
What to Eat in Taipei: The Ultimate Food Guide

By TaraKai
July 16, 2026

Taipei is a great place for Filipino travelers who enjoy local food. You can start the day with soy milk and egg crepes, have beef noodle soup for lunch, and spend the evening trying snacks at a night market. This guide covers what to eat, typical prices, where to try each dish, and useful dining tips.
Quick Guide to Taipei Food
Food | What to Expect | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
Beef Noodle Soup | Tender beef, noodles, and rich broth | NT$180–300 |
Xiao Long Bao | Steamed dumplings filled with pork and soup | NT$150–300 |
Lu Rou Fan | Braised pork served over rice | NT$40–80 |
Taiwanese Fried Chicken | Large crispy chicken cutlet | NT$80–120 |
Pepper Pork Bun | Crispy bun with pork and black pepper | NT$60–70 |
Stinky Tofu | Fermented tofu with pickled cabbage | NT$60–100 |
Oyster Omelet | Oysters, egg, vegetables, and sweet sauce | NT$70–110 |
Taiwanese Breakfast | Soy milk, egg crepes, and fried dough | NT$50–150 |
Mango Shaved Ice | Shaved ice with mango and condensed milk | NT$150–250 |
Bubble Tea | Tea with milk, fruit, or tapioca pearls | NT$40–90 |
Prices are for reference and may change. NT$100 is around ₱190, depending on the latest exchange rate.
Explore More Flights to Taipei






1. Beef Noodle Soup

Beef noodle soup is one of the most popular meals in Taipei. It comes with chewy noodles, tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth. Some restaurants serve a dark braised broth, while others offer clear or tomato-based versions.
Why Try It: It is warm, filling, and suitable for lunch or dinner.
Typical Price: NT$180–300
Where to Try: Yong Kang Beef Noodles, Lin Dong Fang, or restaurants around Yongkang Street
Travel Tip: Add pickled mustard greens for extra flavor. Visit before noon or after 2:00 PM to avoid the busiest lunch period.
2. Xiao Long Bao

Xiao long bao are steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot soup. The wrappers are thin, so place one on a spoon and make a small hole before eating. Add vinegar and shredded ginger if you want a lighter taste.
Why Try It: It is one of Taipei’s most well-known dishes and is easy to share.
Typical Price: NT$150–300 per basket
Where to Try: Din Tai Fung, Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao, or restaurants near Dongmen MRT Station
Travel Tip: Let the dumpling cool slightly before eating because the soup inside can be very hot.
3. Lu Rou Fan

Lu rou fan is a bowl of rice topped with chopped braised pork and savory sauce. The pork is slowly cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and spices. It is usually served in a small bowl, making it easy to order with soup, vegetables, or a braised egg.
Why Try It: It is affordable, comforting, and commonly eaten by locals.
Typical Price: NT$40–80
Where to Try: Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice, Huang Ji Braised Pork Rice, or Ningxia Night Market
Travel Tip: Order a small bowl if you plan to try several other dishes during the same meal.
4. Taiwanese Fried Chicken

Taiwanese fried chicken is crispy outside and juicy inside. It is normally seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and five-spice powder. You can choose a large chicken cutlet or smaller popcorn chicken pieces.
Why Try It: It is easy to eat while walking around a night market or shopping area.
Typical Price: NT$80–120
Where to Try: Hot-Star, Shilin Night Market, or Ximending
Travel Tip: Ask for “wēi là” if you want mild spice or “bú yào là” if you do not want chili.
5. Pepper Pork Bun

Pepper pork buns are a must-try snack at Raohe Night Market. Each bun is filled with marinated pork, spring onions, and black pepper. It is then baked inside a clay oven until the outside becomes crisp.
Why Try It: The bun is crispy, juicy, peppery, and easy to carry.
Typical Price: NT$60–70
Where to Try: Fuzhou Pepper Bun near the Ciyou Temple entrance of Raohe Night Market
Travel Tip: Let the bun cool for a few minutes before taking your first bite because the filling can be very hot.
6. Stinky Tofu

Stinky tofu is fermented tofu with a strong smell but a milder taste. The fried version is crispy outside and soft inside. It is usually served with pickled cabbage, garlic sauce, soy sauce, or chili.
Why Try It: It is one of Taipei’s most famous night market snacks.
Typical Price: NT$60–100
Where to Try: Raohe Night Market, Shilin Night Market, or South Airport Night Market
Travel Tip: Try the fried version first if you are unsure about the smell. The steamed version usually has a stronger taste.
7. Oyster Omelet

Taiwanese oyster omelet is made with small oysters, eggs, vegetables, and sweet potato starch. The starch gives the omelet a soft and slightly chewy texture. A sweet and savory sauce is added before serving.
Why Try It: It combines seafood, egg, and different textures in one dish.
Typical Price: NT$70–110
Where to Try: Ningxia Night Market or Shilin Night Market
Travel Tip: Eat it immediately while the omelet is still warm. Tell the stall in advance if you do not want chili sauce.
8. Taiwanese Breakfast

