Best Places to Eat in Taipei

Best Foods to Try in Taipei (Taiwan)

If you are looking for street “food near me” in Taipei, here are seven must-try dishes with descriptions, ingredients, dietary options, and price ranges:

• Yu Yuan (Taro Balls)

  This unique and delicious treat is made by mixing taro with flour and water. The chewy dessert can be served in a warm ginger soup, with shaved ice and a sweet syrup, or deep fried with sweet fillings. Try this treat with mung beans or sweet potato for another mouth-watering flavour.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 160 - 250

• O Ah Jian (Oyster Omelette)

  Oyster Omelette is a top local pick if you are looking for the perfect dish that suits your taste buds and is easily available. This delicious dish combines eggs, oysters, and sweet chilli sauce. In this mixture, vegetables like scallion or lettuce are added to get that fresh taste. This salty treat has many variations; you will taste new flavours whenever you try it at a new stall.

  • Type: Non-Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 220 - 250

• Chou Doufu (Stinky Tofu)

  Do not let the stinky smell of this dish chase you away; it is a lot more delicious than how it smells. Once you bite into the tofu, a mild, sweet, salty, sour, and savoury flavour will explode in your mouth. With a texture like soft aged cheese, this is a dish you can look forward to.

  • Type: Both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 90 - 182

• Peanut Ice Cream Roll

  This sweet and savoury dessert is rolled in a crunchy spring roll wrapper. A scoop of ice cream is placed in the wrapper with a handful of crushed peanuts. This dessert is not so sweet and perfect for a hot summer day.

  • Type: Both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 130 - 150

• Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancake)

  Scallion pancakes are salty, fatty, savoury, and flavourful. This delicious pancake is made with flour, chives, scallion, and salt. It is then fried in a steaming pan until it turns golden. You can also add varieties of toppings like corn, cucumber salad, or dressing provided by the stall. This is one of the best options if you are searching for delicious dishes at “places to eat near me.”

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 40 - 50

*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and subject to change at the time of travel.

Taiwan Food Guide: Best Restaurants and Street Food Stalls in Taipei

Japan and China influence the cuisine of Taipei, thus creating an exciting fusion worth exploring. From high-end Michelin-star restaurants to the buzzing night market, the list of places to eat in Taipei is endless. The search for the “best restaurant near me” in Taipei is simple as there are so many options you can choose from. Here are some renowned restaurants and food stalls in Taipei that you can visit.

• Xinyi (Do It True)

  The founder of this 60-plus-year-old restaurant is popularly known as the chef for Empress Cixi of the Qing Dynasty. Besides that, it is also renowned for its crispy, deep-fried pork balls, pork and cabbage pickle casserole, thick scallion pancake, and grouper fillet.

  • Location: No. 506, Section 4, Ren'ai Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

• Tairroir

  Tairroir is the first 3-star Michelin restaurant serving Taiwanese food. If you want a fine dining experience, visit this restaurant and try out their ten-course tasting menu with wine pairings. You can also try their delicious lobster fried rice.

  • Location: 6f, No. 299, Lequn 3rd Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
  • Opening hours: 12 PM - 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM

• Sinchao Rice Shoppe

  You can taste traditional and modern Taiwanese cuisine styles in Sinchao while trying their fried rice. Some of its signature dishes are delicious varieties of fried rice such as bottarga, scallop fried rice, and vegetables with pork culet fried rice.

  • Location: Section 5 of Zhongxiao East RoadSection 5 of Zhongxiao E Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City.
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

• Muji Beef Noodles

  The infamous beef noodle soup of Muji is cooked with only local beef for that distinctive flavour. The broth is made from beef bone, meat, scallion, garlic, and various Chinese herbs. The source of the soup’s subtly sweet flavour is a delicious mystery.

  • Location: No. 239, Wuxing St, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

• Ningxai Food Market

  For street food lovers, the bustling Ningxai Night Food Market is a great spot to visit. You can enjoy traditional Taiwanese food from the numerous stalls in the market. Must-try dishes include oyster omelette, grilled squid, stinky tofu, beef noodles, taro balls, and scallion pancakes.

  • Location: 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd
  • Opening hours: 5 PM - 1 AM

Vegetarian Restaurants in Taipei

Taipei is one of the most vegan-friendly cities, with many vegetarian restaurants. The city has traditional cuisine that uses ingredients like tofu, scallions, and beans in most dishes. Here is a list of places to eat in Taipei for vegetarians. However, always check the dishes served in any restaurant to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

• Yang Shin Vegetarian Restaurant

  Known for its variety of vegetarian dim sum, Yang Shin is a must-try vegetarian restaurant. Try their vegetarian versions of traditional Taiwanese dishes such as stinky tofu, soup dumplings, and hot pots.

  • Location: 2nd Floor, 128 Songjiang Road, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM

• Space Bao

  Known for their vegan pan-fried dumplings, Space Bao serves vegetarian versions of pork dumplings. Some must-try dishes include lemongrass and bamboo pan-fried dumplings.

