10 Taiwanese Food That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

Taiwanese cuisine is a fusion of indigenous flavors, shaped over many generations. Although the vibrant night markets are often considered the epitome of Taiwanese food, they only showcase a small part of the island’s rich culinary heritage. Beyond the bustling stalls and crowded streets, a vast array of flavors and culinary traditions awaits you to discover.

A glance at Taiwanese Cuisine

Many people assume that Taiwanese cuisine has the strong flavors as China or Hong Kong. However, food in Taiwan is cooked with less oil than in China and is not as heavily seasoned as food in Hong Kong. Instead, it features the same subtlety and freshness as Japanese culinary styles, along with exquisite European-style presentation. Therefore, Taiwanese dishes represent a blend of global culinary tradition, creating a unique food culture that is hard to find in anywhere else.

Top best Taiwanese food & drink you should not miss

Taiwanese Oyster Noodles

Ranked number 1 on this list is Taiwanese Oyster Noodles, also called “Oyster Vermicelli.” It is a popular street food in Taiwan, literally a bowl of thin vermicelli cooked in a rich bonito-flavored broth. This dish is typically served hot and enjoyed with blanched oysters and braised pork intestines. You can find this dish in many local eateries and food stalls in the night markets in Taiwan.

Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao is one of the most popular dishes in Taiwan. These soup dumplings are also called “small basket buns,” filled with ground pork and pork broth, steamed in bamboo baskets. They are typically served with a dipping sauce of black vinegar,  ginger, chili sauce, etc. The 

What makes these dumplings delicious is its very thin wrapper and the tasty “soup” inside. Though it began in China, Taiwan has made this dish famous around the world. When you are in Taiwan, don’t miss out on trying Xiao Long Bao.

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Gua Bao – Taiwanese Hamburger

Known as the Taiwanese Hamburger, Gua Bao is one of the most famous dishes in the island country. As it looks like the jaws of a tiger biting into a pig, this dish is also named hu yao ju ( tiger bites pig). Gua Bao consists of braised pork belly stuffed into fluffy bao buns. The combination of tender pork, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs creates a great combination of flavor & texture.

Stinky Tofu – a unique Taiwanese Food you should eat

Stinky tofu is a well-known fermented snack and widely found at stalls in night markets. It is said that the more it smells, the better it tastes.  It is made by marinating fresh tofu in a brine, which is made from fermented ingredients including shrimp, bamboo shoot, or herbs. The tofu is then deep fried in 2-3 steps. Before serving, it is deep fried in 30 seconds to make it crispy outside and soft inside. Despite its strong smells, the long lines at stinky tofu vendors are a testament to the undeniable appeal of this dish.

Oyster Omelette

Oyster Omelette is a beloved Taiwanese street food, which features crispy outside but slightly chewy inside. The main ingredients include eggs, oysters, sweet potato starch, and special herbs. The dish is often garnished with a tangy, savory sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro to create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Remember to include Oyster Omelette in your must-try food list when coming to Taiwan.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

Considered a national dish in Taiwan, Beef Noodle Soup is a combination of flour noodles, braised beef, and slow-simmered broth. There are many variations of this slow-cooked stew in Taiwan, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors. Nowadays, an annual Beef Noodle Festival is held in Taipei to find the person who can cook the best beef noodle soup in Taiwan.

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Candied Fruit Sticks – a beloved Taiwanese food to savor

Candied Fruit Sticks, also called “tanghulu,” is a famous night market treat in Taiwan. These little sweets are so popular that if you go on the streets of Taiwan, you can see them everywhere. What makes tanghulu stand out is the way the fruit is candied. The fruits are skewered, dipped into boiling sugar, coated, then shaken to remove excess sugar. The sourness of the fruits contrasts with the sweetness, while the crunchy exterior hides a soft interior.

Scallion Pancake

Another not-to-be-missed dish in Taiwan is Scallion Pancake, which is made of flour, green onions, and water, and served with a soy dipping sauce. Thanks to its delicious flavor, cheap price, and easy to eat on the go, Scallion Pancake has captivated the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. There are also vegetarian variations for those who do not eat meat.

Pineapple cake – a tasty Taiwanese food to try and bring home

Wondering what to bring home as a food souvenir from Taiwan? Pineapple cake is a good choice. This well-known dessert is made with flour, butter, sugar, and pineapple filling, then shaped into squares and baked until golden. Not only a delightful treat, pineapple cake is also an ideal  food gift for family and friends after your trip in Taiwan. Head to many bakeries or night  markets in Taiwan, you can easily locate these mouthwatering sweets.

Taiwanese bubble tea 

No one comes to Taiwan without trying its signature bubble tea, also called boba tea. As the birthplace of bubble tea, Taiwan has a vibrant bubble tea culture with a captivating array of bubble tea shops in the country. From the traditional milk tea to fruit-infused versions like mango, strawberry, or lychee, there are no shortages of options for you to choose from. Typically, the drink consists of black tea, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls, and served with a big straw.

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With its spectacular street vendors and long list of Michelin-starred spots, Taiwan is always on the top destinations in Asia for food lovers. From the savory beef noodle soup and the crispy scallion pancakes to the mouth-watering xiao long bao and the perfect bubble tea, the food options are endless. Check out our Taiwan tours and pack your bags for an unforgettable journey!