If there’s one thing you should know before going to Taiwan, it’s this: come hungry. Taipei, in particular, is a food lover’s paradise. From sizzling street-side snacks to soul-warming bowls of beef noodle soup, the city doesn’t just feed you, it spoils you.
I spent a few days in Taipei recently, and if I could sum up the trip in one word, it would be: delicious. Here's my guide to eating your way through this vibrant, flavourful city, and doing it right.
🍢 1. Night Markets: Where the Magic Happens
If you're visiting Taipei and skip the night markets, did you even go? Shilin Night Market is the most famous, chaotic, colourful, and full of life. Try the giant fried chicken cutlet (bigger than your face), grilled squid on skewers, and oyster omelettes if you're feeling adventurous.
For a slightly more local vibe, head to Ningxia Night Market. Smaller, but packed with old-school food stalls, it’s the perfect place to try lu rou fan (braised pork rice), crispy taro balls, and herbal pork rib soup. Pro tip: come with cash and stretchy pants.
🍜 2. Beef Noodle Soup: The Real National Dish
There are endless debates over which stall makes the best beef noodle soup in Taipei, and honestly, they’re all worth slurping. My favourite? Yong Kang Beef Noodles. The broth is rich and savoury, the meat tender, and the noodles perfectly chewy. It's a bowl of comfort with every spoonful.
If you're into spicy kicks, go for the Sichuan-style versions. Add pickled mustard greens and a splash of vinegar, thank me later.
🥟 3. Din Tai Fung: Yes, It’s Tourist-y, But Go Anyway
Located near Taipei 101, Din Tai Fung is internationally known, and for good reason. Their xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are little parcels of joy. Watching the chefs work behind the glass kitchen is a treat in itself.
Pro tip: Skip the long lines by arriving before 11am or after peak lunch hours. And don’t stop at dumplings, try the truffle ones, the stir-fried greens, and that iconic dessert bun at the end.
🍰 4. Bubble Tea, But Make It Authentic
Sure, you’ve had bubble tea. But nothing beats having it in the land where it was born. Tiger Sugar is famous for its brown sugar boba milk (no tea, just sweet creamy magic), while 50嵐 (50 Lan) offers a more traditional milk tea with fully customisable sugar and ice levels. Want to go ultra-local? Try chrysanthemum tea with white pearls from a small street stall, surprisingly refreshing.
🍠 5. Sweet Surprises: Taro, Shaved Ice & More
Taiwanese desserts may not be sugary-sweet like Western ones, but they’re deeply satisfying. I fell in love with taro balls from Jiufen (if you’re making a day trip) and mango shaved ice from Ice Monster, a summer must.
They layer thin sheets of mango ice with real mango chunks, jelly, condensed milk... it’s heaven in a bowl.
Fill Your Stomach First
The best part about eating in Taipei is the spirit of curiosity. The stalls are fast, cheap, and full of surprises, many without English signs. But don’t be afraid to point, smile, and give it a go. Some of my favourite bites were spontaneous, unplanned finds that I can’t even name, just unforgettable tastes.
Whether you're a picky eater or an adventurous foodie, Taipei will feed your body and your soul.