Can't Decide Where to Eat in Taipei? Let This Foodie Guide Help You Choose
Last updated April 28, 2024
The sights, sounds, and smells of the night market are always exciting.
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a foodie's dream destination. This amazing city has so much to offer, satisfying your craving for delicious and diverse cuisine. The city has a great blend of culinary influences, from traditional Taiwanese dishes to Chinese regional specialties and even Japanese and international fare. Another great reason to love Taipei is its affordability. Taipei offers a fantastic range of delicious food at very reasonable prices. From street food vendors to casual eateries, you can indulge in a culinary adventure without breaking the bank.
In this blog, you'll join me on a journey to discover the best bite spots that I think you shouldn't miss on your next trip to Taipei. This list features a mix of markets and local eateries. Keep reading to find out where the highest cafe in Taipei is located! This guide is a good starting point for your foodie research, and trust me, Taipei won't disappoint you.
Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)
Taipei's night markets are a must-visit for any foodie. These lively, open-air markets offer a staggering array of delicious street food options, allowing you to try a variety of dishes in one place. The atmosphere is electric, with vendors cooking fresh food right in front of you. But if you can only choose one, I would recommend going to Raohe Street Night Market.
Located in the Songshan District, Raohe Street Night Market is one of the most famous in Taipei. This lively market stretches for 600 meters along Raohe Street. With a history dating back to 1908, Raohe Street began as a small collection of vendors and has evolved into a vibrant night market bustling with energy.
From iconic Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup and oyster omelets to lesser-known specialties like stinky tofu and pig's blood soup, Raohe Street caters to adventurous palates. High on my recommendation is a vendor selling Michelin-Recognized Fuzhou Pepper Buns, a delicious and popular street food originating in Fuzhou, China. These savory buns feature a flavorful filling made with ground pork seasoned with black pepper, soy sauce, sugar, and scallions. The black pepper adds a distinct kick, while the other ingredients create a savory and slightly sweet balance. The crispy exterior and steamy interior provide a delightful textural contrast, making them a must-try.
Another recommended spot is a vendor selling crispy pork (description included below). This crispy pork exceeded my expectations! It has a light sprinkle of spices on top and is incredibly crispy on the outside, with fat that melts in your mouth. When you eat the pork with the onion, it creates a harmonious flavor combination.
For a perfect ending to your night market adventure, try the pineapple bun ice cream. This vendor bakes the pineapple buns fresh, so imagine a warm toasty bun filled with creamy ice cream! The contrasting textures and flavors make it an unforgettable dessert. (Unnamed vendor, but look for the irresistible aroma!)
Unlike some of the larger, more tourist-oriented night markets, Raohe Street retains a local atmosphere. While it attracts visitors, you'll also find plenty of Taiwanese residents enjoying an evening out. Here are some practical tips for when visit:
Cash Only: Most vendors accept cash only, so be sure to have some on hand.
Mind Your Belongings: As with any crowded place, be mindful of your belongings, especially your wallet and phone.
Open Mindedness: Be open-minded and enjoy trying new things!
Songshan Ciyou Temple is right next to the market. So don’t forget to check it out.
Addiction Aquatic Development
I still dream about Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD) and can't wait to go back! If you're a seafood lover, especially a fan of Japanese food, this place is a must-visit. AAD is more than just a fish market – it's a multi-level complex offering a unique and exciting seafood experience.
As soon as you enter, you'll be greeted by the sight of fresh, high-quality seafood displayed in spacious tanks. Unlike traditional fish markets, AAD is a premium experience – well-organized, visually stunning, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Come here hungry! I highly recommend checking out their ready-to-eat meals section. With a variety of options, you can grab plenty of delicious food to enjoy on the spot. AAD also houses several restaurants serving different styles of seafood cuisine. Whether you crave Japanese sashimi, luxurious hot pot, or casual grilled fish, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
While located in the Zhongshan District, reaching AAD by public transportation might be challenging for non-Mandarin speakers. The nearest train station is a significant walk, and navigating buses can be confusing. To save time, taking an Uber might be the most efficient option.
