Buzz
Address: 2/F Hua Shan Market, 108 Zhongxiao East Road, District 1
Transportation: Shandao Temple MRT Station
2. Deep-fried Milk
Deep-fried treats are highly sought after at Taiwan's night markets, and one of the top contenders is deep-fried milk. It might sound unconventional, but a stroll around Taipei's night market district will reveal why this is one of the city's most beloved snacks. Essentially, it's milk batter deep-fried to perfection, resulting in crispy golden pillows on the outside and creamy goodness on the inside.
Vendor Location: Raohe Night Market
Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District
Transportation: Songshan Train Station
3. Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a globally beloved dish. However, food enthusiasts claim that the Taiwanese have mastered the art of creating irresistible fried chicken. Typically, chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized pieces, coated in a thin layer of batter, crispy on the outside yet not greasy. After being seasoned with salt, pepper, chili powder can be sprinkled on request. Additionally, tourists can opt for large chicken drumsticks to satisfy their cravings.
Vendor Location: Ji Quang Fragrant Chicken
Address: 121 HanZhong Street, Wanhua District
Transportation: Ximen Train Station
4. Gua Bao (Stuffed Steamed Buns)
Gua bao translates to 'sliced bread,' but in reality, this dish is much more elaborate. It involves sandwiching a slice of braised pork belly between thick steamed buns, sprinkling crushed peanuts, cilantro, and a few pickled items to create a visually appealing and delicious dish.
Vendor Location: Lan Jia Guo Bao
Address: No. 3, Alley 8, Lane 316, Section 3, Luosifu Road, Zhongzheng District
Transportation: Taipower Building MRT Station
5. Da Chang Biao Xiao Chang (Sausage Stuffed in Sausage)
This is considered as the Taiwanese version of hotdog. Despite the name, you'll only get to eat a single sausage. This dish consists of a sausage and grilled glutinous rice until cooked. Diners can enjoy it with various condiments like wasabi, garlic, and pickled vegetables. It's commonly found in night markets and is favored by many tourists.
Vendor Location: Shilin Night Market
Address: 101 Jihe Road, Shilin District
Transportation: Jintan MRT Station
6. Xiao Long Bao
Taipei is often ranked second only to Shanghai in the quality of xiao long bao, however, these small dumplings have traveled far and wide in this city and are equally loved by tourists. Xiao long bao typically have a filling of pre-marinated pork. In Taipei, there's also a version with a pork and crab or crab roe filling.
The filling is then mixed with a translucent dough layer and steamed until the dough becomes translucent and can be easily broken apart. The art of eating xiao long bao is to consume it without spilling the soup or burning your tongue. Take small bites, and don't forget to dip them in vinegar and ginger. In one sitting, you can devour up to 12 pieces.
Vendor Location: Kao Chi
Address: No. 1 Yongkang Street
Transportation: Dongmen MRT Station
7. Taiwanese Beef Noodles
Taiwanese beef noodles are so beloved that Taipei hosts an annual Beef Noodle Festival. The origin of this dish traces back to the Hui community in Ningxia and was brought to Taiwan during the civil war with the Mainland. Just take a look at a bowl of noodles, the beef chunks, tendons, bones look even more intriguing, the more delicious the noodles taste. In Taipei, it's common to enjoy noodles with cabbage, tofu, seaweed, and sometimes a broth cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and Chinese herbs. The beef chunks are usually rich and fatty, melting in your mouth.
Vendor Location: Lin Dong Fang
Address: 274 Bade Road, Section 2, Zhongshan District
Transportation: Nanjing Fuxing MRT Station
8. Mochi
Originating from Japan, mochi has gradually made its way into Taiwanese cuisine and has become a highly popular sweet treat. Mochi is made from mochiko, a type of glutinous rice that becomes sticky when pounded. Traditional mochi is filled with red bean paste, sprinkled with peanuts. Nowadays, you can easily find mochi filled with chocolate, strawberry, or green tea. One of the best flavors is black sesame mochi, with a soft, chewy exterior that's absolutely delightful. Mochi is delicate, so it's best kept in carry-on luggage and not refrigerated. Mochi is best eaten fresh, but it can last up to 3 days if stored properly.
Vendor Location: Ijysheng
Address: No. 51, Section 3, Xinglong Road, Wenshan District
Transportation: Xinglong Road MRT Station
9. Blood Cake
This is a dish rich in iron content, blending the delicate texture of mochi with crispy rice cakes. Blood is mixed with glutinous rice, broth, and thickened until firm, then fried or steamed, wrapped in a layer of peanuts. It's widely sold at night markets.
Vendor Location: Chen's Blood Cake
Address: No. 187, Section 3, Tingzhou Road, Zhongzheng District
Transportation: Gongguan MRT Station
10. Stinky Tofu
Just standing from a distance, you can smell this dish. Stinky tofu is considered the blue cheese version of tofu, and the stronger the smell, the better the taste. Tofu is fermented in a brine consisting of fermented milk, salt water, herbs, shrimp, and left for several months. In Taiwan, stinky tofu is often enjoyed with side dishes, snacks, and usually served with pickled vegetables or grilled meat. The most famous stinky tofu comes from Shenkeng District, Taipei, served with meat sauce to mask the smell of tofu.
Vendor Location: Shengkeng Tofu Street
Transportation: Bus 660 from Gongguan MRT Station
According to Ngôi Sao
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 16, 2016
