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1. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) - A Bowl That Locals Never Get Tired Of
Walk into any Taiwanese city - Taipei, Taichung, Tainan - and there's a good chance you'll find a beef noodle shop just around the corner. The broth might be soy-based and rich, or light and clear. The noodles thick or thin. But one thing stays the same: it's always satisfying.
The standard version features slow-braised beef (often shank or tendon) in a savory broth, paired with chewy wheat noodles and a topping of pickled mustard greens for contrast.
It's the kind of dish locals eat after a long day, on rainy nights, or when they just need something deeply satisfying. If you're visiting Taiwan for the first time, this is the must-try dish that will win you over from the very first spoonful.
How to Eat Like a Local: Taste the broth first. Add a bit of chili sauce if you like heat, and always add some 酸菜 — it cuts through the richness beautifully.
Where to Try It: Just follow your nose into a busy shop in any city, the more locals, the better.
Average Cost: NT$150–250 (USD $5–8)
2. Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯) - The Humble Bowl That Taiwan Runs On
Don't be fooled by how simple it looks. Lu Rou Fan, or braised pork rice, might just be the most quietly beloved dish in Taiwan. It's not fancy, it's not expensive, but you'll find it everywhere - from grandma's kitchen to the convenience store to full-on food courts.
At its core, it's just minced pork belly slowly simmered in soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, and spices, then spooned over a bowl of hot white rice. But when it's done right—with just the right balance of sweet, salty, fatty, and sticky—it hits a deeply satisfying note. It's warm, soft, and comforting, especially when paired with a soy egg, pickles, or tofu on the side.
In Taiwan, Lu Rou Fan isn't “street food” or a festival dish - it's everyday food, which is what makes it special.
How to Eat Like a Local: Order it as part of a small set meal (便當), or just grab a bowl from a 24-hour shop. Add a tea egg or some boiled greens to balance the richness.
Where to Try It: Any traditional breakfast shop, food court, or small eatery will usually serve it
Average Cost: NT$30–80 for a small bowl (around $1–3 USD)
3. Three Cup Chicken (三杯雞) – The Sizzling Clay Pot Classic
The name is simple: one cup sesame oil, one cup soy sauce, one cup rice wine — and boom, you've got one of Taiwan's most iconic dishes. But don't let the math fool you — Three Cup Chicken (三杯雞) is full of depth, and best enjoyed fresh out of a bubbling clay pot, with the aromas of basil, garlic, and ginger hitting your face before the first bite.
This dish is usually made with bone-in chicken, chopped into chunks and cooked down until the sauce caramelizes into a thick, glossy glaze. The chicken stays juicy, the sauce clings to every bite, and the fresh Thai basil adds a fragrant kick that makes it unmistakably Taiwanese.
Three Cup Chicken isn't street food — it's sit-down, share-with-friends, order-with-rice comfort food.
How to Eat Like a Local: Scoop it over a bowl of white rice to soak up that rich sauce. Eat it family-style with a group, and don't be shy about picking up the chicken with your hands — the bones make it worth the work.
Where to Try It: Traditional stir-fry joints (熱炒店) across Taiwan, or Tainan – often considered the home of authentic Three Cup Chicken
Average Cost: NT$200–350 (around $6–10 USD) for a shareable plate
4. Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎) – Night Market Chaos on a Plate
You're walking through a Taiwanese night market. The smell of fried batter and seafood hits you. You hear the sizzle of a hot griddle, see a vendor crack an egg, toss in oysters, and pour over a gooey starch mixture.
A few minutes later, it's all topped with a reddish sauce and slid onto a plastic plate. This is Oyster Omelet — chaotic, chewy, and totally unforgettable.
Oyster Omelet is a classic night market favorite, made with small fresh oysters, egg, sweet potato starch, and often a bit of lettuce for crunch. What makes it uniquely Taiwanese isn't just the ingredients — it's the sticky, chewy texture and the sweet-savory red sauce on top. The whole thing is pan-fried until crispy at the edges but soft and stretchy in the center.
Some people fall in love on the first bite. Others need a moment. Either way, it's a must-try part of Taiwan's street food scene.
How to Eat Like a Local: Grab it from a market stall, eat it standing up, and be ready to get a little sauce on your fingers — that's part of the fun.
Where to Try It: Almost every night markets in Taiwan
Average Cost: NT$60–100 (about $2–3.50 USD)
5. Taiwanese Fried Chicken (鹽酥雞) – Crispy, Juicy, Night Market Gold
You'll smell it before you see it — that irresistible scent of garlic, basil, and deep-fried heaven floating through the night market. Taiwanese Fried Chicken, or Yán Sū Jī, isn't just one dish — it's a whole genre of crispy, customizable snacks that locals swear by after dark.
The most iconic version is the extra-large chicken cutlet (雞排): a flattened, boneless thigh or breast, marinated, breaded, and fried to perfection. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and dusted with a mix of white pepper, chili powder, and five spice. Want more? Dive into the bite-sized popcorn chicken version, often served with deep-fried Thai basil leaves for extra aroma and crunch.
Most fried chicken stands also let you mix and match other goodies — sweet potato fries, squid rings, tofu cubes, or mushrooms — all tossed in the same golden magic.
