Taichung
台中
The birthplace of bubble tea and home to vibrant night markets, Taichung offers a perfect blend of culinary innovation and traditional flavors.
Foods to try in Taichung
Soup Dumplings
Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun (baozi) from the Jiangnan region of China, especially associated with Shanghai and Wuxi. It is traditionally prepared in xiaolong, small bamboo steaming baskets, which give them their name. Xiaolongbao are often referred to as a kind of "dumpling", but should not be confused with British or American-style dumplings nor with Chinese jiaozi. Similarly, they are considered a kind of "soup dumpling" but should not be confused with other larger varieties of tang bao. In Shanghainese, they are also sometimes known as sioh-lon meu-doe or xiaolong-style mantous.
Beef Noodle Soup
Beef noodle soup is a Chinese and Taiwanese noodle soup made of stewed or red braised beef, beef broth, vegetables and Chinese noodles. There are two common variations of beef noodle which differ in the way the broth is prepared. When soy sauce is added, the soup is called red roasted or braised beef noodles (紅燒牛肉麵). Braised beef noodles was reputedly invented by KMT's Sichuan Province recruits who fled from mainland China to Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Therefore, it is sometimes (misleadingly) referred to as "Szechuan Beef Noodle Soup" (四川牛肉麵). The red braised beef noodles is the most common type of beef noodle in Taiwan. The beef is often stewed with the broth and simmered, sometimes for hours. Chefs also let the stock simmer for long periods of time with bone marrow; some vendors can cook the beef stock for over 24 hours. This type of beef noodle tends to be spicy because doubanjiang and five-spice powder are sometimes added. However, the broth may also have a sweeter taste if the fat from the beef is simmered. There are several variations with the soy-based broth, such as spicy, tomato, garlic, and herbal medicine. The tomato variation (番茄牛肉麵) is popular in Taiwan and features chunks of tomatoes in a rich red-coloured soy-tomato broth.
Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu, or chòu dòufu (臭豆腐), is a form of fermented tofu that has a strong odor. It is usually sold at night markets or roadside stands as a snack, or in lunch bars as a side dish, rather than in restaurants.\n\nStinky tofu is usually served deep-fried (often served drizzled with sauce and topped with sour pickled vegetables), grilled, or added to a Sichuan mala soup base (with solid goose blood, pickled mustard greens, and pork intestines).
Shaved Ice
To create the dessert, a large mound of ice shavings are first placed on a plate. In the past, ice shavings were created by hand, either by using a large mallet to crush ice into fine pieces, using a large freehand blade to shave off ice, or turning a hand-cranked machine to do the same. In modern times, a special machine is used, resulting in ice-shavings that are much finer and thinner than those in the past. Some establishments may still produce their ice by hand, and thus the texture varies. A variety of toppings are then added. Traditionally, sugarcane juice or syrup was added to give it a mildly sweet taste, like that of drinking sugarcane juice with ice cubes, but other options include various kinds of syrups or condensed milk, or both. Examples of toppings include fruit, taro, azuki beans, mung beans, sweet potato chunks, peanuts, almond junket, and grass jelly. Various pre-set combinations exist, but customers can often choose individual toppings as they desire.
Braised Pork Rice
Minced pork rice is a Taiwanese style rice dish commonly seen throughout Taiwan and China's Fujian province. The flavor may vary from one region to another, but the basic ingredients remain the same: ground pork marinated and boiled in soy sauce served on top of steamed rice.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea (also known as pearl milk tea, boba milk tea, boba juice or simply boba) (Chinese: 珍珠奶茶 or 波霸奶茶) is a Taiwanese tea-based drink invented in Taichung in the 1980s. Most bubble tea recipes contain a tea base mixed/shaken with fruit or milk, to which chewy tapioca balls or fruit jellies are often added. Ice-blended versions are usually mixed with fruit or syrup, resulting in a slushy consistency. There are many varieties of the drink with a wide range of ingredients. The two most popular varieties are bubble milk tea with tapioca and bubble milk green tea with tapioca.
Flaky Scallion Pancake
The flaky scallion pancake is savory, fried, crispy, and a little bit chewy. Similar to a standard scallion pancake, the notable difference is the skin can be easily pulled apart, and is thinner and lighter to eat. Most stands will often offer the option to add an egg and other toppings from basil to bacon to cheese.
Taro Ball Dessert
A popular Taiwanese dessert featuring colorful handmade balls made from taro, sweet potato, and other starches, served in sweet soup or over shaved ice. The taro balls have a uniquely chewy, QQ texture and come in various colors representing different flavors. Often topped with red beans, grass jelly, or fresh fruit, this refreshing treat is especially beloved in mountain areas.
Papaya Milk
A refreshing Taiwanese beverage blending fresh papaya with milk and ice. This creamy, naturally sweet drink is a popular night market specialty, known for its smooth texture and tropical flavor.
Fried Chicken Cutlet
An iconic Taiwanese street food featuring a large, crispy chicken breast fillet coated in seasoned batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Often served on a stick and seasoned with five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
Sweet Potato Balls
Crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside deep-fried balls made from sweet potato and tapioca starch. A quintessential Taiwanese night market snack with a naturally sweet flavor and addictive texture contrast.
Sesame Oil Chicken Soup
A nourishing Taiwanese soup featuring chicken simmered in sesame oil with ginger, rice wine, and medicinal herbs. Known for its warming properties, this comforting dish is especially popular in cooler weather.
Barley Milk
A traditional Taiwanese beverage made from cooked barley blended into a smooth, creamy drink. Served hot or cold, this mildly sweet drink is valued for its health benefits and nutty flavor.
Tapioca Pearls Dessert
Chewy tapioca pearls served in sweet syrup, shaved ice, or milk tea. These translucent balls made from tapioca starch are a staple in Taiwanese desserts and bubble tea, prized for their bouncy QQ texture.