One of the best things about visiting Taiwan is diving headfirst into the incredible Taiwanese street food scene. While I wouldn’t call myself the most adventurous eater, I love exploring the country’s authentic Taiwanese cuisine. This list of five items goes beyond the usual snacks and features unique Taiwanese foods you absolutely must try when visiting Taiwan. Even if these dishes are already familiar to locals, they might be something completely new for you to discover!
1. Pork Intestine Vermicilli (Mian Xian)
I am not at all a pork intestine girlie, but I still love the thick soupy, savory, (I like to add a lot of vinegar into it) taste of the flour rice noodles with the intestine. Low key I do not eat the intestine, because I can’t eat organ meats. But you can also get them without the pork intestines at some restuarants. But it is missing that distinct flavor that comes with the pork intestine that makes it so unique. So if I get it, I will give my pork intestines to someone else, or try to ask them not to give me any of that lol. There are other variations that also come with oysters. Its a warm cozy Taiwanese dish that you might end up falling in love with.
Where to eat pork intestine Vermicilli in Taiwan? The most famous is Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle in ximending which I’ve yet to try. My favorite, would be Dongfahao Fried Rice・Noodles (東發號 油飯・麵線) in Raohe night market. It’s a no frills place that only sells 3 items.
2. Tofu Pudding (Douhua)
Tofu pudding or Douhua is a silken tofu dessert. Often it is drizzled with brown sugar soup with ginger and other herbs to add flavor. It depends on each shop because they will do things differently. I enjoy the more traditional types that have the brown sugar and ginger. It is so smooth, and can be eaten hot or cold. Most places allow you to add other toppings like boba’s.
A few of my favorites would be: Bai-Shui Tofu Pudding yong kang street (pictured here), and a more fancier version is at the hai lai vegetarian restaurant, and it comes in the traditional bucket with the spoon – great for sharing(photo below). Their sauce also has added herbs like ginseng, and dates. Generally, you can’t really go wrong with tofu pudding anywhere as most areas and dessert soup shops will have it.
3. Winter melon tea (Dong Gua Cha)
This is one of my favorite drinks. Its not a tea per se and doesn’t have caffeine. But its a sweet drink made from the winter melon gourd and brown sugar. It’s light, refreshing and cooling. It may have a light caramelized taste depending on how its made. There are so many variations such as with lime, and some places also make it into a milk tea.
There are many places to get it. But I like the more traditional authentic ones. There is a stand at the Raohe night market I’ve been going to since I was a kid, they only sell this drink. But recently they don’t consistently open, and its hard to pinpoint when they will be there. ( I have yet to find another place in Taipei that I like.)
Second favorite is in Tainan, they have 2 pretty famous places to get the winter melon tea: Yi Feng Winter Melon Tea Factory. And 兩角銀古早味冬瓜茶 (Sorry they don’t have an english name, but you can search up on google maps, its right by the Grand Mazu Temple.) is my favorite one and it’s a must for me every time I go to Tainan. (It’s shown in the photo above). You can try to get some at 7-11 or the convenience stores, but in my opinion they taste a bit more artificial and obviously aren’t as fresh and you can taste the difference. I’m not a fan of the convenience store versions, fresh is best!
4. Oyster Omelet (O-a-jian)
This classic Taiwanese seafood dish is a night market staple. It consists of oysters, eggs, bean sprouts, and tapioca starch to give it the gummy texture. It’s a little bit crispy with the eggs and chewy with the starch. Its definitely an acquired taste, but its so yummy with some sweet spicy sauce. You can find them at all the night markets. It’s an interesting sensory texture for those who haven’t tried it before.
One of the more famous ones is at ningxia night market in Taipei: Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette (pictured here), often times the lines are sooo long. It’s quite good, and people come far and wide to try it.
5. Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)
Everyone must try stinky tofu at least once in their life! Some people say it smells like feet, but it smells so good to me haha. It takes fresh tofu, and soaks it in a fermented brine for a few days. They either fry it and serve with pickled cabbage or veggies, or you can eat them stewed or steamed. It’s a unique savory taste some say similar to blue cheese but not as pungent. If it’s your first time you definitely want to try the fried one. The steamed/stewed ones I’ve mostly only eaten at sit down restaurants, and is much lighter in taste but still smells just as stinky. I’m sure night markets have both types.
When I go to Raohe night market I get it from: 下港名彭臭豆腐(search on google maps). It’s pretty well known, and it comes with 3 on a plate. I don’t have a solid recommendation for the steamed/stewed ones yet that I can genuinely give at the moment.
Everything on this list represents the heart of authentic Taiwanese cuisine. These are simple, time-tested recipes passed down through generations, showcasing the best of the island’s flavors. With so much delicious Taiwanese street food to experience, focusing on these unique, must-try dishes is the best way to connect with the local culture. Which of these 5 unique foods are you adding to your Taiwan itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. For more travel tips and delicious Taiwan content, make sure to follow me on Instagram @iamkellytang!