A traditional Taipei breakfast may include soy milk, dan bing egg crepes, youtiao fried dough, rice rolls, or sesame flatbread with egg. Both sweet and savory soy milk are commonly available.
Why Try It: It is an affordable way to experience Taipei’s local morning food culture.
Typical Price: NT$50–150
Where to Try: Fu Hang Soy Milk or neighborhood breakfast shops
Travel Tip: Popular breakfast shops can become busy early. Visit before 7:30 AM if you want a shorter queue.
9. Mango Shaved Ice

Mango shaved ice is made with finely shaved ice, fresh mango, syrup, and condensed milk. Some shops also add mango ice cream or panna cotta. Portions are normally large enough for two people.
Why Try It: It is cold, fruity, and refreshing after walking around Taipei.
Typical Price: NT$150–250
Where to Try: Dessert shops around Yongkang Street or Ximending
Travel Tip: Fresh mango may be seasonal. Strawberry, taro, peanut, and red bean shaved ice are good alternatives.
10. Bubble Tea

Bubble tea combines tea with milk, fruit flavors, or chewy tapioca pearls. Most shops allow you to choose the amount of sugar and ice. Start with 30% or 50% sweetness if you do not like very sweet drinks.
Why Try It: Bubble tea is closely connected with Taiwanese drink culture and is available across Taipei.
Typical Price: NT$40–90
Where to Try: Ximending, Taipei Main Station, Yongkang Street, and drink shops across the city
Travel Tip: Some toppings cost extra. Check the final price before confirming your order.
Recommended eSIMs Options for Taiwan
129738 booked
30764 booked
33996 booked
331641 booked
Best Food Areas in Taipei
Raohe Night Market
Raohe is a good choice for first-time visitors because the market follows one long street. Try pepper pork buns, stinky tofu, grilled squid, herbal pork rib soup, fried snacks, and cold drinks.
Ningxia Night Market
Ningxia is smaller and mainly focused on food. It is known for oyster omelets, lu rou fan, fried taro snacks, sesame desserts, and other traditional Taiwanese dishes.
Shilin Night Market
Shilin has a large selection of food, shopping, and games. Popular choices include fried chicken, stinky tofu, sausages, grilled food, oyster omelets, and fruit drinks.
Ximending
Ximending is convenient for shopping, restaurants, cafés, and street snacks. You can find fried chicken, noodles, bubble tea, desserts, hot pot, and modern Taiwanese food around the pedestrian area.
Yongkang Street
Yongkang Street is suitable for lunch and dessert. The area has beef noodle restaurants, xiao long bao, scallion pancakes, cafés, tea shops, and shaved ice.
Dadaocheng and Dihua Street
Visit Dadaocheng for traditional snacks, tea, pastries, dried goods, and old-style restaurants. It is also one of the best areas to shop for food souvenirs.
Easy Taipei Food Route
Time | Area | What to Eat |
|---|---|---|
7:00 AM | Shandao Temple | Soy milk, dan bing, and youtiao |
11:30 AM | Yongkang Street | Beef noodle soup or xiao long bao |
3:00 PM | Ximending | Fried chicken, bubble tea, or shaved ice |
6:00 PM | Raohe Night Market | Pepper bun, stinky tofu, and oyster omelet |
8:00 PM | Raohe Night Market | Sweet snack or another cold drink |
What Food Souvenirs to Buy in Taipei
Souvenir | Estimated Price | Why Buy It |
|---|---|---|
Pineapple Cakes | NT$300–850 per box | Individually wrapped and easy to share |
Taiwanese Tea | NT$300–1,200 | Good for tea lovers and office gifts |
Nougat Crackers | NT$150–350 | Sweet, salty, and easy to pack |
Dried Fruit | NT$150–400 | Light and available in many flavors |
Peanut or Sesame Candy | NT$120–300 | Affordable traditional snack |
Avoid packing pork paper, pork jerky, or other meat products without checking the latest Philippine entry rules. Meat products may require documents or may be confiscated depending on their origin and processing.
Secure Your Stay in Taipei
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Useful Food Phrases
English | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
No spicy | 不要辣 | Bú yào là |
A little spicy | 微辣 | Wēi là |
How much? | 多少錢? | Duōshao qián? |
No pork | 不要豬肉 | Bú yào zhūròu |
Takeaway | 外帶 | Wàidài |
The bill, please | 買單 | Mǎidān |
Thank you | 謝謝 | Xièxie |
Saying “no pork” does not mean the food is halal. Muslim travelers should confirm the ingredients and look for halal-certified restaurants.
Tips for Filipino Travelers
- Carry New Taiwan dollar cash because many small stalls do not accept cards.
- Order small portions and share so you can try more dishes.
