TOP TAIWANESE FOODS

you must try!delicious

Introducing the ultimate, you-haven’t-been-to-Taiwan-if-you-haven’t-tried-these Taiwanese street foods! If you’re taking a trip to Taiwan or planning on moving to Taiwan, consider these your entry level foods guaranteed to lead to an addiction.

Oyster Omelet (O-A-Chian/蚵仔煎)

What is it? Eggs, greens, and oysters fried in batter and topped with a sweet & sour sauce. Options may include shrimp and spicy sauce.Where to find it: Night markets in Taichung and across Taiwan. Ningxia Night Market in Taipei and the underground section of Shilin Night Market are especially known for them.

Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu/臭豆腐)

What is it? A super stinky but surprisingly delicious dish consisting of deep fried tofu cubes served with pickled cabbage or hunks of firm tofu stewed in a spicy broth.Where to find it: Night markets across Taiwan. Shenkeng Old Street in New Taipei City is a whole street dedicated to stinky tofu, while Nanjichang, Tonghua, and Raohe Night Markets have Michelin-rated stinky tofu stalls.

Beef Noodles (Niurou Mian/牛肉麵)

What is it? A Taiwanese adaptation of noodles in a beef-based broth brought over by KMT solders from China. Also called red braised beef noodles or beef noodle soup.Where to find it: Dedicated hole-in-the-wall shops. Yongkang Street in Taipei is especially well known for it.

Gua Bao (Taiwanese Hamburger/割包)

Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice/滷肉飯)

What is it? Bits of pork belly braised in soy sauce and spices and served over a small bowl of rice. Considered the ultimate comfort food by many. (It’s my 6-year-old son’s favorite food in the world!)

Da Jipai (Fried Chicken Fillet/大雞排)

What is it? Huge chicken fillet hammered flat, seasoned, breaded, and deep fried. Popular night market and late-night snack. Where to find it: Ximending, night markets, and fried food stalls on street corners across the country.

O-A-Mee Sua (Oyster Vermicelli Noodles/蚵仔麵線)

What is it? Wheat vermicelli slow cooked in thick stew and served with oysters and/or pig intestines. Topped with optional cilantro and spicy sauce. Look out for a vegetarian (mushroom based) version; you’ll see 素 (vegetarian)on the sign.Where to find it: Street carts in the morning (it’s often eaten as breakfast). Ay Chung Rice Noodles (阿宗麵線) in Ximending is very popular among tourists.

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings/小籠包)

What is it? Steamed dumplings containing meat and broth, originating in Shanghai and popularized by Din Tai Fung, Taiwan’s most famous restaurant. Also frequently served on the street as a breakfast food.

Pig’s Blood Cake (Zhu Xie Gao/豬血糕)

What is it? Cakes of steamed pig’s blood and sticky rice, often coated in ground peanut powder and served with cilantro and dipping sauce.Where to find it: Night markets across Taiwan.

Lu Wei (Braised Foods/滷味)

What is it? A variety of foods that are braised in an aromatic broth with a medley of spices including cinnamon, star anise, ginger, cardamom, clove, Sichuan peppercorn, and fennel. Customers pick and choose with a basket, and it served with more seasonings or in a bowl of the broth. Sometimes there’s a spicy broth option.

What is it? A variety of fish cakes, meats, vegetables, egg, kelp, and tofu stewed in a fish flake broth. They are ubiquitous in 7-Elevens but also served in some restaurants and night markets. Also called o-lian (黑輪) in Taiwanese. Similar to Tianbula (#41), but with more varied ingredients and without the addition of red sauce.