Must-try Dishes
牛肉麵 - Beef Noodle Soup - Tender braised beef simmered in rich broth with chewy wheat noodles. Locals enjoy it for lunch or dinner, often slurping it up at favorite noodle shops after a long day.
蛋餅 - Taiwanese Egg Pancake - A savory pancake filled with eggs, sometimes mixed with chives or cheese, cooked until crispy. Breakfast-time staple found at street-side stalls, where locals enjoy them on the go.
鹽酥雞 - Salt and Pepper Chicken - Crispy fried chicken pieces tossed with fragrant seasonings and served with fresh basil. Popular as street food for a late-night snack; you'll see crowds gathered outside stalls long after sunset.
三杯 chicken - Three Cup Chicken - Chicken braised in equal parts soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine, which creates a glossy sauce. This dish is a weekend favorite, often enjoyed with family gatherings over rice.
涼麵 - Cold Noodles - Chilled wheat noodles served with sesame sauce, shredded cucumber, and a drizzle of soy sauce. A perfect summer dish, it’s something locals savor during the hot months, especially in open-air night markets.
花雕雞 - Hua Diao Chicken - Chicken cooked in a fragrant Huadiao wine, giving it a remarkable depth of flavor. Often reserved for special occasions, it’s a comfort dish worth enjoying at family feasts.
白菜 - Stir-Fried Cabbage - Fresh cabbage quickly stir-fried with garlic and chili for simplicity. Commonly eaten as part of many local meals, you'll find it on nearly every table during dinner.
松露油拌麵 - Truffle Oil Noodles - Noodles drizzled with aromatic truffle oil, topped off with green onions and sesame seeds. A surprisingly luxurious choice at casual eateries that showcases Taiwan’s flair for inventive flavor combinations.
Desserts & Drinks
Bubble Tea - 珍珠奶茶 (chewy milk tea) - Sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls that's been shaken to create a frothy texture. Locals usually grab this refreshing drink while shopping or after a meal (don’t be surprised by the long lines, especially in the evening!).
Cold Brew Coffee - 冷萃咖啡 (smooth coffee) - Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, yielding a rich and smooth flavor. Enjoyed in the afternoons, it’s the go-to drink for people needing a caffeine boost without the acidity.
Bai Jiu - 白酒 (clear liquor) - A strong distilled spirit made from fermented grains, often enjoyed during celebratory meals or social gatherings. A common mistake is underestimating its potency; locals typically take it in small sips and pair it with savory snacks.
Pineapple Cake - 鳳梨酥 (sweet pastry) - Buttery shortcrust pastry filled with sweet, tangy pineapple jam, perfect as a gift during festivals or family gatherings. These are typically served at room temperature, and they make great souvenirs, so you’ll find them at many bakeries.
Shaved Ice - 冰淇淋剉冰 (refreshing dessert) - Fluffy ice finely shaved and topped with a variety of sweet syrups, fruits, and condensed milk. A summer favorite, it’s commonly shared with friends at night markets, especially when the weather is hot—a perfect way to cool down! By the way, don't skip the red beans on top—they add an amazing texture contrast.