- Visit popular restaurants outside normal lunch and dinner hours.
- Check whether food contains pork, lard, seafood, or meat broth if you have dietary restrictions.
- Most Taipei food is mild, but chili sauce may be added separately.
- Use the MRT when moving between food areas and night markets.
- Bring tissues and wet wipes because some stalls have limited seating.
- Check the latest opening hours before visiting a specific restaurant.
- Check Philippine entry rules before buying pork jerky or other meat products as souvenirs.
FAQs About What to Eat in Taipei
-
Which Taipei night market is best for food?
Raohe is easy for first-time visitors, Ningxia is more focused on traditional food, and Shilin has the widest mix of food, shopping, and games. -
Is Taipei food spicy?
Most Taipei food is savory rather than very spicy. Chili sauce and spicy powder are often optional. You can say “bú yào là” if you do not want chili. -
Can I find vegetarian food in Taipei?
Yes. Taipei has vegetarian restaurants, Buddhist eateries, and meat-free buffets. Look for the Chinese character “素,” but always confirm because some sauces and broths may contain meat. -
Yes. Taipei has vegetarian restaurants, Buddhist eateries, and meat-free buffets. Look for the Chinese character “素,” but always confirm because some sauces and broths may contain meat.
Cash is the safest payment method. Some larger shops accept cards or mobile payments, but small market stalls normally prefer New Taiwan dollars. -
What time should I visit a Taipei night market?
Most stalls begin opening from around 5:00 PM. Visit between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM for more food choices, or go later if you prefer smaller crowds.
Related products
What to Eat in Taipei
- ● Quick Guide to Taipei Food
- ● 1. Beef Noodle Soup
- ● 2. Xiao Long Bao
- ● 3. Lu Rou Fan
- ● 4. Taiwanese Fried Chicken
- ● 5. Pepper Pork Bun
- ● 6. Stinky Tofu
- ● 7. Oyster Omelet
- ● 8. Taiwanese Breakfast
- ● 9. Mango Shaved Ice
- ● 10. Bubble Tea
- ● Best Food Areas in Taipei
- ● Easy Taipei Food Route
- ● What Food Souvenirs to Buy in Taipei
- ● Useful Food Phrases
- ● Tips for Filipino Travelers
- ● FAQs About What to Eat in Taipei
I enjoy exploring new destinations, testing travel products, and sharing useful travel tips that help Filipino travelers enjoy smoother and more comfortable trips.
Trending Researches
-
Popular Content
-
Popular Flights
-
Popular Hotels
-
Popular Things to Do
-
Featured guides
-
Trip.com links
- Plane tickets from Singapore to Taipei
- Cheap tickets from Davao to Taipei
- Plane tickets from Mabalacat to Taipei
- Cheap tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei
- Cheap tickets from Manila to Taipei
- Plane tickets from Tokyo to Taipei
- Plane tickets from Seoul to Taipei
- Plane tickets from Jeju to Taipei
- Plane tickets from Cebu to Taipei
- Cheap tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Taipei
- Cheap flights from Hong Kong to Taipei
- Cheap flights from Bangkok to Taipei
- Cheap flights from Iloilo City to Taipei
- Plane tickets from Cagayan De Oro to Taipei
- Cheap tickets from Macau to Taipei
- SleepBox Hotel
- Hotel Papa Whale
- Artinn Hotel
- Hotel Riverview Taipei
- Hotel Midtown Richardson
- Airline Inn Taipei Ximen
- Mayer Inn
- Haozhan Hotel
- RF Hotel - Zhongxiao
- New World Hotel
- Green World Hotel Zhonghua
- Caesar Metro Taipei
- Nagahiro Hotel- Dome
- Hotel B6
- Meworld Hotel Taipei Main Station
- funny ximen Hotel
- GLOBAL REALM boutique hotel
- Star Ximen
- Ximen Citizen Hotel
- Ximen Hotel
- Taipei Visa Application Services
- Taipei Connectivity Solutions
- Taipei Travel Essentials
- Taipei Airport Services
- Taipei Surfing
- Food & Drink in Taipei
- Taipei Spa & Massage
- Taipei Bus Tickets
- Taipei Costume Experience
- Taipei Activities
- Explore Yangmingshan & Beitou Day Tour
- Life Energy & Dadaocheng & Minsheng Smart Medical City & Daxi Old Street group tour
- Taipei National Palace Museum + Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall + Dihua Street + Longshan Temple classic landmark 1-day tour guaranteed departure
- Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation: Afternoon Tour from Taipei
- Burger King group · food instant voucher










![[Taiwan] Chunghwa Telecom 4G SIM SIM card| 3-30 days including call charges, Taiwan airport self-pickup Internet card](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0581l12000myzvp5y34C2_C_568_320.jpg)