Not sure what to eat in Taipei? Here’s our personal guide to all the must-try dishes and where to find them, from breakfast, street food, and everything in between.
We recently spent a week eating our way through Taipei, and diving into the local food scene quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. Taiwan’s food culture is a flavorful mix of influences, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its capital. From comforting classics like xiao long bao, beef noodle soup, and braised pork rice to sweet desserts, creative snacks, and legendary night market bites, Taipei food really delivers.
The best part? You don’t have to spend a lot. Whether you’re sampling street food from a market stall, grabbing a scallion pancake on the go, or sitting down for a bowl of noodles in a tiny local shop, good food is everywhere—and often incredibly affordable.
In this Taipei food guide, we’re sharing all our personal favorites and where to try them. Some are famous names, others were lucky discoveries, and a few are still on our wishlist for a future trip. So if you’re wondering what to eat in Taipei, this list covers 12 must-try dishes and the best spots to find them.
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Where to Stay in Taipei?
★ BUDGET
We Come Hostel
- Features a library, a terrace, and a cozy shared lounge
- Located just a few steps away from Dihua Street & the MRT Green line
- Dormitory & Double Rooms $
★★ MID-RANGE
Hotel Resonance Taipei
- Guests can enjoy a fitness center, a coffee shop & additional services
- Located close to Taipei Main Station & right at the MRT Blue line
- Twin & King Rooms $$
★★★ LUXURY
Kimpton Da An Taipei
- There is a restaurant, fitness room, & bicycle rental on site
- Located close to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall & MRT Blue & Brown Line
- Twin & King Rooms $$$
Where to Eat in Taipei: Our Favorite Foodie Areas
Here are three of our favorite areas to explore if you want to eat your way through the city. Many of our recommended food places throughout this blog post are situated within these areas in Taipei:
Ximending
If you’re staying in Ximending, you’re in luck—this area is packed with food options, day and night. Some restaurants here are even open 24 hours! That’s one reason so many travelers (including us) recommend it as a great base, especially for first-time visitors.
Ximending is full of energy. There’s a lively pedestrian street lined with snack stalls, local restaurants, and quirky cafés. You’ll also find colorful shops, street art near America Street, and cool little corners that are great for photos. And with spots like Longshan Temple just around the corner, it’s easy to combine sightseeing with food-hopping.
To get there, take the MRT to Ximen Station and use Exit 6, which leads you straight into the heart of the shopping and eating area.
Yongkang Street
Another must for food lovers in Taipei is Yongkang Street. This spot is legendary—it’s home to the original Din Tai Fung and also said to be the birthplace of mango shaved ice, a Taiwanese dessert classic. The main street is full of energy, but it’s worth slipping into the side alleys too. That’s where you’ll find charming little shops, unexpected food places & laid-back cafés.
The area is located in Da’an District, not far from Da’an Park. We combined it with a visit to Rongjin Gorgeous Time, which has a completely different vibe, think restored Japanese-style buildings and quiet courtyards.
To get to Yongkang Street, take the red or yellow MRT line to Dongmen Station.
Taipei’s Night Markets
Still wondering what to eat in Taipei at night? This is it, night markets are a huge part of the food scene here, and they’re easily one of the best things to do in Taipei. Starting in the late afternoon and buzzing well into the night, these open-air food markets are where locals gather to eat, shop, and socialize.
The variety is endless: stinky tofu, grilled squid, bubble tea, fried chicken, candied fruit… it’s all here. Even if you’re not super hungry, the experience is worth it for the atmosphere alone. It’s also the best place to try lots of different dishes without breaking the bank.
If you only visit one night market in Taipei, make it Raohe Street Night Market, it’s food-focused and full of amazing bites (we’ll share our favorite one further down!). Other popular picks include Shilin Night Market, Shida Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and Huaxi Street Night Market.
Not sure what to eat in Taipei? Join a Food Tour!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options or just don’t know what to eat in Taipei first, joining a food tour is one of the most fun ways to get introduced to Taiwanese cuisine. We love doing food tours early in our trip, it’s the fastest way to sample a wide range of dishes without the stress of figuring it all out on your own. If you’re short on time or just want to ease into the local food scene, this is honestly the perfect place to start.
