TAIPEI, NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN - 2016/04/08: A woman selling spicy "stinky tofu" (fermented bean curd) with pork blood cake at the Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei, where many tourists and locals can enjoy an enormous range of street food. (Photo by Stefan Irvine/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Cover Photo: A stall owner selling spicy "stinky tofu" at Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei. Photo: Getty Images

Indulge in these snacks on the go as you bustle around the streets of Taiwan

Taiwan has officially relaxed its entry and quarantine rules—allowing visa-free entry for travellers from some countries. However, it will maintain its three-day quarantine requirement and a mandatory PCR test upon arrival. The land of bubble tea is certainly home to a plethora of food and drink for the foodie traveller. Boasting some of the most delectable street food in Asia, every corner is a food lover’s paradise. 

Don’t miss: The Best Street Food in Penang, According to the City’s Taxi Drivers

From cold to hot street food, there is indeed something to tantalise the tastebuds of any food enthusiast. Here are some of the best street snacks you need to try when in Taiwan.

1. Egg cakes

This popular street snack can be found at almost every night market in Taiwan. Food stall owners get creative with this easy-to-make snack, with some creating characters, umbrellas, and even dipping pens. Made with eggs, flour, and sugar, this portable snack can be enjoyed by anyone. This traditional Taiwanese snack may be eaten with a filling of your choice such as chocolate, peanut, or red bean. 

Where to find it: Yizhong Street Night Market, Taichung City, Taiwan

2. Simon Tian Bu La

Simon Tian Bu La (賽門甜不辣) serves up a mean bowl of tianbula, or Taiwanese tempura. Look forward to a bowl of deep fried fish paste boiled in a broth folded into various shapes and served with a homemade sweet savoury sauce. Bite into the delectable, briny fish paste as you walk through the vibrant streets of Taipei.

Where to find it: 95 Xining South Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

3. Yongfu Ice Cream

Causing brain freezes since 1945, this retro ice cream shop was once a humble ice cream truck. Now a full-fledged brick-and-mortar shop, have a taste of its many flavours. Favourites include taro, longan, red bean, and limei (preserved plum). What’s better? A single order comes with three scoops of ice cream, where you can pick three different flavours.

Where to find it: No. 68號, Section 2, Guiyang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

4. Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle

Specialising in soup, Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線) offers a flavourful soup broth with flour rice noodles, soy-braised pig intestines, and cilantro. One of the most famous places in the Xinmending district, crowds visit in throngs, waiting to get their hands on the snack’s gooey goodness. Bite into the soft noodles strands and perfectly chewy intestines here.

Where to find it: No. 8-1號, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

5. A-Jou Peanut Ice Cream Roll

Originating from Yilan, this unique Taiwanese snack can be found on the streets of Jiufen’s Jishan Street. The spring roll doppelgänger hides two scoops of taro ice cream, grounded peanut candy, and fresh cilantro. The taro’s sorbet consistency perfectly matches the crunchy, salty peanut candy, resulting in a great combination of texture and flavour. 

Where to find it: No. 20號, Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

6. Niou Dien Beef Noodles

What’s a trip to Taiwan without tucking into a warm bowl of beef noodles? Using the best beef cuts from Australia and New Zealand, the beef shank is braised for hours and served in a carefully curated beef broth. Customers can choose from the various beef cuts and customise the spiciness level. Dig into this hot bowl of soup and enjoy tender, succulent beef cuts accompanied by soft, slippery noodles. 

Where to find it: No. 91號, Kunming St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

NOW READ

Michelin Guide Singapore Reveals Its Bib Gourmand 2022 List

10 Filipino Street Food You Have To Try When Visiting The Philippines

Controversial Delicacies From Around The World

Topics