  • Location: No. 268, 4th Floor, Zhongxiao E Rd, Section 3, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan, 106
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 9:30 PM

• Le Palais

  To get an exceptional fine dining experience, visit Le Palais and taste their eight-course vegetarian set menu. They have one-of-a-kind mushroom dishes like stir-fried orzo with mushroom and their signature dish, Braised White Gourd Stuffed with Edible Bird's Nest.

  • Location: No. 3, Section 1, Chengde Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
  • Opening hours: 12 PM - 9:30 PM

• Taj

  If you are looking for an “Indian restaurant near me,” this is one of the best spots to visit. Known for its detailed and delicious thali set, the Taj is an Indian restaurant offering various vegetarian dishes. Their delightful okra curry, eggplant curry, or masala tea is a must-try for people who love intense flavours.

  • Location: No. 48, Section 4, Civic Blvd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
  • Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 10 PM

• Nice Cream

  Enjoy delicious vegan dessert in Nice Cream, which includes giant waffles with ice cream, a thick vegan milkshake, and tasty gelato. You can even get mouth-watering vegan ice cream cake in this eatery.

  • Location: 6, Lane 40, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E Rd, Da'an District, Taipei, Taiwan, 106
  • Opening hours: 12 PM - 10 PM

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Best Vegan Cafes/Restaurants in Taipei

You are in for a treat if you are looking for “pure veg restaurants near me.” Taipei is filled with vegan eateries that have a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some must-visit vegan restaurants and cafes you can explore in Taipei.

• Mayur Indian Kitchen

  This Indian Kitchen serves 100% plant-based dishes, emphasising South Indian and North Indian cuisine. Some of the customer favourites include channa chat, basmati rice, and delicious naan bread.

  • Location: No. 64-2 Hao, Section 2, Jinan Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan, 100
  • Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 10 PM

• Vege Creek

  A standout feature of Vege Creek is the ability to select your ingredients, such as vegetables, tofu, and noodles. You bring what you choose, and the staff cooks it in a delicious broth before serving you an appetising meal.

  • Location: 2, Lane 129, Yanji St, Da'an District, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Opening hours: 12 PM - 8:30 PM

• Lai Xin

  Known for their colourful dumplings, you will also be offered various dumpling choices, such as cabbage, bok choy, and radish in Lai Xin. They serve 100% plant-based dumplings, noodles, and delicious soups that you can try out.

  • Location: 176, Nong'an St, Zhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan, 10491
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 8 PM

• Mukuchi Kitchen and Bar

  This small and cute eatery on Dihua Street offers vegetarian ramen as one of its signature dishes. You can choose soup, noodles, and even toppings according to your liking. Enjoy the ramen with delicious side dishes like asparagus bean curd rolls, and finish your meal with their inviting pudding as a dessert.

  • Location: 10343, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Section 1, Huanhe N Rd, No 431
  • Opening hours: 12 PM - 9 PM

• NUTTEA Nut Mylk Tea

  If you wish to drink bubble tea but a vegan version, visit NUTTEA for the best experience. Their fully vegan bubble tea is made from nut milk, and they also have refreshing fruit tea with delicious snacks.

  • Location: 11-1, Sec 2, Fuxing South Rd, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan, 106
  • Opening hours: 10 AM - 7 PM

FAQs

• Q1. Can I find Indian food near me in Taipei?

  Ans. Yes, you can quickly get Indian food in Taipei as there are many Indian restaurants there. You can get both non-vegetarian and vegetarian Indian cuisine.

• Q2. What seasonal foods should you try in Taipei?

  Ans. One seasonal food recommended for Taipei is its sweet, refreshing, and delicious fruits. If you visit during the summer, do not miss out on the crimson plum and the refreshing Jinhuang mango.

• Q3. What are some must-try dishes in Taipei?

  Ans. Some must-try dishes in Taipei are beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, scallion pancake, oyster omelette, stone flower jelly, mango shaved ice, soup dumplings, and bubble tea.

• Q4. Where can you get delicious sushi in Taipei?

  Ans. You can try the one-star Michelin restaurant Sushi Nomura to try different sushi dishes in various toppings.

• Q5. Can I find Chinese food near me in Taipei?

  Ans. For Chinese food in Taipei, try Yun Jin at the Grand Hyatt, Shin Yeh for Taiwanese-style dishes, and Din Tai Fung for dumplings. Options range from casual to upscale dining.

• Q6. What do Taiwanese eat for lunch?

  Ans. Taiwanese people commonly enjoy bento boxes for lunch, such as drumstick bento, chicken cutlet bento, pork chop bento, and soy-stewed pork bento. These convenient boxed meals are especially popular during work hours.

• Q7. What are some dining rules in Taiwan?

  Ans. Some popular dining rules in Taiwan are: let the oldest person start eating first, your host may add food to your plate (it is considered a kind gesture), and when you are done, place your soup spoon on the table.