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Taipei food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Taipei.
Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash
What to eat in Taipei
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Xiao Long Bao
$5–$15
Delicate soup dumplings filled with savory broth and minced pork, these steamed buns are a quintessential Shanghainese dish perfected in Taipei. The thin skin and burst of hot soup make them an exquisite bite.
Where to try: Specialty dumpling restaurants across the city, particularly in the Xinyi and Zhongshan districts.
Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)
$7–$12
A hearty, soul-warming broth with tender chunks of braised beef and chewy noodles. It's the national dish of Taiwan, with regional variations in spice and broth richness.
Where to try: Found in countless eateries, but particularly renowned around the area near the National Palace Museum and in the Yongkang Street area.
Gua Bao
$2–$4
A soft, steamed bun folded around tender braised pork belly, pickled greens, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. It's often called the 'Taiwanese hamburger' for good reason.
Where to try: Street food stalls and night markets, especially Raohe Street Night Market and Ningxia Night Market.
Lu Rou Fan
$2.5–$5
Braised minced pork belly served over steamed rice, this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is a staple. The rich, savory sauce seeps into the rice, creating a comforting and addictive meal.
Where to try: Ubiquitous in local eateries and food courts, look for small, bustling shops serving rice bowls.
Oyster Omelet (Oa-tsai-kueh)
$4–$7
A chewy, starchy omelet made with tapioca starch and eggs, studded with fresh oysters and often topped with a sweet and savory sauce. It's a popular night market snack.
Where to try: Night markets like Shilin Night Market and Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market.
Stinky Tofu
$3–$5
Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma that belies its surprisingly delicious, crispy exterior and soft interior. It's typically served fried with pickled cabbage and chili sauce.
Where to try: Street food vendors and night markets across Taipei; its strong smell makes it easy to locate.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Ximending
Bustling, youthful, and vibrant, known as Taipei's 'Harajuku'.
Street foodTrendy cafesBudget eats
Yongkang Street
Charming and artsy, a mix of traditional eateries and modern boutiques.
Beef noodle soupMango shaved iceDesserts
Shilin Night Market
One of Taipei's largest and most famous night markets, a sensory overload of food and shopping.
Street food varietySnacksLate-night dining
Daan District
More upscale and residential, with a sophisticated dining scene.
Fine diningBoutique cafesInternational cuisine
Dietary notes
Taiwanese cuisine is generally meat-heavy, especially pork. However, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, particularly in Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and at dedicated stalls in night markets, often marked with specific symbols. Gluten-free options can be challenging due to soy sauce and starch-based thickeners, so inquire carefully.
Local etiquette
- •It's common to slurp noodles to show appreciation for the meal.
- •When eating at a communal table, wait for others to start before you begin.
- •Chopsticks should never be stuck vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense for the deceased.
- •Tipping is generally not expected in most restaurants, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is appreciated.
- •Cash is king, especially at night markets and smaller eateries, though larger establishments increasingly accept credit cards.
Plan the rest of your Taipei trip
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