You’ll explore the city with a local guide, tasting everything from dumplings and noodle soups to Taiwanese-style BBQ and quirky desserts. Along the way, you’ll hear fun stories behind the food and get tips on how to order things later on, even if you don’t speak Mandarin.
The best part? It’s not just about the food. You’ll wander through buzzing markets, hidden backstreets, and local neighborhoods you might not have discovered otherwise. It’s a great mix of flavors, culture, and street-level sightseeing, all rolled into one.
Taipei Food Guide: What to Eat & Where to Find It
With so many noodle shops, breakfast joints, and street food vendors at every corner in Taipei, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. That’s why this Taipei food guide focuses on what to eat in Taipei, & with a few of our favorite places to try each one.
This list includes our personal favorites that we tried as well as some places that we saved for the future, and by no means complete. Because let’s be honest, the best food in Taipei is often hiding in plain sight, at tiny spots you just stumble upon. That’s our main tip, besides obviously saving some popular favorites, to also keep an open mind and just follow where the locals go! These food experiences might turn out the best ones of your trip! But without further ado, these are the dishes that really stood out to us and the places we genuinely loved.
1. Taiwanese Breakfast
Let’s start with breakfast, because it’s seriously one of our favorite things to eat in Taipei. We didn’t know much about Taiwanese breakfast before arriving, but it ended up being a highlight of our trip. In Ximending, we discovered a few busy breakfast spots packed with locals grabbing a quick bite before work. The vibe is fast-paced but cozy, and the food is anything but ordinary.
Our go-to breakfast place was 麥而美, where we fell in love with danbing, a savory omelet crepe that you can customize with bacon, cheese, or scallions and dip in chili sauce. We paired them with a hot soy milk tea every morning, which completely won us over. Taipei made us love soy milk—something we didn’t expect!
A few must-eat breakfast items to look out for:
- Danbing (蛋餅): Taiwanese egg pancake rolls
- Fan Tuan (飯糰): Sticky rice balls, often wrapped around pickles and egg
- Luobo Gao (蘿蔔糕): Turnip cake—crispy outside, soft inside
- Baozi (包子): Steamed buns with fillings like pork, sesame, or red bean
- Shao Bing (燒餅): Flaky sesame flatbread
- You Tiao (油條): Fried dough sticks, often eaten with warm soy milk
TRAVEL TIP | Local breakfast joints often close by noon, and many aren’t open on weekends as they usually cater to commuters.
Our favorite breakfast spots in Taipei:
📍 麥而美 (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending area, Wanhua District
📍瑞麟美而美 萬華昆明店 (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending area, Wanhua District
📍美好美快餐 (Google Maps Location Here) – Zhongzheng District, near 228 Peace Memorial Park
📍Yong He Soy Milk (Google Maps Location Here) – Wanhua District, probably one of the most well-known breakfast places
2. Crispy Milk Donuts
We have a serious sweet tooth, and this discovery was one of our favorite snacks in Taipei.
One afternoon, we noticed a huge line outside a small shack near Ximending and had to see what the fuss was about. That’s how we found crispy milk donuts—golden, crunchy on the outside, soft and milky inside, dusted with powdered sugar.
They’re freshly made, sell out fast, and locals seem to buy them by the bag. Moritz loved them so much that we stopped by daily. While they might not be a classic Taiwanese dish, they’re absolutely one of the best things to eat in Taipei if you like sweets.
📍 Crispy Milk Donuts (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending area
4-Hour Morning Cycling City Tour (incl. breakfast)
Explore Taipei like a local on this small-group morning bike tour, starting with a classic Taiwanese breakfast. Ride through the city’s most historic neighborhoods, hidden lanes, and temples while your guide shares personal insights into Taipei’s culture and daily life.
3. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings, 小籠包)
If you were to ask us for our ONE favorite dish in Taipei, which you just have to try, it would be Xiao Long Bao! We’ve loved xiao long bao ever since our student days in Shanghai, so naturally, it was the first thing we looked for when arriving in Taipei. Xiao Long Bao is originally from Shanghai, but it is one of the most popular dishes you can find in Taiwan as well. They are not your typical dumplings. These delicate soup dumplings are filled with juicy minced pork and a rich broth, all wrapped in a thin skin and steamed to perfection.
