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Taipei Where to Eat 2026: 10 Iconic Dishes & 3 Surprising Things

<h1>Taipei Where to Eat 2025: 10 Iconic Dishes & 3 Surprising Things</h1>

Taipei is the kind of city that makes you hungry the moment you arrive. Step into any street and you’ll be greeted with a flood of scents spilling from stalls and kitchens.

The food, much like the culture, blends modern innovation with long-standing traditions. From quick bites to lavish buffets, Taipei is all about flavors that connect past and present. When visiting Taipei, knowing where to start eating is essential to experiencing the local culture.

<h2>Taipei Where to Eat? 3 Surprising Things to Know First</h2>

If you’re new to Taipei and have been searching “Taipei where to eat”, dining here might not always match the expectations you bring from home. The city has its own quirks and traditions. Knowing these will help you enjoy it even more:

<h3>Low online ratings don’t always mean bad food</h3>

Don’t be too quick to write off a restaurant or food stall just because it has a low rating. Some of the best meals in Taipei are tucked inside humble shops with modest ratings. Reputation often spreads through word of mouth. So, if locals are lining up or a shop has been there for years, chances are it’ll be worth your time.

<h3>Long lines are part of the dining experience</h3>

The best or most famous restaurants often have queues that stretch down the block. Think of waiting as a shared experience with the people around you. You might strike up a conversation with a stranger, watch food being prepared up close, or soak in the buzz and people-watch.

<h3>Friendly service matters as much as the food</h3>

Hospitality is a big thing in Taiwanese dining culture. Even in busy night markets, vendors will smile, make small talk, and suggest their favorite dish if you look unsure. Locals are usually happy to recommend their favorites, which may turn out to be the best thing you ordered.

Further Reading: Famous Restaurants in Taipei 2025: 8 Hot Picks You'll Love

<h2>10 Must-Try Taipei Foods & Where to Eat Them</h2>

Here are 10 food items that capture the spirit of Taipei:

<h3>Xiao Long Bao</h3>

These famous soup dumplings are packed with flavors. Each bite coats your mouth with a rich, savory broth before you reach the juicy minced meat inside. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the steamer, dipped in vinegar with a touch of ginger.

Where to eat: Night market stalls or local eateries (NTD 100–200 per basket)
At A Joy: Try truffle-infused xiao long bao at Chéngchéng Chéngjìng (乘城城境).

<h3>Beef Soup</h3>

Rich, hearty, and comforting, Taiwanese beef soup comes in many forms — from clear broths to herbal stews. While beef noodle soup is the most famous, the soup itself is a local staple that reflects Taiwan’s love for bold flavors and slow cooking. It’s a national dish that no visitors should miss.

Where to eat: Traditional shops or food courts (NTD 150–250 per bowl)
At A Joy: Premium beef soup crafted with slow-simmered broths at Chéngchéng Chéngjìng (乘城城境).

<h3>Buddha Jumps Over the Wall</h3>

The name might sound unusual, but this dish is a famous banquet staple. Made with premium ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, scallops, and mushrooms, it’s luxury in a clay or ceramic pot.

Where to eat: Banquet restaurants (NTD 1,500+ per portion)
At A Joy: A rare delicacy available daily at Chéngchéng Chéngjìng (乘城城境).

<h3>Seafoods</h3>

Thanks to Taiwan’s coastline, fresh fish and shellfish are almost always on the menu. You’ll find steamed grouper in fancy banquet halls, sashimi in Japanese-inspired restaurants, basil garlic clams in stir-fry eateries, or grilled squid skewers in the night markets.

Where to eat: Night markets (NTD 70–200 per dish/skewer)
At A Joy: Lobster, snow crab, and sashimi at Fēngcháo Hǎijìng (豐潮海境) and Ránrán Yuánjìng (然然原境).

<h3>Vegetables</h3>

Don’t underestimate Taiwan’s produce. Seasonal greens, stir-fried with garlic or soy, are a simple yet essential part of everyday meals. Must-try dishes include water spinach and sweet potato leaves.

Where to eat: Local eateries (NTD 50–150 per plate)
At A Joy: Farm-fresh seasonal vegetables at Qìnbō Hǎijìng (沁波海境).

<h3>Fruits</h3>

Famous for its tropical fruits, Taiwan offers some of the sweetest produce you’ll ever taste. Mangoes, guavas, wax apples, and lychees are some of the favorites. While it’s customary to end a meal with fruit in Taiwan, modern takes like mango shaved ice have become just as iconic.

Where to eat: Fruit stands (NTD 80–150 per serving)
At A Joy: Seasonal fruits at Liànliàn Chéngjìng (戀戀城境).