How to Eat Like a Local: Order a combo of popcorn chicken and veggies, ask for medium spice, and eat straight from the paper bag with a skewer while wandering the market.
Where to Try It: Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排), Taipei's Shilin Night Market – iconic giant cutlet, or other Taiwan night markets
Average Cost: NT$60–100 ($2–3.50 USD), depending on portion size and add-ons
6. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) - Taiwan's Most Famous Drink
You've seen it on menus around the world — but bubble tea truly hits different in Taiwan, where it all began. Whether you call it boba, pearl milk tea, or Bubble , this drink is more than just a trend — it's a daily ritual for many locals.
At its core, bubble tea is simple: black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. But in Taiwan, it's gone far beyond the original. You'll find shops offering everything from brown sugar boba to fruit teas, cheese foam tops, oat milk options, and even warm versions for winter.
What makes it special here? The texture. Locals are picky — the pearls need to be QQ (Taiwanese slang for perfectly chewy). And you get to customize everything: sugar level, ice level, topping, tea type — it's half drink, half art project.
How to Drink Like a Local: Go 50% sugar and less ice if you're new — it brings out the tea flavor. Try warm pearls or brown sugar boba for a richer taste. And don't forget to shake it before sipping!
Where to Try It: Chun Shui Tang (春水堂), Taichung – said to be the birthplace of bubble tea
Average Cost: NT$40–70 (about $1.50–2.50 USD), depending on toppings and size
7. Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅) – Flaky, Crispy, Street Corner Magic
Scallion pancake is a simple street snack made from layered dough mixed with scallions, pan-fried until crispy outside and chewy inside. Some versions are ultra flaky, others are thicker and doughier — each vendor has their own twist. Many stalls offer extras like egg, cheese, ham, or basil, turning it into a full-on Taiwanese-style sandwich.
It's not fancy, but it's comforting, customizable, and ridiculously good straight from the griddle.
How to Eat Like a Local: Get it with an egg added (加蛋), and ask for a bit of spicy sauce. Eat it hot, straight from the paper bag, while walking.
Where to Try It: Any local breakfast shop or night market will usually have their own version
Average Cost: NT$25–50 ($1–1.50 USD), depending on toppings
8. Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球) – Taiwan's Favorite Snack to Pop and Share
At first glance, they look like nothing special — just golden puffs piled high in a wire basket. But the moment you bite into one, you get it: crispy outside, bouncy-chewy inside, and just the right amount of sweet. This is the magic of Taiwanese sweet potato balls, one of the most addictive snacks you'll find in night markets.
Made from mashed sweet potato mixed with tapioca starch, these balls are deep-fried until they puff up like little balloons. The inside stays airy and chewy (or as locals say, “QQ”), while the outside gets that perfect light crunch. Most are subtly sweet on their own, but some vendors offer toppings like plum powder, cheese, matcha, or brown sugar glaze.
They're vegetarian-friendly, easy to share, and fun to eat by the handful.
How to Eat Like a Local: Order a bag, shake it with a flavor powder (ask for 酸梅粉 if you want the local favorite: sour plum), and eat them hot while walking the market.
Where to Try It: Any night market in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung
Average Cost: NT$40–60 (about $1.50–2 USD) per bag
9. Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) – A Buttery Bite of Taiwan to Take Home
If there's one souvenir that says “I just got back from Taiwan,” it's a box of pineapple cakes. But don't think of them as just another packaged snack — the good ones are buttery, delicate, and filled with tangy-sweet pineapple jam that melts in your mouth. Locals love them, tourists hoard them, and almost every bakery in Taiwan has its own version.
Traditionally, the filling was a blend of winter melon and pineapple to mellow the flavor, but modern versions use 100% pineapple for a more tart, punchy taste. The crust? Soft, crumbly, and rich with butter or lard — somewhere between a cookie and a shortbread.
You'll find pineapple cakes everywhere: in gift shops, bakeries, train stations, even airport duty-free. Some are individually wrapped for easy sharing. Others come in gorgeous boxes that make perfect presents.
How to Eat Like a Local: Locals often pair it with hot tea or oolong to balance the sweetness. Try it fresh from a boutique bakery — not just a factory box.
Where to Try It: Specialty Shops in Taiwan
Average Cost: NT$30–50 ($1–1.50 USD) per piece; NT$300–600 for a gift box
10. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) – The Smelliest Snack You'll Never Forget
You'll smell it before you see it — a sharp, funky scent drifting through the night market. Some people gag. Others follow their nose straight to the source. Welcome to the world of stinky tofu, Taiwan's most legendary (and divisive) street food.
Don't let the name scare you — stinky tofu is deep-fried fermented tofu, crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and usually topped with pickled cabbage and garlic sauce. The smell is strong, yes — like old socks mixed with fermented cheese — but the flavor is surprisingly mild, savory, and addictive once you get past that first bite.
There are different styles: fried (the most common), steamed, or grilled over charcoal for an extra smoky punch. Fried stinky tofu is usually the gateway version for first-timers.