Our favorite spot was Liangshan Po Soup Dumpling. Expect a short wait, but you can watch the team folding dumplings behind the glass while you queue. Order the combo meal for the full experience—soup dumplings, a bowl of hot and sour soup, and a soy milk tea.
Pro tip: mix up some soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger on the side to dip. Always let the steam escape before eating by poking/biting a hole so you don’t burn your mouth. We like to slurp the soup first, then dip the dumpling in ginger-soy sauce.
Best places in Taipei for Xiao Long Bao:
- Liangshan Po Soup Dumplings (Google Maps Location Here) – Wanhua District
- 湯包樂 (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending area in Wanhua District
- Hao Kung Chin Chi Yuan 好公道金雞園 (Google Maps Location Here) – Yongkang Street in Da’an District
- 正好鮮肉小籠湯包 (Google Maps Location Here) – at Tonghua market, not too far from Taipei 101
4. Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan 滷肉飯)
Lu Rou Fan, or braised pork rice, is one of the most beloved Taiwanese comfort dishes, and absolutely a staple when it comes to what to eat in Taipei. We had our first bowl at 湯包樂, and it was the perfect thing to warm up with on a rainy evening, right after arriving in the city.
Lu Rou Fan consists of small cubes of braised pork belly (sometimes minced), stir-fried and slow-cooked in soy sauce until melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s served over a steaming bowl of rice, and often comes with extras like a tea egg or tofu skin. I loved mixing the rich meat gravy through the rice to get every bit of flavor in each bite; it’s such a satisfying combo. Some say Lu Rou Fan is the most loved Taiwanese dish, tied with beef noodle soup—and I totally get it. It’s comforting, flavorful, and the kind of dish you could eat every day without getting tired of it.
One of our favorite places to eat braised pork rice was Gan Mei Alley in the heart of Ximending. It’s a cozy sit-down restaurant with a modern vibe, affordable prices, and a menu that covers all the Taiwanese classics. You can grab Lu Rou Fan here alongside Danbing and Xiao Long Bao, making it a great one-stop spot for some of the best food in Taipei.
Where to find Braised Pork Rice in Taipei:
- Gan Mei Alley 甘妹弄堂 – 西門店 (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending area
- 湯包樂 (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending area
- Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan 金峰魯肉飯 (Google Maps Location Here) – Zhongzheng District near Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall
- Wang’s Broth 小王煮瓜 (Google Maps Location Here) — Wanhua District near Longshan Temple
- Formosa Chang 鬍鬚張魯肉飯(台北東門店) (Google Maps Location Here) – near Yongkang Street in Da’an District
5. Pork Pepper Buns (Hu Jiao Bing 胡椒餅)
One street food snack you definitely have to try when in Taipei is hands down the famous pepper pork bun. And there’s no better place to try it than at Raohe Night Market—one of our favorite night markets in Taipei!
We were especially excited to track down the legendary Fuzhou Pepper Buns that everyone talks about. The stall is right at the entrance of the market, and it’s hard to miss thanks to the steady line of people waiting. As you queue, you get to watch the stallholders prepare the buns by hand, stuffing them with juicy, marinated pork and scallions before slapping them onto the inside walls of a clay oven, tandoor-style. The result? A crispy, golden crust and a steaming hot filling bursting with peppery goodness.
It was love at first bite. The outside had this perfect crunch, and the inside was rich, juicy, and had just the right kick from the black pepper. We loved them so much, we went back for seconds right away. Just a word of advice: don’t bite in too eagerly like we did! They come out piping hot, so let them cool a little or open one up before diving in.
📍 Fuzhou Pepper Buns 福州世祖胡椒饼 (Google Maps Location Here) – Raohe Night Market
6. Scallion pancakes (Cong Zhua Bing, 蔥抓餅)
If you’re craving something savory on the go, scallion pancakes should definitely be on your list of what to eat in Taipei. These flaky, golden flatbreads are one of Taiwan’s most beloved street food snacks, and you’ll often find little stalls dedicated to making just this one thing.
We fell in love with scallion pancakes back in our student days in Shanghai, where they were the perfect cheap lunch. So you can imagine how excited we were to rediscover them in Taipei—and even better!
