best-places-to-eat-in-Taipei

Foodie Paradise: Must-Try Eats in Taipei

Taipei boasts a vibrant culinary scene, blending traditional Taiwanese flavors with international influences. Here are some of the best places to tantalize your taste buds, with a focus on delectable street food:

Night Markets: The heart and soul of Taipei’s street food scene!

  • Shilin Night Market:

    • Stinky Tofu: A pungent delicacy that surprisingly tastes delicious! Don’t knock it till you try it.
    • Oyster Omelets: Fresh oysters cooked with a crispy starch batter, drizzled with sweet and spicy sauce.
    • Taiwanese Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Perfect for snacking while exploring the market.

  • Raohe Street Night Market:

    • Pepper Buns: Soft buns filled with savory pork and fragrant peppercorns.
    • Gua Bao (Taiwanese Burger): Steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro.

  • Ningxia Night Market:

    • Oyster Noodles: A comforting bowl of thick noodles in a rich broth, topped with plump oysters.
    • Taiwanese Sausages: Grilled sausages with a unique blend of spices.

Beyond Night Markets:

  • Din Tai Fung: World-renowned for its juicy soup dumplings (xiao long bao). Be prepared to queue!
  • Yongkang Street: A bustling street lined with cafes, restaurants, and dessert shops. Try the famous beef noodle soup at “Lin Dong Fang”.
  • Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle: A local favorite known for their hand-pulled noodles served in a flavorful broth.

Sweet Treats:

  • Bubble Tea: No trip to Taipei is complete without trying bubble tea! Explore different flavors and toppings from popular shops like “Chun Shui Tang” or “Gong Cha”.
  • Pineapple Cake: A traditional Taiwanese pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam.

Pro Tips:

  • Carry Cash: Many street food vendors only accept cash.
  • Be Adventurous: Step outside your comfort zone and try new things! You might discover a hidden gem.
  • Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases: “Delicious!” (“Hao chi!”) and “Thank you” (“Xie xie”) will go a long way.

Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of Taipei!