The capital of Taiwan pulses with culinary energy from morning to night, fueled by sizzling night markets, steamy breakfast stalls and family-run restaurants that preserve generations of flavor. Food here is both a daily ritual and a cultural cornerstone, with influences that span Chinese, Indigenous, Japanese and Southeast Asian traditions.
From xiao long bao that melt in your mouth to icy desserts that beat the subtropical heat, every corner of Taipei reveals another snack worth savoring. If you’re wondering what to eat in Taipei, let this guide lead you through the essential bites that define this vibrant city’s flavor.
1. Beef Noodle Soup
Ask any local about the best food in Taipei and beef noodle soup will top the list. This hearty bowl features tender braised beef, chewy noodles and a savory soy-based broth spiced with star anise and Chinese herbs. It’s comfort food at its finest and a must-try for first-time visitors.
2. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Delicate and explosive, xiao long bao are steamed dumplings filled with seasoned pork and rich broth. Originally from Jiangnan China but perfected in Taiwan, they are served piping hot in bamboo baskets. Eat carefully — one bite releases a burst of flavorful soup.
3. Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)
A simple yet deeply satisfying dish, lu rou fan features minced pork belly braised in soy sauce and aromatics, then spooned over steamed rice. It’s a staple across homes and diners alike and one of the best dishes in Taipei for a quick, savory meal.
4. Gua Bao
Sometimes called the “Taiwanese hamburger,” gua bao is a fluffy steamed bun folded around braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts and cilantro. The balance of sweet, savory, sour and crunchy makes this a street food favorite.
5. Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Taiwan’s take on fried chicken is legendary — crispy, juicy and often dusted with five-spice, garlic and chili powder. Whether you find it served in bite-sized, popcorn-style pieces or flattened cutlets the size of your face, it's a go-to snack at night markets like Shilin or Raohe.
6. Scallion Pancake (Cong You Bing)
Flaky, chewy and fragrant with scallion oil, cong you bing is a beloved street snack that can be eaten plain or upgraded with egg, cheese or ham. It’s pan-fried to golden perfection and rolled up hot in paper for on-the-go enjoyment.
7. Oyster Omelet
This uniquely Taiwanese dish combines eggs, oysters and a sweet potato starch batter, giving it a chewy texture. Topped with a savory-sweet red sauce, it’s a standout at local night markets (and a favorite among adventurous eaters).
8. Ba Wan
Taiwan’s answer to the dumpling, ba wan are large, translucent pouches made from rice and sweet potato starch, stuffed with minced pork, bamboo shoots and mushrooms. They’re typically steamed or fried and served in a sweet soy glaze.
9. Stinky Tofu
The name might turn some heads, but stinky tofu is a national obsession. Fermented and then deep-fried, it’s crispy on the outside and pungently tender inside. Served with pickled cabbage and chili sauce, it’s an iconic part of the Taipei Taiwan food experience.
10. Dan Bing (Taiwanese Egg Crepe)
A popular breakfast item, dan bing is a thin crêpe rolled with scallions and egg, sometimes filled with cheese, ham or pork floss. Light, savory and fast, it’s a perfect way to start your day like a local.
11. Tian Bu La (Taiwanese Oden)
Adapted from Japanese oden, this comforting dish includes fish cakes, daikon, tofu and other ingredients simmered in broth and served with a thick brown sauce. You’ll find it at street stalls and convenience stores alike.
12. Mango Shaved Ice
When the weather heats up, nothing hits the spot like a towering bowl of mango shaved ice. Topped with sweetened condensed milk, fresh mango cubes and mango syrup, it’s one of the most refreshing and photogenic desserts in Taipei.
13. Iron Egg
A specialty from nearby Tamsui, iron eggs are repeatedly stewed in soy sauce and air-dried, giving them a chewy, intensely flavored texture. Often made from quail eggs, they’re a salty snack with a devoted following.
14. Peanut Ice Cream Roll
This quirky dessert wraps scoops of vanilla ice cream, shaved peanut brittle and cilantro in a paper-thin flour wrap. The mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet and herby flavors is surprisingly addictive.
15. Bubble Tea (Boba)
Invented in Taiwan and now a global trend, bubble tea began right here. The classic version features black tea, milk and chewy tapioca pearls, but local shops offer endless creative spins. Try it where it all started — in Taipei’s tea houses and street stalls.
Discover Food Excursions in Taipei, Taiwan
Explore Taipei’s vibrant culinary culture and rich heritage through immersive shore excursions designed for food lovers:
- Foodie Taipei
- Experience the culture and history of the vibrant city of Taipei on an adventure that includes a visit to the largest temple in the city and the lively Dihua Street, known for its fabric shops and local food stalls. Enjoy a traditional dim sum meal and stop at a historic shrine honoring those who gave their lives for their country.
- Fish Port
- Begin at Chung Cheng Park for panoramic views of the city and its gleaming harbor, followed by a visit to Fuji Fishing Port — home to some of the freshest seafood in northern Taiwan. Sample local specialties like flower crab and cuttlefish and try the refreshing ice gelidium jelly drink. Wrap up your day at the dramatic rock formations of Yehliu, including the iconic Queen's Head and Candlestick Rock.
What To Eat in Taipei?
If you're wondering what to eat in Taipei, start with street food staples like beef noodle soup, xiao long bao and fried chicken. From sizzling snacks at Raohe Night Market to historic bites in Dihua Street, the Taipei Taiwan food scene is a rich blend of flavor, culture and creativity. These best dishes in Taipei are more than meals — they're an invitation to explore the heart of the city, one bite at a time.
