Taiwanese cuisine is a delectable fusion of flavors, embodying a rich tapestry of culinary traditions.
Food in Taiwan: history and facts
The culinary narrative is a contentious subject, reflecting the intricate identity of Taiwan, further complicated by tense relations with China. Initially rooted in the indigenous peoples' fare, the arrival of Fujianese, Hakka, and European influences added layers to Taiwanese gastronomy. Japanese rule left a lasting imprint, incorporating washoku and yōshoku elements, while the post-WWII period brought a diverse array of Chinese cuisines to the island. The preservation of authentic Chinese culinary traditions in Taiwan, as claimed by figures like Chef Fu Pei-mei, faces scrutiny, and the 21st century sees a shift towards sustainability, local food, and a deeper integration of indigenous foodways into mainstream Taiwanese cuisine.
Traditional Taiwanese food
Hot Pot, an integral part of Taiwanese dining culture, takes center stage in every season. With nearly 5,000 hot pot restaurants offering various styles, from shabu-shabu to Sichuan numbing mala, and vibes ranging from fast-food efficiency to upscale all-you-can-eat experiences, it's a communal gathering where people dip seafood, meat, vegetables, dumplings, and tofu into simmering pots of flavorful stock. Customizing savory sauces with sesame oil, sha cha sauce, soy sauce, and more adds a personal touch to this ultimate Taiwanese communal food.
Gua bao, also known as the Taiwanese Hamburger, is a northern Taiwanese specialty that predates the cult following created by Taiwanese-American chef Eddie Huang. These pork belly buns feature mantou steamed buns stuffed with sweet, fatty pork belly, braised in a flavorful mixture and topped with peanuts, pickled mustard greens, and cilantro.
Zong zi, the Sticky Rice Dumpling, is a pyramid-shaped bundle of sticky rice wrapped in leaves, offering variations with fillings like dried shrimp, mushrooms, peanuts, chestnuts, pickled radish, and salted egg yolk—a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Taiwanese Fried Chicken, found in chains and night markets, distinguishes itself with a double frying process, resulting in a thin, delicate, and crunchy shell. Seasoned with salt, pepper, basil leaves, and five-spice powder, it stands out globally for its satisfyingly crunchy, salty profile.
Braised Pork Rice, a quintessential Taiwanese comfort food, features soy-braised pork belly served over steamed white rice. Uncomplicated yet rich in flavor, it provides solace as a standalone dish or as the centerpiece of a meal accompanied by various sides.
Best Taiwanese food
Oyster-Infused Slender Noodles: Indulge in the delectable world of slender noodles paired with fresh oysters, known locally as o-a-mi-suann. These translucent noodles, often enjoyed with just a spoon, are served in a savory starchy soup. Head to the lively night markets for a variety of options, conveniently served in small Styrofoam bowls with plastic spoons.
Savory Seasoned Deep-fried Chicken: Experience the unique twist on fried chicken with Taiwan's deep-fried version, meticulously seasoned for a burst of flavors. Vendors expertly cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and generously coat them with a variety of seasoning powders. Spice enthusiasts can request an extra dash of chili powder for an added kick.
Refreshing Ice Mango and Sago Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth with the tantalizing ice mango and sago dessert, a delightful concoction available at night markets and roadside stalls. Flavored shaved ice serves as the base, adorned with succulent golden mango pieces, sweet sago, and a medley of fruits. For an extra burst of flavor, some opt for drizzles of fruit syrup or sauces.
World-Famous Pearl Milk Tea: Quench your thirst with the globally beloved pearl milk tea, a Taiwanese sensation that has conquered taste buds worldwide. Explore an array of flavored milk teas, crowned with chewy pearls made from flour, jelly, and sometimes fresh fruits. This iconic beverage is the perfect companion to accompany your culinary journey through Taiwan's vibrant night markets.
Taiwanese street food
Aromatic Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): Embark on a flavorful journey at Shilin Night Market with the iconic Stinky Tofu, a renowned Taiwanese street food. Available in various preparations such as fried, sautéed, or steamed, this unique dish features fermented tofu with a distinctive ammonia-like aroma. Served with chopped cabbage, garlic, and hot sauce, it's an adventurous choice for those seeking an unforgettable culinary experience.
Savory Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎): Indulge in the culinary artistry of Ximending Night Market with the Oyster Omelet—a tantalizing blend of starch, lettuce, and succulent oyster meat. Watch skilled vendors craft this delicacy and savor the finished product smothered in a slightly spicy and sour red sauce. A must-try when exploring Taiwan's vibrant night markets.
