Taipei Food Tour: Top 10 Must-Try Taiwanese Food
An Honest Introduction to Taiwanese Food Through the Streets of Taipei
Taiwanese food is one of those things that people try to explain with just a few dishes, but it’s really much more than that. It's a mix of local ingredients, Chinese heritage, Japanese influences, and bold street flavors that somehow work together in a way that just makes sense. But if you're new to it, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Which dishes are worth trying? What if you order the wrong thing?
That’s exactly why I joined a guided food tour in Taipei, and I’m glad I did. The two-hour walk was packed with flavors, history, and surprises I wouldn’t have found on my own. If you're looking for a fun and easy way to understand what Taiwanese food is really about, this is the perfect intro.
What the Tour Includes
We started at Longshan Temple MRT Station (Exit 1) in the Wanhua District, one of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods. Our local guide welcomed us in English and Mandarin and quickly made us feel comfy. From there, we headed off on foot to explore traditional markets, street stalls, and hidden food stops that you’d easily miss on your own.
Here are the 10 dishes and drinks we actually tried during the tour:
1. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)
A savory dish made with eggs, oysters, and a thick potato starch batter, all fried together and topped with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce. The texture is a mix of crispy and gooey, and it’s a staple at most night markets.
2. Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯)
This is Taiwan’s most beloved comfort food. Soft white rice topped with slow-cooked minced pork in a soy-based sauce. Rich, simple, and something locals eat at any time of day.
3. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
You can smell it from across the street. Deep-fried and crispy outside, soft inside, and served with pickled cabbage and chili sauce. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it dish, but you can’t say you’ve had Taiwanese food without trying it at least once.
4. Taiwan Braised Egg (滷蛋)
Boiled egg cooked in soy sauce and spices until the flavor soaks through. A common side dish in bento boxes and traditional meals.
5. Fried Marlin (炸旗魚)
Bite-sized pieces of marlin, deep-fried until golden, with a light seasoning. Tasty, crunchy, and easy to snack on while walking.
6. Herbal Tea (仙草茶)
This cool, slightly bitter drink is made from mesona herbs and is often enjoyed after greasy food. It’s refreshing and helps with digestion.
7. Pork Blood Cake (豬血糕)
Sticky rice mixed with pig’s blood, steamed on a stick, then rolled in peanut powder and coriander. The flavor is mild but unique, and it’s more about the chewy texture than the taste.
8. Fried Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球)
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. These little golden balls are slightly sweet and super addictive. One of my personal favorites.
Extra Stop: Convenience Store Food Tour
After the main tastings, we stopped by a nearby 7-Eleven for a quick walk-through of Taiwan’s convenience store culture. These aren’t just places to grab snacks, they actually serve hot meals, bubble tea, desserts, and some surprisingly good packaged foods, plus you can use your EasyCard to pay. Our guide pointed out a few local favorites like the soy sauce tea egg, triangle rice balls, and pudding cups.
While not included in the tour, our guide also gave us a list of must-try dishes we could hunt down on our own:
Snake Meat (蛇肉)
Taiwanese Sausage (台灣香腸)
Gua Bao (刈包)
Xiaolongbao (小籠包)
Stir-Fry Dishes (熱炒)
Duck Blood (鴨血)
Aiyu Jelly (愛玉)
Taro Balls (芋圓)
Iced Sweet Balls (涼圓)
Ice Cream Roll with Peanut Powder (花生捲冰淇淋)
These dishes are scattered across different markets and food alleys, so you’ll want to explore further if you have time.
Tour Deets
Language: English and Mandarin
Duration: 2 hours
Meeting Point: Longshan Temple MRT Station Exit 1
Schedule: Lunch (11:00 - 13:00) or Dinner (19:30 - 21:30)
Dietary Needs: The guide adjusts dishes where possible
You’ll walk a bit, eat a lot, and learn more than you expect. The portions aren’t huge, but after 8 stops and a drink, I was honestly full.
Tips Before You Go
Don’t eat too much before the tour
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring water or buy one along the way
Be open to trying new textures and flavors
Ask your guide for recommendations if you plan to keep eating after
