Taiwan is an amazing island with an incredibly diverse culinary scene, so we’re thrilled to share with you a fantastic list of 14 must-try delicacies during your visit. We’ve also included some outstanding restaurants that you absolutely can’t miss, which will surely make your travel itinerary unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other in Taiwan!
Taiwanese barbecue
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One of the best things to eat in Taiwan is Taiwanese barbecue, which offers a wide range of flavors. Each restaurant has its own unique way of preparing and sourcing ingredients.
Here, the owners fry the food before grilling it, and then they apply a special barbecue sauce to absorb the flavors and create a rich taste. You can enjoy delicious bacon and green onion rolls, the famous “see you tomorrow” mushroom rolls to create a good combination. Taiwanese-style fried chicken that releases its savory sauce with every bite, or marinated cabbage, that are must to try.
Taiwanese barbecue is easily found in various cities throughout Taiwan, but most places only offer takeout options.
Boneless chicken feet
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During our recent visit to Hanxi Night Market in Taichung, we stumbled upon a unique culinary delight that is worth trying in Taiwan: boneless chicken feet. This particular delicacy may not be something you commonly encounter in your home country, primarily due to the arduous process of removing bones from chicken feet. However, the boneless chicken feet we encountered were already meticulously prepared and marinated, resulting in a delectable treat that will leave you craving for more. You have the option to choose between spicy and non-spicy varieties, adding a touch of customization to your experience. If you find yourself in Taichung, this is definitely a must-try dish at Hanxi Night Market.
Chili ice cream
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Another food you should try in Taiwan is chili ice cream from Chili Hunter Jiaoxi. Even as a Mexican, I found this option quite intriguing. When you pass by their store, the facade will catch your attention, and once inside, it’ll be hard to resist trying their ice cream. They have different levels of spiciness depending on the flavor you choose. Some of the flavors they sell are green mango, chocolate, mint chocolate, strawberry, and more; all of the flavors show clear their heat level.
Coffin toast
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Coffin toast is probably the most popular food in Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien. Waiting up to an hour, with long queues, is the norm whether you dine in or take it to go. This toast is similar to French toast; after frying the bread, it cuts the top like a lid and fills it with beef, ham, pork, and lettuce. Many delicious combinations are available. Dining in gets you complimentary milk or black tea.
However, one thing that surprised me is that when you place your order, they don’t give you a number or write down your name, sometimes resulting in skipped orders and longer waits. Despite the wait, the coffin toast is worth to try it.
Family Mart ice cream
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One thing that can always cheer us up in the summertime, it must be ice cream. It makes us excited thing waiting to launch a new flavor of ice cream from Family Mart.
Although sometimes the flavors can be somewhat exotic, like corn soup, bubble gum ice cream, or something more local like matcha. Depending on the campaign, the flavor will be different; if you’re visiting the island in the summer, the ice cream from Family Mart that food you to try in Taiwan. Take a break and refresh yourself at one of their stores, and try special flavor ice cream to create different travel memory. (Family Mart convenience store is a brand of Japanese origin but with wide coverage in Taiwan.)
Fried noodles
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Several train lines converge in Ruifang, crossing the northern part of Taiwan, and near its train station, you’ll find Ruifang Food Court. The place is full of delicious food, but this time we want to highlight some fried noodles in the back on the right. By looking at the pictures from the times it has appeared on Taiwanese television, you can get an idea that it’s a must-eat in Taiwan. You can also try their squid soup to accompany your noodles.
Fried squid
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We discovered the best-fried squid in Cijin, a district in Kaohsiung. In these establishments, the squid is coated in breadcrumbs before being fried. It is then cut into smaller pieces and served with a choice of seasonings such as lime/pepper or garlic, among others.
To test it, you need to board a ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier Station to get there. The journey is very short and will take you to one of the best places to try seafood in Taiwan. Once you get off the ferry, you’ll find a street with many dining options; among them, you’ll see these delicious fried squids.
Roast pork with crackling
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Garden Night Market of Tainan is a popular night market for local people and tourists that is not just a spacious place to get all the delicious street food but a good place to eat in Taiwan.
Here, you’ll discover succulent roasted pork cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightfully crispy skin and tender meat. It’s typically served with a refreshing touch of lemon. You definitely won’t regret giving it a try.
Hot pot
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Undoubtedly, one of the most popular foods in Taiwan is hot pot, along with Taiwanese fried chicken and bubble tea. While you may find hot pot in other countries, it truly shines in Taiwan, where it is available for both large groups and individuals.
Taiwanese people have a deep love for this dish, making it easy to find hot pot restaurants all over the country. It typically consists of a flavorful soup base made from miso, milk, pumpkin, or tomato, among other options and variations specific to each restaurant. Once you’ve selected your soup base, you can choose from various types of meat, such as chicken, pork, or even lobster. Finally, the hot pot is served with various vegetables to add to the simmering soup as you cook and savor the meal.
If you have a hearty appetite, it’s highly recommended to seek out a restaurant that offers unlimited ice cream and beverages to accompany your hot pot feast. This combination is truly a must-try culinary experience in Taiwan.
Shaved ice
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You must try shaved ice in Taiwan, and it’s relatively easy to find. It’s even available in some night markets. The formula is simple but delicious. It involves scraping water-based ice and topping it with red beans, bubbles, and taro. Generally, they all have good-quality ingredients, but they often need help when choosing the taro. That’s where 老芋仔芋圓 does a great job with their delicious taro, which you should try when you visit Taichung.
If you’re in Taipei, you can visit 永美雪花冰 inside Lehua Night Market. They offer a wider variety of options and strike a good balance between flavor and aesthetics for your photos.
Lu Wei
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Another option you should try in Taiwan is Lu Wei. Like hot pot, there are many stores throughout the island, each with its personal touch. Typically, there are two versions available. In one version, you dip your chosen ingredients into a blend of herbs and soy sauce, including pork meat, skin, ear, chicken, eggs, tofu, meatballs, vegetables, noodles, and more. Alternatively, a dry version can be enjoyed as a main dish or a snack. Just be sure to pair it with a refreshing cold beer.
Stinky tofu
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Stinky tofu can scare you off with its smell. Still, its taste, crispy exterior, soft interior, and combination with Taiwanese Pickled Cabbage will make you love it. Stinky tofu is a must-eat in Taiwan, and you should try it freshly prepared to experience its flavor and texture fully.
Zongzi
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Zongzi is a traditional dish during the Dragon Boat Festival, so it’s easy to find, especially in early June when this celebration takes place. It is made with rice and can be accompanied by cilantro and peanuts. It may contain a piece of pork or a salted egg yolk. If you’re in Tainan, you can try zongzi at 台南老店肉粽 菜粽, a very traditional place loved by locals and visitors alike.
Wulai sausage
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Finally, another local food option in Taiwan is sausages, and what better way to try them than in Wulai, a beautiful place near Taipei that you can easily reach by bus. The sausages stores are located just before crossing a bridge to Wulai Falls. Take the opportunity to visit Yun Hsien Resort and use the cable car to enhance this experience.