<h3>Bubble Tea</h3>

Did you know Taiwan is the birthplace of this worldwide craze? This globally loved drink first appeared in the 1980s and remains wildly popular today. While there are many versions out there, nothing beats tasting a classic milk tea with chewy pearls made with local tea.

Where to eat: Street shops (NTD 70–100 per cup)
At A Joy: Classic pearl milk tea brewed with premium local teas at Liànliàn Chéngjìng (戀戀城境).

<h3>Egg-Shaped Pancakes</h3>

These fluffy, bite-sized pancakes, also called ji dan gao, are the definition of comfort in a bite. They’re light, sweet, and perfect to snack on while you walk through the streets.

Where to eat: Night markets (NTD 40–70 per pack)
At A Joy: Sweet treats inspired by local snacks at Liànliàn Chéngjìng (戀戀城境).

<h3>Fried Chicken</h3>

Taiwan puts its own spin on fried chicken. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, seasoned with pepper or chili powder, and often garnished with basil. It’s the ultimate guilty pleasure for late-night munchies.

Where to eat: Night markets (NTD 70–120 per pack)
At A Joy: Gourmet fried chicken with premium spices at Chìyuán Yuánjìng (熾原原境).

<h3>Taiwan Beer</h3>

What better than a cold, crisp beer to wash everything down? If you’re eating like a local, you have to order a bottle of Taiwan Beer. Affordable and easy to drink, you can pair it with everything from fried chicken to seafood stir-fries.

Where to eat: Convenience stores or eateries (NTD 40–60 per bottle)
At A Joy: Enjoy Taiwan Beer 18 Days paired with dried fruits like roselle at Mànmàn Jīnzé Chéngjìng (漫漫津澤城境).

Want to try all these dishes in one place? A Joy brings the best of Taipei’s food scene into one unforgettable buffet. Or for a different dining experience, Taipei’s night markets offer a different kind of charm — a bustling, open-air food adventure you won’t want to miss.

Further Reading: 15 Popular Food in Taiwan: A Foodie Guide to Eating Like a Local

<h2>Taipei’s Night Markets: Flavor After Dark</h2>

When the sun sets, Taipei’s food scene shifts into high gear. The city’s night markets are legendary — and each has its own charm:

<h3>Raohe night market</h3>

One of the oldest night markets in the city, Raohe is famous for its pepper buns baked in clay ovens right at the entrance. You’ll also find skewers, desserts, and plenty of shopping stalls along its single street.

<h3>Shilin night market</h3>

The largest and most famous night market in Taipei is no doubt Shilin. It’s a maze of food stalls, carnival-style games, and shops. From giant fried chicken cutlets to oyster omelets, this market is often the first stop for visitors.

<h3>Ningxia night market</h3>

Smaller but big in flavor, Ningxia is beloved by foodies from all over. Look for traditional bites like taro balls, grilled seafood, and braised pork rice.

<h3>Nanjichang night market</h3>

Tucked in a residential neighborhood, this hidden gem is known for its authentic flavors and affordable prices. Must-trys here include pan-fried buns and stinky tofu.

<h3>Linjiang night market</h3>

Also known as Tonghua Night Market, this lively spot near Taipei 101 serves all the Taiwanese street-food favorites. Its central location makes it an easy detour after a day of sightseeing.

Further Reading: Best Buffet in Taipei: Top 6 Must-Try All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants

<h2>Where to Eat in Taipei for All Occasions?</h2>

While night markets are exciting, sometimes weather can get in the way. If you're searching "Taipei where to eat" for any occasion, restaurants are always a reliable choice.

To make the most of your time in Taipei, start the day in a central location for a convenient breakfast or lunch. Explore nearby attractions, and wind down in the evening with a scenic dinner.

For the ultimate experience, A Joy doesn’t just offer Taipei’s dazzling skyline — it brings together all the city’s must-try favorites in one luxurious buffet. From xiao long bao and beef soup to fried chicken, bubble tea, and even premium seafood, it’s like tasting the entire Taipei food scene in a single night.

It’s Taipei’s culinary highlights, elevated into a refined buffet experience on the 86th floor of Taipei 101.

<h2>FAQs</h2>

<h3>Q1: What is the best area in Taipei for food lovers?</h3>

Ximending, Shilin, and Raohe are popular, but you’ll find great food all across the city. Every neighborhood has its own specialties worth exploring.

<h3>Q2: Is it possible to enjoy street food in a more upscale setting?</h3>

Definitely! Many restaurants and buffets, such as A Joy, serve elevated versions of Taiwanese street-food classics.

<h3>Q3: Where can I try authentic Taiwanese food in Taipei?</h3>

Night markets are the heart of local food culture, while family-run eateries or century-old restaurants offer timeless flavors.