Hearty Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵): For a heartwarming experience, head to Fong Jia Night Market and treat yourself to the classic Taiwanese dish—Beef Noodle Soup. This soul-soothing combination of beef broth, noodles, and tender beef slices is perfect for chilly days. Beacon Hotel, conveniently located, offers spacious and clean rooms for a comfortable stay.
Traditional Danzai Noodles (擔仔麵): Explore the vibrant flavors of Tainan Old Street with Danzai Noodles, a traditional Taiwanese delight. Featuring springy noodles, minced pork, prawn-flavored broth, and a single-cooked prawn, this dish captures the essence of local street food culture.
Crunchy Fried Chicken Cutlet (雞排): Energize your Taiwan exploration with the irresistible Fried Chicken Cutlet from Raohe Night Market. Crispy, juicy, and served without rice, this popular snack comes with a side of sweet and sour sauce. Consider the Discovery Motel - Nangang for a comfortable stay close to Raohe Night Market.
Refreshing Shaved Ice (刨冰): Cap off your day at Shilin Night Market with the delightful Shaved Ice—a beloved Taiwanese snack featuring various flavors like Black Sesame Seed, Mango + Strawberries, Burnt Sugar, and more. Refreshing and invigorating, it's a must-try for a complete culinary experience.
Iconic Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶): Quench your thirst at Ximending Night Market with the iconic Bubble Tea. This sweet and chewy drink, featuring milk tea, tapioca pearls, and various toppings, is a Taiwanese favorite. Suz & Catorze Hotel, located in the area, offers a luxurious and comfortable retreat for travelers.
Succulent Roast Pork Bun (叉燒包): Experience the delectable softness of the Roast Pork Bun around Taipei Main Station. A favorite among locals and tourists, this savory delight is worth the wait in line. Indulge in the juicy goodness of the meat-filled bun for a delightful breakfast or a satisfying snack.
Halal food in Taiwan
Taiwanese Fried Cutlets: These could be chicken, pork, or beef cutlets with a crispy coating. Preparing them with halal ingredients and oil can make them suitable for halal consumption.
Meat Buns (Baozi): Meat buns with various fillings such as chicken, pork, or beef can be made using halal meat and ingredients.
Taiwanese Rice Buns (Gua Bao): This dish features meat, often pork, in sauce served in a steamed rice bun. Choose halal components for preparation.
Taiwanese Noodles: Many Taiwanese noodle dishes can be prepared with halal ingredients. For example, "beef noodle soup" can be made with halal beef.
Vegetarian Taiwanese food
Buddha's Delight (Luo Han Zhai): A classic vegetarian dish that typically consists of a variety of vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and sometimes noodles, all cooked in a flavorful vegetarian broth.
Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu): Stinky Tofu is a famous Taiwanese street food. While traditionally made with fermented tofu, you can find non-fermented versions that are vegetarian-friendly. It is deep-fried and often served with pickled cabbage.
Vegetarian Dumplings (Su Cai Jiaozi): Dumplings filled with a mixture of vegetables, tofu, and sometimes vermicelli noodles. They can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried.
Tofu Dishes: Taiwan offers a variety of tofu-based dishes, such as Mapo Tofu (tofu in a spicy bean-based sauce), or Salt and Pepper Tofu, which features deep-fried tofu seasoned with salt and pepper.
Spring Onion Pancake (Cong You Bing): A savory pancake made with green onions and sometimes other vegetables, typically pan-fried until crispy.
Taiwan vs China food
While Taiwanese cuisine shares common elements with Chinese culinary traditions, it possesses a distinct identity shaped by the island's tropical climate, indigenous communities, and historical influences. Core ingredients like rice and soybeans are shared, but Taiwanese culinary evolution is evident in unique features. For instance, Taiwanese soy sauce is crafted from fermented black soybeans, deviating from China's use of yellow soybeans, resulting in a sweeter and more complex flavor profile. As a former Japanese colony, Taiwan's food culture additionally incorporates Japanese influences, including ingredients like sour plum powder and mirin, a sweet rice-based cooking wine.
Is Taiwanese food cheap?
The cost of food in Taiwan is notably economical, especially when compared to many other countries. Travelers from the US will find that the US dollar has substantial purchasing power, particularly when choosing street food options instead of formal dining. Here are some approximate prices for common street food items: