
Rice noodles can be enjoyed directly or purchased as gifts or for cooking (Photo: ST)
Pineapple Cake
The most commonly grown fruit in Taiwan is pineapple, leading to the creation of various pineapple-based products such as pineapple juice and canned pineapple. Among these, the most famous is pineapple cake. The soft, fragrant, sweet combination of pineapple and rice is sure to delight many travelers indulging in this Taiwanese specialty cake.

Taiwanese Pineapple Cake Specialty (Photo: ST)
With its favorable climate and terrain, Taiwan is often likened by foreigners to an empire of teas. Among the countless varieties, four main types stand out: Tie Guanyin, Baihao Wulong (Pekoe Oolong), Tungting Wulong (Dongding Oolong), and Wenshan Baozhong. You can find these teas in any tea shop in Taiwan. Additionally, for tea brewing utensils, you can visit Jianshanpu Street, Yingge Town (Oanh Ca), the ceramic capital of Taiwan.
Coffee
Originally planted during the Japanese colonial era, coffee industry in Taiwan faced setbacks due to competition and high export costs. However, in recent years, the coffee industry has been reviving, especially in Gukeng town, Yunlin county, where the renowned coffee is grown on Zhanghu, Guilin, Huanan, Huashan, and Hebao mountains with altitudes ranging from 200m to 800m, rich in potassium carbonate soil. Additionally, coffee cultivation is promoted in Dongshan district, Tainan city, with a famous coffee festival held in Gaoyuan village and Nanshi village, Kantou mountain.
Lei-cha, a traditional Hakka beverage, is particularly effective for those on a diet in Taiwan. It is a mixture of tea, beans, and fruits ground and dried to remove oil, then mixed with hot water when consumed. This is a healthy and convenient Taiwanese culinary specialty that can be enjoyed in Meinong district, Kaohsiung city, Nanzhuang town, Miaoli county, or Beipu village, Hsinchu county.
Originally planted during the Japanese colonial era, coffee industry in Taiwan faced setbacks due to competition and high export costs. However, in recent years, the coffee industry has been reviving, especially in Gukeng town, Yunlin county, where the renowned coffee is grown on Zhanghu, Guilin, Huanan, Huashan, and Hebao mountains with altitudes ranging from 200m to 800m, rich in potassium carbonate soil. Additionally, coffee cultivation is promoted in Dongshan district, Tainan city, with a famous coffee festival held in Gaoyuan village and Nanshi village, Kantou mountain.
Ba-wan (meatball)
The main ingredient of ba-wan is finely ground pork, hence initially named rouyuan (soft meat), later referred to as gongwan, giant dumplings, a tribute from Taiwan to the Qing dynasty. Ba-wan has a crust made of potato starch, rice flour, wheat flour, water, and filling consisting of pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and other additives. Travelers can enjoy this Taiwanese specialty in Zhanghua (Chương Hóa) or Hsinchu.
Sea Urchin
In Taiwan, sea urchin is so renowned that it even has its own museum in An Bình and a festival in Cao Hùng. With its sweet and tender flesh, sea urchin is transformed into many enticing and delicious dishes. Alternatively, simply frying the fish and eating it with lime is a popular choice. This dish is visually appealing and has a uniquely sweet and tangy flavor.
Kinmen Peanut Candy
Indulge in the finest peanut candy in Taiwan, meticulously crafted on Kinmen Island, where the air is pure. The peanuts, ground and cooked with cane sugar, are left to cool until solid. Then, they are cut into small bars and neatly packaged in boxes or bags, perfect for travelers to transform into a meaningful and elegant gift.
Explore the exquisite flavors of Trứng tráng hàu, a culinary symbol of Taiwan, blending the tastes of the ocean and the land. Made with eggs, oysters, and sweet potato starch, accompanied by a delightful sweet and sour sauce, it delights every palate.
You can relish Trứng tráng hàu at various markets, especially Yongle Market in Tainan and Shilin Night Market in Taipei.
Beef Noodle Soup
A culinary gem of Taipei, Beef Noodle Soup is a dish that belies its apparent simplicity. While its name may suggest a straightforward preparation of noodles and beef, this dish is a testament to the skill and artistry of master chefs. The noodles, made from rice, are thick and pale yellow, while the beef, sourced from the tenderloin, is tender and succulent. The broth, derived from simmering beef bones and tendons, is rich and aromatic. Beef Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish, often served with tofu and leafy greens for added freshness.
Taiwanese Delicacies offer a plethora of options for both on-the-spot enjoyment and dried goods suitable for bringing back as gifts for loved ones or friends. Make the most of your time if you have the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and savor all the dishes that VNTRIP.VN has recommended.