Food in Taiwan

Taiwan is a food paradies, best known for its rich beef noodles soup, and boba tea as known as the bubble milk tea, which has become the world phenomenon.

But the island’s culinary scene goes way beyond these two iconic dishes. From night market snacks to comforting home-style meals, here are Taiwanese food scenario that will take your tastebuds on a delicious adventure.

The best way to experience traditional Taiwanese cuisine is by diving into the local food scene, especially the morning markets, night markets and family restaurants serving recipes passed down through generations. Food in Taiwan is available almost everywhere, with a consistent standard you can rely on and a high level of comfort in every bite. You will never be hungry in Taiwan!

Taiwanese food at the night markets are the best! There are a lot of food to choose, from meaty snacks to hearty desserts with affordable price ranging from 1USD - 7USD, making it perfect for sampling a little bit of everything without breaking the bank (or your tummy). Let's take a look at several night markets and see what they offer there

Raohe Night Market is awesome! They have a wide range of food options for just a couple of USD, and everything is truly tasty and well-prepared. The prices are fixed, and the menus are super readable—even for tourists.

We love doing a little food challenge here because honestly, everything looks so delicious and tempting. It’s the kind of place where you just want to try everything! 

Fengjia Night Market or Feng Chia Night Market, also called Fengjia Shopping Town, is located next to Feng Chia University, Taichung. It was claimed to be the largest night market in Taiwan

As the largest night market in Taiwan, Feng Chia is a food destination you absolutely can’t miss when visiting Taichung. But it’s not just about the food, there’s clothing, souvenirs, and even arcade games that make the whole place feel like a mini festival.

If you’re planning to visit Feng Chia, be prepared, it seriously feels like going to a concert with the crowds and energy! Come hungry, wear comfy shoes, and get ready for a night full of eats, treats, and nonstop fun.

And Breaded Chicken is a MUST-TRY! It’s super juicy and savory, a perfect meaty snack, and it’s only NT$80 (around USD 2.50). Crispy on the outside, tender inside, absolute street food perfection.

Also, don’t miss the Pepper Cake at Dijun Grilled Pepper Pan Cake! It's handmade and cooked in a traditional oven, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy minced pork filling. The moment it comes out, it’s steamy hot and absolutely yummy, that’s what makes it so special.

It’s the most crowded stall at the market, with an endless queue, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Since it’s first-come, first-served, you’ll need some patience for the next batch to be cooked. But trust me, it's worth the wait!

The price for their signature pepper buns is NT$60 (approximately US$1.85)

Tainan Garden Night Market, also known as the Flower Night Market, is the largest and most iconic night market in Tainan, attracting both locals and tourists with its vibrant atmosphere and massive variety of stalls. It’s divided into different zones offering everything from traditional Taiwanese street food to trendy clothing, games, and accessories, making it more than just a food stop, it’s a full night-out experience. What makes it stand out is its scale, lively energy, and the unique sight of colorful banners above the stalls that give the market a signature look. 

The market is open on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5:30 PM to midnight, so plan your visit accordingly.

Not only do the night markets offer endless fun and new food experiences, but Taiwanese food in local restaurants is just as amazing, and honestly, unskippable for anyone aiming to try it all. 

From traditional family-run spots to hidden gems with generations-old recipes, these places serve dishes that give you a deeper taste of Taiwan’s rich food culture. If you’re serious about trying everything, you’ve got to explore beyond the markets too.

Taiwanese beef noodle soup is one of those comforting, savory dishes I could honestly eat every day. While each restaurant or food stall has its own secret ingredients and unique recipe, a great bowl of beef noodles always comes down to two things: thick, tender slices of beef and a bold, flavorful broth. 

Eating beef noodles in Taiwan is actually a fun way to get to know your own taste preferences, like which part of the beef you enjoy most, how thick you like your noodles, and a key pro tip: only order size L if you’re really hungry. The soup is typically served with wheat noodles in various thicknesses, and no matter what you choose, finishing a full bowl will likely send you straight into a food coma. And remember: Xiao Long Bao, dumplings, chive pancakes, and so much more are still waiting for you!

Taiwanese beef noodle soup can be found on almost every corner of Taiwan, and honestly, not once has a random pick ever disappointed me—Taiwanese people just know how to make this dish right. The price varies depending on the location and the type of eatery, but you can usually expect to pay around $2 USD at a local spot, while a more premium bowl can go up to $15 USD. Of course, that depends on the portion size, ingredients, and toppings.

One of my absolute favorite places for beef noodles is Bandao Beef Noodle Restaurant in Taipei. Their beef slices are incredibly succulent, and the beef tendon just melts in your mouth. What makes their broth extra comforting is the addition of tomato, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor. Plus, it’s not too touristy, so the atmosphere is calm and relaxed, perfect for savoring a warm bowl in peace. A bowl of beef noodle soup here is priced at NT$230 (US$7.10) for a small portion and NT$310 (US$9.47) for a large portion. 

Tip: use Google Translate’s image feature to help with the paper menu when ordering.

Another local, family-run spot I highly recommend is Beef Noodle of the King. Unlike Bandao, their broth is bolder and more savory. The beef is undeniably tender, paired with chewy, bouncy noodles that make each bite satisfying. A hearty bowl here goes for just NT$150 (about US$4.60). It’s a fantastic choice for a flavorful and wallet-friendly meal.

Braised pork rice is one of those universal dishes that has inspired food cultures across Asia. You’ll find it everywhere, from Thịt kho tàu in Vietnam, to Khao Ka Moo in Thailand and Laos, Pork Adobo in the Philippines, and versions across Malaysia and Singapore. Each country has its own twist, but one thing remains the same: the pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection, with glossy, melting skin and a gelatinous texture that’s incredibly comforting. It’s usually paired with thick, rich sauce and soft rice that soaks up all the flavor. Often served with other braised sides like tofu or boiled eggs, this dish hits all the right notes. And in Taiwan, braised pork rice is truly on another level, it’s the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for more.

2 weeks in Taiwan were one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!

I love Taiwanese food. The bubble tea totally lived up to the reputation. It’s just amazing and unique. The people are so friendly and polite too. Taiwan is one of those countries with top-tier infrastructure. You can literally find a clean toilet anywhere 😂  It’s just so clean and convenient.

Overall, 2 weeks couldn’t cover everything. It actually felt a bit rushed and tiring. If I could, I’d spend at least a month slow traveling through Taiwan. I seriously can’t wait for my next visit!

If you’re considering Taiwan as one of your next destinations, I strongly recommend it. I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with this country on the very first day.

And hey! I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Taiwan. Let’s stay in touch, I’d love to hear all about your adventure!

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