Taiwan’s Food Culture – Experience gastronomy at its best

When it comes to food and gastronomy, Taiwan has something for everyone of all ages and tastes. There is no doubt that this is a foodie's heaven. This is a place where people may go to explore the culture and traditions, as well as to satisfy their taste senses. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, tea gardens to elegant coffee shops, Taiwan has it something for everyone. Taiwanese people prioritize food in their daily lives. Taiwan, as a cosmopolitan country, is a foodie's dream for travelers looking to satisfy their gourmet desires.

Wonderful Taiwanese Street food   

One of the most enjoyable aspects of vacationing in Taiwan is visiting its numerous night markets, which start at around 5 p.m. and feature street food trucks and kiosks that line roadways throughout the island. These little pockets of night market are home to all of the best street food Taiwan has to offer, and there are plenty to try. Every city in Taiwan anyone visits, whether Taipei or Kenting, has a night market with lots of street cuisine to try.

The soupy dumpling Xiao Long Bao will make your mouth wet even before you bite into its fluffy bread. It's a dumpling unlike any other dumpling you've ever had. The delicate white steam bun of Xiao Long Bao is filled with a delicious broth that you must either drink from or swallow whole to do it credit.

Another delicious delicacy you could try is Peanut Ice Cream Roll. It's essentially burrito ice cream or a spring roll filled with ice cream, ground peanut candy, and cilantro. You'll adore it if you give it a shot.

Peanut Ice Cream is available at multiple night markets. If you're looking for a sweet treat to munch after dinner, opt for the Peanut Ice Cream Roll.

Taiwan’s Michelin star guide

Nothing in the world is more precious than a Michelin star restaurant and a good cuisine, which should come as no surprise in a region so enthusiastic about food as Taiwan. Even at this level of excellence, though, there are many of them in Taiwan that stand out a little higher than the others.

The Cantonese restaurant La Palais, in Datong district is the only one in Taipei to get three Michelin stars. The restaurant is well-known for its traditional Cantonese meals produced from fresh ingredients that are hand-picked. Chef Chan Wai-Keung's Cantonese-style crispy roast duck, lobster, and tofu dishes, as well as baked egg custard tarts, are "outstanding," according to Michelin tastes and its worth a visit. This tempting image is only one example of what can make your taste buds dance in La Palais.

Mume is a one-Michelin-starred modern European restaurant that delivers such delicious cuisine that reservations sometimes take months, so plan your visit in advance. The kitchen crew is continuously pushing the boundaries, creating new and unique meals based on locally sourced fresh food, and to say it's worth a visit is an understatement.

Taiwan’s beverages to refresh you

No one thinks Taiwanese prefer coffee in a country where tea is revered as a national treasure, the birthplace of bubble milk tea. No, Taiwanese people not only like drinking coffee, but they also work hard to create a uniquely Taiwanese coffee culture, investing considerably in technical, professional, and ingredient advancements. Taiwan has a passionate love affair with the coffee bean, and you can now get a cup of coffee at any convenience store (there's one on every corner). However, true coffee enthusiasts should visit one of these establishments.

Rufous is a rustic-style coffee cafe with a local clientele. It appears to be the type of site worth visiting daily. This facility has it all, with dark mahogany wood and excellent seating for 35 people. Coffee aficionados will find all they need here, from excellent pour-overs to coffees with a dollop of ice cream. Rufous roasts all its beans in-house with skilled care, resulting in delicious coffee mixes in a shop filled with the aroma of freshly ground beans.

Wu Wei Cao Tang Teahouse in Taichung is a must-see traditional Taiwanese tea house. It is in a hectic area of central Taichung and serves as a secret calm retreat that visitors frequently describe as peace. You can sip their tea while surrounded by greenery and the soothing sound of running water, with walkways leading to a koi pond in the tea house's center.

Must try Taiwan’s famous snacks

Taiwan is recognized for its wonderful cuisine, which includes everything from fried street dishes to some of the world's best seafood. But what if you just want a snack, here's a list of the best munchies in town you can treat your taste buds with.

Taiwanese Nougat, if you happen to be a guest in a Taiwanese home, you'll almost certainly be offered some traditional nougat. Its quality is determined on where it is produced; some people even produce it at home. It's normally pretty firm, but it softens in your mouth and contains some nuts. It's the most traditional candy on the market, and it's delicious.

Pineapple Cake, In Taiwan, there are dozens of pineapple cake brands, each with its own distinct flavor and texture. The most well-known, though, are Sunny Hills and Chia Te, and these are the ones to keep an eye on. They're short crust pastries with a sweet and tangy pineapple paste within. They are extremely popular treats among both locals and visitors, and you can find them almost anywhere.

Before planning any international travel, please review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.