Our favorite spot is Tian Jin Scallion Flaky Pancakes on Yongkang Street. Just hop off the MRT at Dongmen Station, stroll down Yongkang, and you’ll see the stall buzzing with activity, usually run by a few Taiwanese aunties expertly flipping pancakes and keeping the line moving. The line can get long, especially on weekends, but trust us—it’s worth every second.
The classic version is great on its own, but you can also customize it. We went for the version with cheese and egg, which made it feel more like a meal. Other options include ham, corn, or even “all of the above.”
📍 Tian Jin Onion Pancake 天津蔥抓餅 (Google Maps Location Here) — Da’an District, Yongkang Street.
📍 巨林美而美（西寧店）(Google Maps Location Here) – Breakfast place in Wanhua district that also has many versions of scallion pancakes
7. Bubble Tea (Boba Milk Tea, 珍珠奶茶)
I’m sure you’ve heard of bubble tea before, but did you know that this drink originated from Taiwan? Bubble tea is probably Taiwan’s most famous drink! The classic version combines black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, but you’ll quickly notice just how creative shops have become. There are endless variations—fruit teas, matcha lattes, ice blends, and toppings ranging from herbal jelly to popping boba.
One thing we loved was that you can fully customize your drink: from sugar level to ice. (Tip: 20% sugar was perfect for us—any more and it gets way too sweet.) Bubble tea is so embedded in daily life that locals sip it from morning to night & you can find a bubble tea shop on practically every corner in the city. We even saw people carrying their drinks in adorable printed fabric holders all around Yongkang and Dihua Street—almost tempted to get one ourselves!
Best bubble tea in Taipei:
- Xing Fu Tang Flagship (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending Walking Street, probably one of the most known bubble tea places.
- 茶敬茶 Tea to Tea (Google Maps Location Here) – Yongkang street
- 魚池貳壹-西門店 (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending, Wanhua district
8. Tofu pudding (Douhua 豆花)
One of the lighter desserts you absolutely need to try in Taipei is tofu pudding, or douhua (豆花). It’s made from silky soft tofu that’s served either warm or cold, topped with a drizzle of sweet syrup. But what really makes it fun are the toppings—think chewy tapioca pearls, sweet red beans, grass jelly, taro balls, or even peanuts.
Despite being a dessert, douhua isn’t overly sweet. It’s the kind of treat that feels refreshing, especially after a savory meal or on a hot Taipei afternoon. We weren’t too sure about tofu as a dessert the first time we heard of it—until we had it in Malaysia and got hooked. In Taipei, it was a must from day one. The texture is somewhere between pudding and custard, and the flavors are incredibly soothing.
You’ll spot douhua at many dessert shops and night markets across the city.
Places to try tofu pudding in Taipei:
- MATA Tofu Pudding (Google Maps Location Here) – Yongkang Street
- Bai-Shui Douhua (Google Maps Location Here) – Yongkang Street
- 本願豆花店-西門町 中華店 Origin Tofu Pudding (Google Maps Location Here) – Wanhua district
9. Crispy pork cutlet
One of our most unexpected food finds in Taipei came from just following our gut. We stumbled across King Pork Wan Nian Store while wandering through the basement of the Wan Nian shopping building in Ximending. It looked busy and smelled amazing—two signs you’re in for a good meal.
This place specializes in crispy pork cutlets, and it did not disappoint. The pork is marinated in rice wine and a blend of Chinese herbs, then coated in sweet potato starch and deep-fried to crispy perfection. We each ordered a crispy pork cutlet plus a curry pork chop rice, which came with a bowl of broth and some tasty sides. The portions are generous, the flavors bold, and the experience chaotic in the best possible way.
It’s these kinds of unexpected spots that make exploring what to eat in Taipei so fun—you never know when you’ll find a local gem.
📍 King Pork Wan Nian Store (Google Maps Location Here) – Ximending Walking street, food court in the basement of Wan Nian Building
10. Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian 牛肉麵)
Still wondering what to eat in Taipei? Then, beef noodle soup is a no-brainer—it’s Taiwan’s national dish. The comforting dish is made from slow-stewed or braised beef in a rich, dark broth, served with thick wheat noodles and vegetables like cabbage and scallions. My first introduction to beef noodle soup was during my student days in Shanghai. It quickly became one of my go-to comfort foods, especially on chilly or rainy evenings. So naturally, when one of our days in Taipei turned grey and wet, I knew exactly what I was craving.
