While many foodies often sing praises for the culinary landscapes of Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, we firmly believe (and maybe we are a little biased) that Taiwan's diverse array of eats deserves a shout-out on every food lover’s must-try list.  

Taiwan's food scene is a rich reflection of its history, shaped by various cultural influences, from indigenous groups to waves of Chinese immigration and even a half century of Japanese rule.  

Amidst the hum of night markets and the charm of local tea shops, the country offers up a selection of dishes that tell the island nation’s story in the most flavorful way possible. 

This article is your direct ticket to the heart of Taiwan's street food, where each stall shows off why this country is a hidden gem in the vast culinary sea of Asia.  

Gear up to explore 31 Taiwanese foods that you absolutely can't miss on your next trip to Taiwan.   

Food in Taiwan: Main Dishes You Must Try 

Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) 

Taiwan’s unofficial national dish, Beef Noodle Soup, is a heartwarming bowl of rich, aromatic broth seasoned with star anise, soy sauce, and other spices that each vendor will their own personal combo of. This is filled with tender pieces of slow-cooked beef, and served with perfectly chewy noodles. This is happiness in a bowl! 

Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯)

A humble yet deeply flavorful dish, Lu Rou Fan consists of finely minced pork belly, slow-braised in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and a blend of Chinese spices until it achieves a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This savory mixture is ladled over steamed rice, often accompanied by pickled vegetables.

Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) 

This popular Taiwanese street food delicacy combines fresh, plump oysters with a batter made from eggs and sweet potato starch, resulting in a unique texture that's crispy on the outside and slightly gooey inside. It's typically served with a sweet and spicy sauce that complements the ocean flavor of the oysters.

Braised Pork Rice (控肉饭) 

Braised Pork Rice features succulent and generous slices of pork belly, slow-cooked until tender in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and a variety of spices. The pork is then placed over a bowl of steamed rice, creating a simple yet irresistible dish with layers of sweet and savory flavors. 

Dumplings (水餃) 

A worldwide favorite, Taiwanese dumplings represent the universal love for comforting parcels of steaming joy. These versatile delicacies feature a delightful mix of fillings, such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables, just to name a few. Each one is encased in a thin, tender dough, and they can be steamed to perfection or pan-fried to achieve a golden crispiness. There is plenty of debate over which version is best!  

Discover the best dumplings Taiwan has to offer on our Taiwan bike tour. 

Gua Bao (刈包) 

Often referred to as a Taiwanese hamburger, Gua Bao consists of a steamed bun stuffed with braised pork belly, garnished with pickled mustard greens, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts. This delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a beloved snack or light meal. 

Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅) 

A favorite amongst those who crave a savory bite, the Scallion Pancake is made from a doughy flatbread encasing layers of chopped scallions and cooked to a flaky, crispy finish. Its aroma and irresistible taste make it a perfect snack any time of the day. 

Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) 

For the adventurous foodies. With its aroma that boldly enters a room before it does, this fermented tofu delicacy is deep-fried to crispy perfection and served alongside pickled cabbage with a dash of spicy sauce.  

Don't let its name deceive you; its bark is decidedly stronger than its bite. Offering a surprisingly mild flavor, Stinky Tofu is the ultimate culinary dare for foodies with a penchant for the unique.

Pork Knuckle (猪脚) 

Pork Knuckle is a hearty dish where the pork is often braised or steamed until tender in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and other spices. It's commonly served with rice or noodles, offering a gelatinous texture and rich taste that is highly satisfying. 

Pineapple Shrimp Balls (凤梨虾球) 

A creative and visually appealing dish, Pineapple Shrimp Balls blend sweet and savory elements, featuring a mixture of shrimp and breadcrumbs stuffed into pineapple slices, then deep-fried until golden brown. This dish is a wonderful representation of Taiwan’s innovative culinary spirit. 

Already packing your bags to explore Taiwan? Check out our Taiwan Travel Guide for all the essential tips and info you need before embarking on your adventure. 

