

#4 Stinky Tofu

In the usual order of things, the word “stinky” and food should not even be used in the same sentence, but there’s always an exception.

What makes stinky tofu have it’s own distinct flavor and aroma? It is traditionally made by fermenting tofu in a mixture of fermented milk and a combination of vegetable and meat brine. The result is tofu with a rotten smell (no worries it tastes fine) and a relatively strong aftertaste. It is then deep fried until golden brown and crunchy, and served with some vegetable oil, chili oil and some added spices. To some, it goes beyond the line of exotic fare. It is a little bizarre but it tastes just like really good tofu. Crunchy, flavorful and spicy.

#5 Scallion Pancakes

Another street food staple enticing customers far away with its fragrant aroma and that delicious smell of cooked scallions. Thin flaky pancakes with multiple layers made either crunchy or chewy depending on who makes them. They are usually served with fried egg and optional toppings such as basil, ham, bacon, cabbage or cheese as well as additional species such as soy sauce, pepper and hot sauce. It is most commonly sold by street vendors as an on-the-go type of food that is both affordable and delicious.

#6 Gua Bao

Gua Bao or pork belly bun is another popular Taiwanese street food which is basically cuts of braised pork belly sandwiched between soft pillowy Chinese steamed buns. They are typically topped with pickled mustard greens, fragrant coriander, and ground peanuts. 

Eating one is simply sensational. Each bite oozes with bursts of flavor from the soy braised pork belly. Thick, juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you haven’t had Chinese steamed buns before, you will surely love them. If you look around, you’ll find various versions of this “Taiwanese hamburger” including chicken, eggs, fish or even beef.

#7 Xiao Long Bao

Named after the bamboo container it is steamed in, the xiao long bao is a delicious Chinese steamed dumpling made with a delicately thin wrapper and traditionally filled with minced pork and soup. That’s right! There’s actually a little bit of hot steaming soup inside the dumpling. Before you hastily pop the entire dumpling into your mouth, be sure to poke a little hole into it, and slurp the soup down, and enjoy. Otherwise, the soup might scald the inside of your mouth ruining an otherwise deliciously unique experience.

#8 Pork Pepper Buns

A popular snack item among Taiwanese night markets, pork pepper buns or hu jiao bing are baked buns with a crunchy, flaky exterior topped with sesame seeds. The inside is filled with aromatic marinated pork with lots of pepper and scallions.

These buns are baked in a cylindrical clay oven over charcoal, which is quite fascinating. You can easily find them at various night markets throughout Taipei.

#9 Fried or Grilled Seafood

At various night markets throughout Taipei, you’ll find stalls selling crisp batter fried seafood or even grilled varieties. They’re deliciously fresh, and that aroma saturating the air making it hard to resist these tempting creations.

With slightly different offerings at each stall, you’ll find fresh pieces of squid, shrimp, crab, abalone and even scallops over a barbecue.