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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

Full itinerary →Budget Day trips

Food guides elsewhere

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