How to Eat Like a Local: Top it with spicy chili sauce and take small bites with pickled cabbage in between — the crunch helps balance the funk.
Where to Try It: Night market in Taiwan
Average Cost: NT$50–80 (about $1.50–3 USD) per portion
11. Sushi (壽司) – Japan Meets Taiwan, One Bite at a Time
You might not expect it, but Taiwan is a fantastic place to eat sushi — and you don't need a Michelin-star budget to enjoy it. From sleek conveyor belt joints to corner-shop takeout trays, sushi in Taiwan is fresh, affordable, and everywhere.
The Japanese ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, and that influence left a deep mark on Taiwan food culture. Today, sushi is one of the most common dine-out options — not just for fancy nights, but for quick weekday lunches and casual dinners.
You'll find everything from traditional nigiri and sashimi to Taiwanese-style twists like torched salmon with cheese, mango-topped rolls, or seaweed rice balls. Even convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart offer surprisingly decent sushi sets.
How to Eat Like a Local: Try grilled or seared sushi (炙燒壽司) for a local favorite. And yes — locals dip fish-side-down, not rice-side-down, to keep the rice intact.
Where to Try It: Tainan and Kaohsiung – southern Taiwan's coastal cities serve up excellent sashimi at traditional markets
Average Cost: NT$10–40 per piece at conveyor belts, NT$300–800 for a full set meal
12. Sausage in a Sausage (大腸包小腸) – Taiwan's Unique Hot Dog
Don't let the name confuse you — this isn't as scary as it sounds. Sausage in a Sausage, literally “small sausage wrapped in big sausage,” is Taiwan's playful answer to a hot dog. But here's the twist: the “bun” is actually made of sticky glutinous rice, stuffed into a sausage casing and grilled until golden, then sliced open and filled with a savory Taiwanese pork sausage.
Smoky, sticky, sweet, and savory all in one bite — like a rice hot dog, but way more satisfying. Vendors often add toppings like pickled mustard greens, raw garlic, peanut powder, cucumber, or wasabi sauce to balance the richness.
It's filling, flavorful, and totally fun to eat. Locals grab it between temple visits or night market strolls. Just one bite and you'll be hooked.
How to Eat Like a Local: Say yes to garlic (or at least half!), and try it spicy. Eat it with your hands, like a hot dog, and be ready for a bit of a mess.
Where to Try It: Night Markets in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung
Average Cost: NT$60–90 (around $2–3 USD)
13. Gua Bao (刈包) – The Taiwanese “Pork Belly Burger” You Didn't Know You Needed
Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor — Gua Bao is Taiwan's answer to the perfect handheld snack. Locals call it "tiger bites pig" because it looks like a bun taking a bite out of thick, juicy pork belly. And trust us — one bite and it'll bite back with flavor.
This street food classic starts with a steamed white bun, soft and pillowy like a bao, folded around a slab of soy-braised pork belly that's rich, fatty, and fall-apart tender. It's topped with crushed peanuts, pickled mustard greens, and fresh cilantro, giving it a perfect mix of sweet, salty, sour, and herbal in every bite.
It's small enough to eat with one hand, tasty enough to keep you coming back for seconds, and simple enough that even first-time visitors will fall for it fast.
How to Eat Like a Local: Eat it fresh while the bun is warm and the pork belly is still dripping. No knife, no fork — just grab and go.
Where to Try It: Night markets all over Taiwan, especially in Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Some shops let you choose fatty, lean, or half-and-half pork — go half-half if you're unsure
Average Cost: NT$50–70 (around $1.50–2.50 USD)
How to Enjoy Food During Your Trip to Taiwan?
You don't have to go on a food hunt in Taiwan, delicious things will find you. Whether you're temple-hopping in Taipei, hiking in Alishan, or cycling around Sun Moon Lake, tasty bites are never far away. Taiwan's food is woven into everyday life, and many of the dishes above can be found right along your travel route.
The easiest way to try everything? Visit a night market. They're everywhere, in big cities and small towns, and many are open day and night. You can stroll through a single market street and find almost all the iconic dishes on this list, from scallion pancakes to bubble tea and stinky tofu.
To eat and explore at the same time, follow a classic route like:
Taipei → Taichung → Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Tainan → Kaohsiung
This path hits cultural landmarks, nature spots, and local food scenes, with plenty of night markets and food streets along the way.
Just come hungry, stay curious, and let your nose (and taste buds) lead the way.
Trace Taiwan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
Ready to see the best of Taiwan, from north to south? Asia Odyssey Travel is here to guide your journey around the island. With expert local partners and well-planned routes, we make your Taiwan trip smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.
We offer carefully designed tour packages and in-depth travel guides, including:
✔ Popular Tour Packages: Taiwan Group Tours, Taiwan Tours, Taiwan Family Tours, Taiwan Food Tours
✔ Useful Travel Guide: Taiwan Night Markets, Taiwan Temples, Taiwan Beaches, Taiwan Mountain, Taiwan Food, Taiwan Transportation
✔ Various Destinations: Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Kaohsiung
✔ Classic Itineraries: Taiwan Itinerary, Taipei Itinerary, Taichung Itinerary, Kaohsiung Itinerary
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