You’ll find beef noodle soup all over the city, but Yong Kang Beef Noodles is probably the most famous spot. The beef chunks here are incredibly tender and just fall apart on your first bite. The dark broth, simmered with tomato and soy sauce, is slightly sweet but deeply savory—exactly what I love. Personally, I prefer the dark broth version over the clear one, simply because it’s more flavorful and satisfying.
Another place we really enjoyed is Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles, located right in the heart of Ximending. It’s tucked into the ground floor of the Wan Nian Building, which is also known for its fashion stores and otaku culture. The shop itself looks small and pretty unassuming from the outside. Hard to believe it’s been around since 1949—the same year the Chinese Civil War ended!
Best places to eat in Taipei for Beef Noodle Soup:
- Yongkang Beef Noodles 永康牛肉麵 (Google Maps Location Here) — Yongkang Street, Da’an District
- Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles 老山東牛肉家常麵店 (Google Maps Location Here) — Ximending Walking street, food court in the basement of Wan Nian Building
- Fuhong Beef Noodles (Google Maps Location Here) – North of Ximending walking district
11. Peanut Ice Cream Roll
This quirky dessert completely won us over. The peanut ice cream roll looks like a dessert burrito—it’s a rice flour wrap filled with scoops of ice cream (often taro), freshly shaved peanut brittle, and a surprising twist… cilantro. Yes, really.
The combination is sweet, nutty, slightly salty, and unexpectedly refreshing. It reminded me of that one time in Italy when we tried basil-lemon gelato—unexpected but totally delicious. The cilantro is optional, but we say go for it! You’ll find these rolls at night markets all over Taipei, and they’re the perfect sweet bite to end your food crawl.
12. Pork Belly Buns (Gua Bao, 割包)
Last but absolutely not least, the iconic gua bao—often called the Taiwanese hamburger. Whenever something is a meat bun, guaranteed we are gonna love it, definitely if it’s with pork belly. This fluffy steamed bun is packed with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved street food classic.
We tried an amazing version near Raohe Night Market at Songshan Gua Bao, recommended on a street food tour. The pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth soft, with just the right balance of lean and fatty cuts. Combined with the crunch from the peanuts and freshness from the herbs—it was hands down one of the tastiest things we ate in Taipei.
📍Songshan Gua Bao 松山割包 (Google Maps Location Here) – Short walk from Raohe night market
📍 Yuan Fang Guabao 源芳刈包 (Google Maps Location Here) — Ximen District near Huaxi street night market
Taipei Travel Resources
TRANSPORTATION | To book bus, minivan, and train rides online, we recommend using the website 12go.Asia. This platform has been our go-to across Asia. If you’re traveling during peak season, book tickets ahead as some routes in Taiwan can get booked out quickly.
ACCOMMODATION | Finding affordable places to stay in Taipei is a breeze with Booking.com. It’s the ideal platform to discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals to Taipei on Skyscanner. Benefit from their feature highlighting the cheapest days to fly and the flexibility to search by month or region.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | When it comes to travel insurance, consider Heymondo. It’s our top recommendation for comprehensive and trustworthy coverage. Get 5% OFF through our link.
STAY CONNECTED | Secure reliable internet access for your Taiwan trip with Airalo. Simply install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey. Use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off any eSIM (for new Airalo users only). Use AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off as an existing user.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most affordable tours, day trip excursions and cooking classes in Taipei, check out GetYourGuide or Viator.
VISA ORGANIZATION | Before your trip, ensure you check the visa requirements for your passport nationality. Explore details on travel documents at iVisa.com.
ONLINE PRIVACY | Always safeguard your online activity and digital privacy when using public Wi-Fi abroad by using a VPN. We’ve trusted ExpressVPN for years! Plus, a VPN lets you stream Netflix shows from any country. Get 3 months FREE when getting a 12-month plan with our link.
Final thoughts on what to Eat in Taipei
That wraps up our food adventure in Taipei! Of course, we only scratched the surface, there’s so much more to explore in this food-loving city. So now you know what to eat in Taipei, we hope we’ve given you a few ideas and inspired you to try out some of these places for yourself. Taipei really is a foodie heaven, and we already can’t wait to come back for more.
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