Michelle Huang / TaipeiA Taste of Taiwan Through the Eyes of a Taipei Local
Michelle Huang
Supply Chain Coordinator
Hi, I’m Michelle, a senior supply chain coordinator at Ekster. I grew up in Taipei, a city that celebrates food everywhere you go.
From the bustling street markets to unique restaurants, Taipei’s culinary scene has shaped my love for food. It’s a place where food isn’t just nourishment, it’s an experience.
If you're ever in Taipei, be prepared to eat your way through a place where every meal tells a story and every bite feels like an adventure.
Remembering market mornings with my mom
When I was a kid, I loved going to the market with my mom. There was always a buzz of activity – the mixture of food stalls, the fresh vegetables, the butchers, and even clothing vendors. The air was full of mixed smells, from sizzling food to the chatter of neighbors. The vibrant atmosphere was something I looked forward to every Saturday morning.
My mom and I would spend hours at the market, picking out ingredients and snacking along the way. The food wasn’t fancy but what I loved about it was the feeling of connection. Each vendor had their own story, and many of them became familiar faces we’d chat with. It was always homemade food, never the same.
You could taste the love and history in every bite. That’s what really made me feel at home.
Sharing is caring in Taiwanese culture
Food is an integral part of Taiwanese culture, and from an early age, I learned how important it was to share meals with others. In Taiwan, instead of asking someone, “How are you?”, we often ask, “Have you eaten?” (tsia̍h-pá-buē). This reflects the deep care people show for one another through food.
Most dishes are served family-style, so you learn from a young age to make sure everyone gets their share. My mom used to make braised pork—a dish that was easy, delicious, and comforting. Now that she’s vegetarian, it’s no longer on the menu at home, but I’ve tried to recreate it myself. It’s not quite the same, but it still reminds me of her.
Street food is where it all begins
The night markets (like Shilin and Raohe) offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. My favorite street foods are pepper buns (胡椒餅), which are crispy, savory pastries filled with spiced pork and spring onions, and wheel cake.
And let’s not forget fried chicken stalls! They’re a weekend staple for me.
I’ll pick a mix of meats and veggies, pair them with a cold beer, and settle in for a Netflix marathon. It’s the perfect way to unwind.
If you’re feeling brave, try pork blood cake or stinky tofu. Stinky tofu is fermented and has a pungent aroma that might be off-putting at first, but the taste is worth it. My favorite version is served in a spicy hotpot with duck blood, a classic Taiwanese comfort food.
Street food is the beating heart of Taipei.
Delicious seasonal foods and festivals
Taiwan’s food calendar is tied to its festivals. For example, you get mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, rice dumplings for the Dragon Boat Festival, and rice cakes for the Lantern Festival. While most of these foods are available year-round, the experience of eating them during the festivities is very special.
Another unique tradition is ban-doh, Taiwan’s outdoor culinary culture. It’s a feast cooked on-site for weddings, funerals, or religious celebrations.
For travelers, one of the most special culinary experiences would be joining a traditional Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner with a local family. It's a deeply meaningful gathering that brings families together, showcasing the abundance and symbolism of Taiwanese food.
My favorite night markets
Taipei's night markets are a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the city’s food culture up close. There's something magical about walking through the crowds, surrounded by neon lights, hearing the hum of people, and watching vendors prepare their dishes with an almost theatrical flair. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
The Nanjichang and Lin Jiang night markets are my favorites. Not only is it filled with delicious food options like sesame oil chicken soup, oyster omelettes, and peanut ice cream rolls, but it has a nostalgic charm.
The savory aroma will pull you in every time.
A hidden gem: Food in karaoke rooms
Here’s something most tourists wouldn’t think of: food in karaoke rooms! In Taiwan, karaoke is more than just singing; it’s a social event often paired with dinner. Many karaoke spots serve surprisingly good food, like noodles, dumplings, and fried snacks.
One branch even won a beef noodle competition, proving that even a casual karaoke night can become a culinary adventure. If you’re looking for an unexpected experience in Taipei, try dinner at a karaoke room with friends. It’s a quirky yet uniquely Taiwanese way to enjoy food and fun.
