The streets of Taiwan offer a gastronomic paradise for food lovers. Often overlooked and overshadowed by other Asian countries, Taiwanese street food is truly some of the best in the world.
The small island country offers an array of dishes that are not only mouth-watering but also deeply rooted in the island’s rich food history. Here are some must-try Taiwanese street foods, if you are visiting the country or simply trying a Taiwanese food truck for the first time.
- Tian Bu La (甜不辣) Tian Bu La is a classic Taiwanese snack often likened to Japanese oden but with a unique Taiwanese twist. This dish features an assortment of fish paste items, including fish balls, fish cakes, and tofu, all deep-fried and then simmered in a light, savory broth. The magic of Tian Bu La lies in its dipping sauce – a sweet and spicy sauce that perfectly complements the mild flavors of the fish paste. Tian Bu La is a very simple, yet unique Taiwanese street food dish, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) Stinky tofu, with its pungent aroma, is an iconic Taiwanese street food that tends to evoke strong reactions. Westerners often cannot handle the smell but are more welcoming to the taste. This fermented tofu is deep-fried to a crisp and served with pickled vegetables. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, creamy interior, coupled with the tang of the pickles, creates a flavor profile that is incredibly rich and complex. While its distinctive smell might be off-putting to some, stinky tofu is a beloved delicacy in Taiwan and a must-try for the adventurous eater seeking an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
- Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) Although not a food, no discussion of Taiwanese street cuisine would be complete without mentioning bubble tea. This sweet, milky tea with tapioca pearls has taken the world by storm, but there’s nothing quite like enjoying it in its place of origin. The combination of chewy, sweet tapioca pearls and the creamy, fragrant tea offers an original sensory experience. It is a unique drink and there is nothing else quite like it.
- Gua Bao (割包) Gua Bao, often referred to as the Taiwanese hamburger, is a must-try street food. This snack consists of a soft, fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, and ground peanuts. The succulent pork belly, with its perfect balance of fat and meat, melts in your mouth, while the pickled greens and cilantro add a fresh, tangy dimension to the dish. The crushed peanuts bring a subtle sweetness and crunch, rounding out the flavors and textures beautifully.
- Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) The oyster omelette is a beloved Taiwanese street food combining fresh oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter, all fried together to create a dish that is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Often served with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, this omelette is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the briny oysters providing a taste of the ocean.
- Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) Taiwan’s beef noodle soup is a heartwarming dish that has gained international acclaim. This soup features tender braised beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, savory broth seasoned with star anise and other spices. Each bowl offers a comforting warmth and depth of flavor, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of Taiwanese cuisine.
- Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯) Lu Rou Fan, or braised pork rice, is a quintessential Taiwanese comfort food. This dish features finely chopped pork belly, slow-cooked in a savory soy-based sauce until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served over steamed rice, the pork is rich, flavorful, and infused with a blend of spices, including star anise and five-spice powder. The succulent meat, combined with the simplicity of the rice, creates a harmonious dish that’s both humble and satisfying. It is an extremely simple, yet complicated dish to make.
- Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球) A delightful snack found in many Taiwanese markets, sweet potato balls are crispy on the outside and airy on the inside. Made from mashed sweet potatoes and tapioca flour, these balls are deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a light, chewy texture with a subtle sweetness that makes them irresistible. They’re often enjoyed as a snack or a light meal, embodying the island’s love for sweet potatoes in a fun and tasty form.
- Pig’s Blood Cake (豬血糕) Pig’s Blood Cake is a unique Taiwanese snack that might seem daunting at first but is a beloved street food staple. As you have likely guessed, it’s made from pig’s blood and sticky rice, then steamed and coated with peanut flour and cilantro. The cake is usually served on a stick, similar to a popsicle, and can be either steamed or grilled. The texture is chewy, and the flavors are a mix of savory and sweet, offering an authentic taste of traditional Taiwanese cuisine.
- Fried Chicken Cutlet (鹹酥雞) Taiwanese fried chicken cutlet, known locally as Xian Su Ji, is famous for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. Often seasoned with a variety of spices like pepper, chili, and five-spice, the chicken is deep-fried to perfection. The result is a flavorful, crunchy snack that’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. It’s typically eaten as a snack or a quick meal and showcases Taiwan’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This fried chicken dish can be eaten as a cutlet, in strips, or in popcorn forms.
- Danzai Noodle Soup (擔仔麵) Danzai Noodle Soup is a traditional Taiwanese noodle dish, consisting of a clear and flavorful shrimp broth, wheat noodles, minced pork, and often topped with shrimp. It’s a lighter option compared to the more famous beef noodle soup but is equally satisfying. The dish is known for its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors, showcasing the island’s seafood and noodle-making traditions.
- Squid Soup (魷魚湯) Squid Soup is a popular Taiwanese seafood dish, especially in coastal areas. The soup features tender squid cooked in a light, savory broth, often seasoned with ginger and other local spices. The dish is known for highlighting the fresh, briny flavors of the sea, providing a comforting and warming experience.