Fuhong Beef Noodle (富宏牛肉麵)
If you're a beef lover, be sure to try beef noodle soup when you're in Taipei. This dish is considered a national comfort food and a quintessential part of Taiwanese cuisine. Originally developed by Chinese refugees who brought their noodle-making expertise, it reflects Taiwan's unique culinary heritage. The hearty broth, slow-cooked with beef bones and spices, is rich and satisfying, especially on a cold day. And the best place to try beef noodle soup is Fuhong Beef Noodles, an old-school spot known for its tasty and affordable bowls. Fuhong Beef Noodles is also open 24 hours, so you can satisfy your cravings anytime.
The broth is simmered for a long time, creating a rich and flavorful base for the noodles. You can choose between thick or thin, chewy, handmade noodles. If you like it spicy, chili sauce is available on the table. Before you arrive, it's a good idea to decide what you want to order. They have a basic English menu, but to avoid getting the wrong order, pointing at pictures can be helpful. This spot has a cool local vibe and serves tasty food, making it a great choice for an authentic Taiwanese experience. So, don't miss it!
I'd suggest getting a small or medium size because the portion is quite big.
Yong He Soy Milk King
Yong He Soy Milk King is a must-visit for any foodie visiting Taipei who wants to experience a classic Taiwanese breakfast. With its delicious food, affordable prices, and historical significance, it's a great choice, especially for early risers or those seeking a late-night bite. This popular Taiwanese breakfast restaurant chain, established in the 1950s in Da'an District, is well-loved by both locals and tourists for its delicious and affordable soy milk and fried dough sticks.
Their soy milk is the star of the show! They offer a variety of options, from the classic unsweetened version to sweet flavors and even savory options with egg or peanut butter. Don't miss the Youtiao (fried dough sticks) – they're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for dipping in your soy milk. Other great options include rice porridge, scallion pancakes, steamed buns, and siew long bao.
Be aware that it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Consider arriving earlier in the morning (around 5:30 am) or later at night (around 10 pm) to avoid long waits. If you're planning to dine in, join the queue inside the shop to order your food. Cash is the preferred mode of payment, so be sure to come prepared.
How to get here
We're on our way to enjoy one of the most amazing breakfasts!
Chive pancake 黃福龍脆皮蔥油餅
I accidentally stumbled upon this budget-friendly snack. Noticing a line with only locals, I knew I had to try it. Chive pancakes are a delicious, affordable, and culturally significant part of Taiwanese cuisine. While scallion pancakes can be found in other parts of Asia, the Taiwanese version has a distinct flavor and texture. As a lover of crispy food, chive pancakes immediately grabbed my attention. This vendor even offered toppings like fried eggs, so I opted for one for that oozing goodness.
This spot was actually my very first meal in Taipei. The owner's warmth and hospitality made the entire experience even more delightful. Finding exactly what I wanted to eat and encountering such a kind person sparked so much joy. That's why I want to share this place with everyone!
How can you spot a good vendor? Look for a large crowd – it's usually a sign of fresh and delicious pancakes! Oh, and don't forget to bring napkins, as this snack can get a bit messy to eat!
Crispy Fresh Donuts (Taipei) branch (脆皮鮮奶甜甜圈 台北店)
This is one of the best donuts I've ever had! I stumbled upon this spot by surprise, and the long line outside piqued my curiosity, so I decided to check it out. This spot is about 2 mins walk from the chive pancake vendor. They sell donuts dusted with milk sugar powder. Even though they're fried, the donuts are surprisingly crisp on the outside (not greasy at all!) and have a delightful chew on the inside.
Some people compare them to churros, but I disagree. This type of donut is unique and unlike anything I've had before. You have to try it for yourself! The only downside to this shop is the potential wait time, which can vary depending on when you go. I got lucky and only waited less than ten minutes. Another thing to keep in mind is that the donuts are best enjoyed fresh, as they may lose their crispness over time.
How to get here
A long line is always a good indicator that the food is good.
