10 Street Foods You Need To Try In Taiwan

Street food is a popular and distinctive feature of Taiwan’s culture and cuisine. It reflects the diversity and creativity of the people who live on this island nation. Street food vendors, also known as hawkers, offer a variety of dishes that are cheap, delicious, and convenient.

Some of the most famous street foods in Taiwan include stinky tofu, oyster omelets, bubble tea, beef noodle soup, and scallion pancakes. These foods can be found in night markets, roadside stalls, or mobile carts. Keep reading the article below as we will provide you with information about the top 10 unique Taiwan street food. 

1. Pearl tea in Taipei

Pearl tea, also known as bubble tea or boba tea, is a well-known street food in Taiwan that originated in Taipei in the early 1980s. It is a tea-based drink that consists of brewed tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca balls that are also called pearls or boba.

Pearl tea is usually served cold in a plastic cup with a sealed top and a large straw that allows the pearls to be sucked up and enjoyed. This drink is very popular among Taiwanese people and tourists alike and can be found in many tea shops, night markets, and convenience stores throughout Taipei.

Travelers can taste various flavors and varieties off pearl tea, such as black tea, green tea, oolong tea, fruit tea, and cheese tea. Some of the most famous pearl tea brands in Taipei are Chun Shui Tang, Hanlin Tea Room, and 50 Lan. 

Pearl tea in Taipei

2. “Iron eggs” in Tamsui

Iron Eggs, a tantalizing street food sensation in Tamsui, offer a unique culinary experience that captivates both locals and tourists alike. These delectable treats are meticulously prepared by repeatedly coating quail or chicken eggs in a savory concoction of soy sauce, tea, and a blend of aromatic spices.

The eggs undergo a slow-cooking process, absorbing the rich flavors until they achieve a dark, glossy exterior that gives them their distinctive iron-like appearance. As you stroll through the bustling streets of Tamsui, the tantalizing aroma of these marinated eggs wafts through the air, drawing you in. The texture is both tender and chewy, creating a delightful contrast to the intense umami taste.

Iron Eggs have become an iconic street food, reflecting the culinary prowess and cultural diversity of Tamsui, making them a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant food scene in this charming Taiwanese district.

Iron eggs in Tamsui

3. Seafood in Keelung

Keelung’s night market is one of Taiwan’s culinary highlights and by far the best place to eat in the city. Today rich in seafood, tasty rice noodles and mouthwatering fruit ice stalls, the market dates from the late Japanese occupation era; each stall advertises its main dishes in english, and it’s open around the clock. Try the “pot side scrapings” (thick rice noodles in a mixed seafood broth) at Ding Bian Cuo, one of the oldest stalls in the market.

4. Stuffed meatballs in Hsinchu

Hsinchu, a city celebrated for its culinary prowess, introduces a gastronomic delight that captures the essence of local flavors – stuffed meatballs. These succulent spheres of goodness are a testament to the city's culinary ingenuity. Ground meat, often a mix of pork and beef, is expertly seasoned with a medley of spices, creating a flavorful core.

What sets these meatballs apart is the ingenious incorporation of a savory stuffing, typically composed of minced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts, elevating the taste to new heights. The meatballs are then skillfully steamed or fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to a burst of savory juices upon each bite. Served hot and often accompanied by a dipping sauce or nestled in a bowl of noodles or rice, Hsinchu's stuffed meatballs are a local delicacy that promises a symphony of textures and tastes, showcasing the city's commitment to culinary excellence.

Stuffed meatballs in Hsinchu

5. Fish ball soup in Jiufen

Sampling the famous snacks on Jishan Street is an essential part of any visit to Jiufen, with fish ball soup, taro balls and roasted mushrooms the most celebrated. Make time, too, for a trip to one of the atmospheric teahouses – Jiufen Teahouse is one of the best, occupying a gorgeous old mining bureau’s headquarters dating back over 100 years (though the teashop opened in 1991). Make sure you get a wooden booth with a view, or have your tea outside on the terrace.

6. “Shrimp monkeys” in Lugang

In the charming streets of Lugang, a delightful culinary surprise awaits – the whimsically named "Shrimp Monkeys." Far from any simian association, these delectable treats are a testament to Lugang's playful spirit and culinary creativity. Shrimp monkeys are a unique fusion of succulent shrimp, expertly seasoned and molded into bite-sized, whimsical shapes resembling playful monkeys.

These flavorful morsels are then delicately coated in a light, crispy batter, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Often served with a zesty dipping sauce, the shrimp monkeys are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight.

As you explore the vibrant street food scene of Lugang, keep an eye out for these delightful crustacean creations, embodying the town's commitment to blending tradition with a touch of culinary whimsy. The shrimp monkeys are a must-try for those seeking a savory adventure that reflects Lugang's unique culinary charm.

Shrimp monkeys in Lugang

7. Suncakes in Taichung

Suncakes are a delightful local specialty, embodying the city's rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. These golden-hued pastries, also known as "Taiyang Bing" in Mandarin, are iconic treats often associated with the city. 

Crafted with meticulous precision, Suncakes consist of a flaky, thin crust that encases a sweet, chewy filling made from maltose and malt sugar. The traditional filling lends a caramelized sweetness to each bite, reminiscent of the warm Taiwanese sun. With its delicate balance of textures and subtle sweetness, Suncakes have become not just a delectable snack but also a cherished symbol of hospitality and gift-giving in Taichung. Visitors often carry these golden delights back home as souvenirs, a delicious memento of their time in the city.

Suncakes in Taichung

8. Danzi noodles in Tainan

Taiwan’s former capital is home to some of the country’s best street food and many of its dishes are favourites that are famous island-wide. Danzi noodles (or “peddler’s noodles” with pork, egg and shrimp) is probably the best-known dish, created in 1895 by hawker Hong Yu Tou – the name recalls the shoulder poles he used to carry the noodles to market, while the brand he created, “Slack Season”, is a reference to the slow season for fishermen, when his noodles were a way to make food last. The city’s other snack foods are equally renowned and include milkfish, eel noodles, oyster omelettes, shrimp rolls and “coffin bread”, hollowed-out thick toast filled with a creamy mix of vegetables and seafood.

Danzi noodles in Tainan

9. Muaji in Hualien

Muaji is a type of glutinous rice snack that is popular in Taiwan, especially in Hualien. Muaji is made by filling or covering sticky rice with various flavors, such as peanut, red bean, sesame, coconut, or fruit. Muaji shops are everywhere in the city, and some of them offer creative and innovative combinations of ingredients. Muaji is a delicious and convenient snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is also a symbol of Hualien’s culture and diversity.

10. Pigs’ blood soup in Taitung

In Taitung, a distinctive culinary offering that commands attention is the renowned Pigs' Blood Soup. This regional specialty is a great mixture of traditional flavors and local ingredients. The soup is a harmonious blend of rich, savory broth, tender pork slices, and vermicelli noodles, but what sets it apart is the inclusion of congealed pigs' blood cubes. The blood, coagulated into firm yet yielding squares, adds a unique and robust depth to the soup, creating a culinary experience that is both hearty and flavorful. 

Taitung's Pigs' Blood Soup is often seasoned with aromatic spices, herbs, and garlic, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish. Loved by both locals and intrepid food enthusiasts, this distinctive soup is a testament to Taitung's culinary identity and its dedication to preserving authentic Taiwanese flavors.

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