Taiwan
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Taiwan's cuisine safely and confidently.
Check food hygiene standards in Taiwan
While Taiwan generally has good food hygiene standards, it's always wise to choose restaurants that appear clean and well-maintained.
Drink bottled water in Taiwan
In Taiwan, it's recommended to drink bottled water, especially in rural areas where water quality may vary.
Be cautious with street food in Taiwan
Street food in Taiwan can be delicious and safe, but choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegetarian options are increasingly available in Taiwan, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations.
vegan
LOW AVAILABILITYVegan options can be limited in Taiwan, as many traditional dishes include animal products. However, major cities may have specialized restaurants.
gluten-free
LOW AVAILABILITYFinding gluten-free options in Taiwan can be challenging. Consider learning key phrases to explain your dietary needs.
Common Allergens
Nuts
MEDIUM PREVALENCEVarious nuts are common in Taiwan's cuisine, particularly in desserts and some savory dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCEDairy products are widely used in Taiwan, featuring in many traditional dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Wheat
HIGH PREVALENCEWheat is a staple in Taiwan's cuisine, used in bread, pastries, and many other foods.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Taiwan's food culture for travelers.
Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵 niúròumiàn)
A rich and flavorful soup featuring tender beef, wheat noodles, and a blend of spices. It's considered a national dish of Taiwan, with variations in broth and spice levels across different regions.
Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯 lǔròufàn)
A comforting bowl of braised minced pork served over steamed rice. The pork is slow-cooked in a savory sauce, often with soy sauce, five-spice powder, and rock sugar, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎 é’ājiān)
A popular street food made with fresh oysters, sweet potato starch, and egg. It's pan-fried until crispy and served with a sweet and savory sauce.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Taiwan's diverse culinary traditions.
Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐 chòu dòufu)
A fermented tofu dish with a pungent aroma. It's typically deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and chili sauce. Despite its strong smell, it's a beloved street food snack.
Allergens:
Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶 zhēnzhū nǎichá)
A Taiwanese tea-based drink that originated in Taichung. It typically consists of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, often served cold with various flavorings.
Allergens:
Gua Bao (刈包 guàbāo)
Often referred to as a "Taiwanese hamburger," it consists of braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, and peanut powder served in a steamed bun.
Allergens:
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Taiwan.
Tainan
Known for its traditional Taiwanese flavors and street food. Dishes often feature seafood, pork, and a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Cultural Significance:
Tainan's cuisine reflects its history as Taiwan's oldest city, preserving traditional cooking methods and flavors.
Signature Dishes:
- Danzai noodles (擔仔麵 dànzǎimiàn)
- Milkfish congee (虱目魚粥 shī mùyú zhōu)
- Shrimp rolls (蝦捲 xiā juǎn)
Key Ingredients:
Yilan
Coastal region specializing in seafood and utilizing fresh local produce. Dishes often incorporate unique ingredients like duck and preserved vegetables.
Cultural Significance:
Yilan's cuisine showcases the region's abundant seafood and agricultural resources, reflecting its coastal and rural character.
Signature Dishes:
- Scallion pancakes (蔥油餅 cōngyóubǐng)
- Duck rice (鴨肉飯 yāròufàn)
- Kimchi hot pot (泡菜火鍋 pàocài huǒguō)
Key Ingredients:
Taichung
Known for its innovative and diverse culinary scene, blending traditional Taiwanese flavors with international influences. The city is also the birthplace of bubble tea.
Cultural Significance:
Taichung's cuisine represents its modern and dynamic food culture, embracing both tradition and innovation.
Signature Dishes:
- Suncake (太陽餅 tàiyáng bǐng)
- Pearl milk tea (珍珠奶茶 zhēnzhū nǎichá)
- Mushroom meatball soup (貢丸湯 gòngwán tāng)
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Taiwan's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Aiyu Jelly (愛玉冰 àiyù bīng)
A refreshing dessert made from the gel of the creeping fig fruit. It has a slightly tart flavor and is often served with lemon juice and honey.
Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥 fènglí sū)
A sweet pastry filled with pineapple jam. It's a popular souvenir and often enjoyed with tea.
Taro Balls (芋圓 yùyuán)
Chewy balls made from taro root, often served in a sweet syrup or with shaved ice and other toppings.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Taiwan's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Taiwan Beer (臺灣啤酒 táiwān píjiǔ)
A popular lager-style beer brewed in Taiwan. It's widely available and comes in various strengths and flavors.
Kaoliang Liquor (高粱酒 gāoliáng jiǔ)
A strong distilled spirit made from sorghum. It's traditionally served neat but can also be mixed in cocktails.
Shaoxing Rice Wine (紹興酒 shàoxīng jiǔ)
A fermented rice wine used in cooking and also enjoyed as a beverage. It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
Soft Beverages
Discover Taiwan's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Oolong Tea (烏龍茶 wūlóng chá)
A traditional Taiwanese tea with a wide range of flavors depending on the oxidation level. It's often served hot and can be enjoyed plain or with milk and sugar.
Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶 dōngguā chá)
A refreshing drink made from winter melon, often served chilled. It has a naturally sweet flavor and is a popular summer beverage.
Soy Milk (豆漿 dòujiāng)
A plant-based milk made from soybeans. It's a common breakfast drink and can be served hot or cold, often with added sugar or flavorings.