Bubble tea time: Xing Fu Tang (幸福堂)
When you're in Taipei, bubble tea is a must-try! This sensational drink, originating in Taiwan in the early 1980s, has exploded in popularity worldwide. Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, offers a variety of flavors and toppings. One of the most famous brands is Xing Fu Tang, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain known for its signature brown sugar boba milk tea.
Even though I don't usually drink much bubble tea, I couldn't resist Xing Fu Tang's caramelized brown sugar boba! Made fresh daily, the chewy tapioca pearls are cooked in a special copper pot with brown sugar, creating a unique flavor and a slightly caramelized exterior. For this special menu item, they use a flaming technique to further caramelize the boba as they pour the hot milk tea over it. This creates a visually stunning presentation and adds a touch of smoky caramel aroma.
What made the experience even more special was the staff speaking Thai to us. This is a testament to the popularity of Xing Fu Tang among Thai tourists. While brown sugar boba is their signature, they offer other milk tea flavors, fruit teas, and even coffee options. With many locations throughout the city, just pick the one with the shortest queue!
Must-Visit: Simple Kaffa Sola at Taipei 101
If you're looking for the best view of Taipei while enjoying a cup of awesome coffee, look no further than Simple Kaffa Sola at Taipei 101. This hidden gem is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Founded by Berg Wu, a multiple World Barista Champion, Simple Kaffa is renowned for its high-quality coffee beans and meticulous brewing methods.
They offer a variety of single-origin coffee beans, allowing you to explore the unique flavor profiles from different regions. Simple Kaffa has six locations across the city. The most well-known is the Simple Kaffa Flagship Store in Zhongzheng District, a short walk from Huashan 1914 Creative Park. But my top recommendation is Simple Kaffa Sola, located on the 88th floor of Taipei 101. This new establishment, opened in 2023, holds the distinction of being the highest cafe in Taipei.
If you plan to enjoy a sit-down meal with light bites and pastries, make a reservation in advance as seating is limited. Window seats often have a minimum spending requirement, usually around NT$2000 (US$65) per table. However, if you're like my friends and me, you can walk in and queue up on the ground floor to purchase coffee to go. This is a great travel hack to experience the breathtaking view from Taipei 101 without breaking the bank.
To reach the cafe for to go coffee, simply inform the receptionist on the ground floor of Taipei 101. They will manage the flow and direct you to wait in line if necessary. Once it's your turn, take the elevator to the 60th floor and transfer to another elevator for the 88th floor.While you won't have a table, you can still stand and enjoy the view while sipping your coffee. So, make sure to add this to your travel itinerary!
While waiting in line for the 88th floor, the receptionist will provide a menu to browse.
Amazing view while sipping on a tasty coffee! - Can't ask for a better experience!
Beautiful Taipei 101 building from the outside.
Fun to check out: 7-11 and Mister Donuts
Coming from Thailand, I'm used to the wide variety of things you can find at 7-Eleven. So exploring a 7-Eleven in Taipei was a fun adventure for me. They have a huge selection of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and interesting drinks. My friends and I love grabbing quick bites and cold drinks there. Don't miss out on the chance to broaden your foodie horizons!
Speaking of quick bite, make sure to try Pon de Ring donuts at Mister Donut. These classic Japanese donuts have a chewy texture, similar to mochi. As a Thai, I was already familiar with Pon de Ring donuts, but I was amazed by the wider variety of flavors they have in Taipei! Unlike traditional donuts with a cakey or bready texture, Pon de Rings are known for being chewy and bouncy. This is because they're made with a flour blend that includes glutinous rice flour or tapioca flour. These donuts are formed by connecting eight small donut balls into a ring shape.They're not only adorable but also yummy.
So there you have it! I hope this blog post gives you some ideas and inspiration for where to go and what to eat in Taipei. When I researched what to eat in this amazing city, I narrowed down the best options to create a list of must-try spots. These are all great places that I would highly recommend to my own friends and would definitely revisit myself.
I hope you find this information useful! Stay tuned for more blog posts to come, and I hope you have a fantastic and fun foodie trip to Taipei!
