Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eat Drink Taiwan?
Eat Drink Taiwan is a comprehensive guide to traditional Taiwanese foods and drinks. We catalog over 100 specific dishes with detailed descriptions, cultural context, and locations where you can find them across Taiwan.
What makes Taiwanese food unique?
Taiwanese cuisine blends influences from Fujian, Hakka, Japanese, and indigenous cultures, creating dishes found nowhere else. Street food culture is central, with night markets serving as community gathering spots. Signature elements include braised meats, seafood, unique fermented foods like stinky tofu, and innovative drinks like bubble tea which was invented in Taiwan.
What are the most popular Taiwanese dishes?
Some iconic dishes include Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵), Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶), Xiaolongbao soup dumplings (小籠包), Lu Rou Fan braised pork rice (滷肉飯), Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎), and Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥). Each region has its own specialties—Tainan is known for its unique breakfast dishes, while Taichung is famous for Sun Cakes.
What is a night market?
Night markets (夜市) are open-air markets that typically operate from evening until midnight. They're a cornerstone of Taiwanese culture, offering street food, games, shopping, and entertainment. Famous ones include Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung, and Fengjia Night Market in Taichung.
Is Taiwanese food vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, Taiwan has a strong Buddhist vegetarian tradition. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are dedicated vegetarian restaurants throughout the island. Common vegetarian dishes include vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, and various noodle soups. On our site, you can filter foods to show only vegetarian options.
What's the difference between Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine?
While Taiwanese cuisine shares roots with Fujian and Hakka cooking, it has developed distinct characteristics. Japanese colonization (1895-1945) introduced unique influences, and indigenous ingredients like flying fish and millet add local flavors. Taiwanese versions of dishes like beef noodle soup and bubble tea are distinctly different from mainland variations.
How do I order food in Taiwan if I don't speak Chinese?
Many vendors understand basic English and pointing works well. Our site provides both English and Chinese names for every dish, so you can show the Chinese characters to vendors. Night markets often have picture menus. Learning a few key phrases like 'zhège' (this one) and 'xièxie' (thank you) helps greatly.
What are the best cities for food in Taiwan?
Taipei offers the most variety with famous night markets and fine dining. Tainan is considered Taiwan's food capital with unique local specialties. Kaohsiung has excellent seafood and southern flavors. Taichung is known for innovative dishes and desserts. Each city has distinct culinary traditions worth exploring.