Food in Taiwan: Traditional Taiwanese Sweets and Desserts 

Mochi (麻糬) 

Mochi offers a satisfying, chewy texture that's a pleasure to bite into. Made from glutinous rice, these sticky cakes frequently find themselves filled with sweet bean paste or rich peanut butter, creating small, sweet and savory delights. 

Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) 

Pineapple Cake features a flaky, buttery outer crust filled with a thick, caramelly pineapple jam. It’s no wonder this treat is a top pick for souvenirs. Perfect to bring home and share with friends and family, or indulge in yourself! 

Taste everything from classic street food to gourmet delights as you bike through Taiwan.  

Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球) 

Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, these deep-fried Sweet Potato Balls are lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a hint of sweetness. 

Shaved Ice (剉冰) 

For those hot days, nothing beats Shaved Ice. It's a mountain of fluffy ice drizzled with sweet syrup and topped with everything from fruit to beans. (Yes, beans!) 
Worried about the language barrier in Taiwan? Our blog has you covered with 23 Basic Taiwanese Words and Phrases for Your Next Vacation to Taiwan. 

Food in Taiwan: Traditional Taiwanese Drinks and Beverages 

Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) 

Ah, Bubble Tea - where do we start? Taiwan is the birthplace of this creative drink. It's a sweet tea beverage known for its signature chewy tapioca pearls, affectionately called "bubbles" or "pearls." It combines a mix of tea, milk, and sugar to create a refreshing drink often served over ice. There is an endless variety of flavor combos, make sure to try a few out. 

Sugarcane Juice (甘蔗汁) 

This drink is sunshine in liquid form! Made fresh on the spot by squeezing the juice from sugarcane stalks, this drink is a natural sweetener and a staple in Taiwan's night markets and street vendor stalls.  

Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶) 

Don’t let the name fool you; Winter Melon Tea is for any season. This tea is brewed using the flesh of the winter melon. The tea has a mild, sweet flavor and is often served cold with a pinch of sugar. 

Herbal Tea (草本茶) 

Tea holds a significant place in Taiwanese culture. 

Oolong tea, in particular, stands out as a centerpiece—it's not fully fermented, which places it somewhere between green tea and black tea, and means you get a whole spectrum of flavors, from light and floral to deep and rich.  

For those in search of an exceptional tea experience, the high mountain varieties, such as Alishan or Dong Ding, are truly remarkable. Grown at high elevations, these teas have a super fine taste that's hard to beat, and provide a mild caffeine boost to keep you pedaling. 

Plum Juice (梅子汁) 

Plum Juice, made from preserved plums, strikes a delightful balance between sweet and sour tastes, delivering an utterly refreshing sensory experience. 

Food in Taiwan: Taiwanese Fruits 

Pineapple (王梨) 

Taiwan is famous for its wonderful pineapple farms that sprinkle the island with their lush greenery. Thanks to the warm sunshine and rich soil, the pineapples here are incredibly sweet and juicy.  

Pedal through endless pineapple orchards on our East Taiwan self-guided bike tour. 

Starfruit (楊桃) 

This fruit is both crisp and juicy, offering a refreshing experience with its mildly sweet and tart flavor. It's a common sight in local markets and is often eaten fresh or used in cooking to add a distinct, tangy zest. 

Custard Apple (釋迦)  

Also known as the sugar apple, is celebrated for its sweet, creamy flesh that has a unique, granular texture. This fruit is particularly beloved for its rich, dessert-like flavor, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth. 

RIDING THROUGH THE FLAVORS OF TAIWAN 

One could say the soul of a country is best experienced through its cuisine, offering a taste of its culture, traditions, and history. And what better way to truly connect with Taiwan's rich culinary scene than by exploring it the way locals do—by bike. With each pedal, you not only bring yourself closer to the next mouthwatering dish but also build up a healthy appetite as you weave through the lanes and backroads experiencing Taiwan's charm. 

And if that doesn't have you convinced, here's 8 more reasons why a Taiwan bicycle tour should be on your bucket list. 

Whether you prefer the structure of a guided tour or the freedom of going at your own pace, we've got you covered. Our guided and self-guided bike tours in Taiwan are perfect for soaking up Taiwan's authentic flavors and stunning scenery.