What makes Taiwanese cuisine unique?
Taiwanese cuisine is a fusion of influences and it reflects our rich history and cultural diversity. I stumbled upon the realization while watching a BBC video on Taiwan. Historically, we’ve had the indigenous cultures, waves of Chinese migration, and Japanese colonization. More recently, immigration from Southeast Asia has further enriched our flavors.
For me, Taiwanese food isn’t just a dish. It’s a reflection of who we are: diverse, adaptable, and always finding ways to make something uniquely our own. For example, we’ve added meatballs and eggs to miso soup (a touch you’d never see in Japan but feels perfectly normal here). There are even quirky modern creations like Oreo-topped pizzas at Pizza Hut. It’s something that might raise an eyebrow but still sparks curiosity.
Taiwanese food isn’t just a dish. It’s a reflection of who we are.
A perfect day of eating in Taipei
If I were to plan the ultimate food itinerary for someone visiting Taipei, it would look something like this:
Breakfast: Taiwan is famous for its breakfasts. Start with Fuhang Soy Milk at Bib Gourmand. They’re famous for freshly made soy milk and crispy Chinese flatbread. If you’re running late, don’t worry. Taiwan’s breakfast stores often stay open until early afternoon.
You can also visit one of Taiwan’s many convenience stores for breakfast. You’d be amazed at the variety and quality of food available there, from rice balls to freshly brewed tea.
Lunch: Head to the iconic Din Tai Fung. This world-famous Taiwanese restaurant originated here, and the price is much friendlier than its overseas counterparts.
The xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and fried rice with pork chop are must-tries. For something unique, treat yourself to their chocolate xiaolongbao, which is a decadent twist on a classic dish.
Afternoon Snack: After a delicious lunch, why not treat yourself to a refreshing drink? While bubble tea originated in Taiwan and is a must-try, drink shops here offer so much more.
Thanks to Taiwan’s unique climate and geographical conditions, the country produces some of the world’s highest-quality mountain teas. Don’t worry if coffee is your drink of choice.
The city is brimming with cozy cafés that cater to coffee lovers, too.
Dinner: For dinner, make sure to try Taiwan's famous beef noodle soup. The rich, flavorful broth and tender meat are unforgettable and will leave you craving more. If you're in the mood for a drink afterward, Taipei’s cocktail scene won’t disappoint.
Trio is a standout spot where you can try their refreshing Earl Grey cocktail, a unique drink you won't find anywhere else. Their famous shots are perfect for sharing with friends and add an extra element of fun to your night.
Tips for people visiting Taipei
Taipei offers so much more than just food, so make time to explore its incredible sights and experiences. Wander through Yang Ming National Mountain to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes and relax in an onsen bath. Visit the National Palace Museum to see treasures from the Qing Dynasty, or soak in the spiritual ambiance of Long Shan Temple, the largest temple in Taipei. For a trip back in time, head to Dadaocheng, one of the city’s oldest streets.
If you’re planning to visit Taipei for its food, here are a few tips that will help you make the most of your culinary journey:
Go hungry: The street food here is endless, and you’ll want to try as much as possible. Make sure to come with an empty stomach so you can enjoy everything!
Try something new: Taiwanese cuisine can be surprisingly diverse, with dishes like stinky tofu and pig’s blood cake that may sound intimidating but are worth trying.
Explore beyond the night markets: While night markets are a must-visit, don’t forget to explore the city’s cafes and restaurants, especially those tucked away from the main tourist areas.
Eat like a local: Don’t be afraid to follow the crowds and try what the locals are eating. If you see a long line, it’s usually a good sign that the food is worth the wait!
Respect the environment: You can get a discount if you bring your own cup to most drink shops and all convenience stores.
For me, Taipei isn’t just a place to visit. It’s a place to eat, savor, and remember. Each meal is a new adventure, and each experience is a unique reflection of the city’s diverse, passionate food culture.
What excites me most about Taipei’s food scene is the constant fusion of tradition and innovation. It’s this blend that makes Taipei such an exciting city for food lovers.
