Taiwanese cuisine is renowned for its diverse and flavorful characteristics, blending a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Indigenous influences. Some distinctive features of Taiwanese cuisine include:
Beef Noodle Soup
The slow-cooked beef and noodles marriage is a culinary cornerstone, originating from Chinese roots but gaining a unique Taiwanese character with pickled mustard greens and five-spice powder. Celebrated at the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, it embodies Taiwan's culinary identity.
Re Chao
Re chao, meaning "hot" and "stir-fry" in Mandarin, is akin to a Taiwanese version of a British pub or a Japanese izakaya. Guests relish budget-friendly Taiwan Beer while savoring various small stir-fry dishes like three-cup chicken, fried tofu, and grilled squid, creating the perfect culinary setting for nighttime enjoyment.
Xiao Long Bao
Xiao long bao is traditionally served at breakfast. No one really knows whose idea it was to create this culinary gem, but all that’s known is that it originated on the Shanghai outskirts. Though it came from China, it’s Taiwan that popularized this dish globally. That's why if you’re in the country, don’t miss xiao long bao aside from your trusty bubble teas.
Gua Bao
(Taiwanese Hamburger)
Gua bao, the "Taiwanese hamburger," is a northern Taiwan specialty with puffy mantou steamed buns filled generously with sweet, fatty pork belly. Expertly braised in a mix of rice wine, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, the pork is complemented by crushed peanuts, pickled mustard greens, and cilantro, crafting a harmonious flavor symphony.
Hot Pot
Hot pot is a year-round culinary affair in Taiwan, deeply ingrained in the dining culture. Nearly 5,000 hot pot establishments offer diverse styles, ranging from fast-food efficiency to upscale all-you-can-eat experiences. These places are where the Taiwanese gather. Seafood, thinly sliced meat, vegetables, dumplings, and tofu are dipped in simmering stock, and enriched with pork bones, jujube, or pickled cabbage.
Chinese Omelet
Taiwanese egg crepe, commonly known as "dan bing," is a beloved and iconic breakfast dish that showcases the island's culinary flair. This delectable street food is a harmonious combination of a thin crepe and a perfectly cooked egg, offering a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Taipei is a food paradise, a place where the smell of food emanates from every street corner, and the food here is excellent. From international cuisines to local dishes, the menus will have you coming back for more. In Taipei, you can enjoy many popular cuisines from around the world, such as Thai, Japanese, and Indian cuisines. Some of the more popular and delicious items include:
Braised Pork Rice
Stinky Tofu
Oyster Omelet
Taiwanese Meatball
Bubble Tea
Taiwanese Sticky Rice
