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Taiwan is not only renowned as a top Asian travel destination but also leaves a lasting impression with its rich and diverse culinary scene. Join Mytour as we explore 10 famous Taiwanese dishes in the article below!
A Brief Introduction to Taiwanese Cuisine
Taiwanese cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese culture. However, due to its unique geographical location, Taiwanese food harmoniously blends flavors from various countries worldwide. From taste and ingredients to cooking methods, Taiwanese cuisine boasts distinctive characteristics that set it apart from any other nation.
Taiwan's culinary treasure is incredibly unique and diverse (Image source: Collected)
Taiwanese cuisine places great emphasis on balancing flavors and presentation. This is why Taiwanese dishes are less oily compared to Chinese cuisine and not as heavily fried or stir-fried as Hong Kong's. Perhaps this perfect balance is what keeps Taiwanese food fresh, elegant, and refined, reflecting the sophistication of the island's people.
10 Famous and Iconic Taiwanese Dishes You Must Try
There’s a humorous saying among Vietnamese tourists that “Every square meter in Taiwan has 10 eateries, big and small.” This couldn’t be more accurate. Not only does Taiwan boast a vast number of food stalls and restaurants, but its cuisine also offers a wide variety of flavors and cooking styles. Below are 10 iconic Taiwanese dishes you absolutely must try at least once in your lifetime.
1. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
Topping the list of 10 must-try Taiwanese dishes is none other than the traditional beef noodle soup. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of Taiwan’s most beloved and iconic dishes. The three key ingredients that define its unique flavor are the noodles, beef, and broth.
The noodles are made from rice, thick with a distinctive yellow hue, while the beef is typically cut from the shank. However, the soul of Taiwanese beef noodle soup lies in its broth, not just the noodles or beef. To create a rich and flavorful broth, chefs simmer it until the meat is tender and the tendons and bones are fully infused. If pho is Vietnam’s national dish, beef noodle soup is Taiwan’s pride.
Braised beef noodle soup is a national treasure for Taiwanese people (Image source: Collected)
2. Trà sữa trân châu
Trà sữa trân châu từng gây sốt trên toàn thế giới và hiện vẫn là thức uống được giới trẻ Việt Nam yêu thích nhất. Bạn có biết rằng Đài Loan chính là nơi khai sinh ra món trà sữa trân châu? Dù ngày nay bạn có thể thưởng thức món này ở bất cứ đâu, nhưng hương vị nguyên bản nhất vẫn chỉ có tại Đài Loan.
Xing Fu Tang là một trong những thương hiệu trà sữa nổi tiếng nhất tại Đài Loan (Nguồn ảnh: Sưu tầm)
3. Đậu hũ thối
Despite its strong odor and challenging taste, stinky tofu has secured a spot among Taiwan's top 10 delicious foods, and there's a good reason for it. Initially, the unique flavor might be overwhelming, but once you get past the first impression, you'll discover why it's considered a culinary treasure.
The tofu undergoes a fermentation process lasting several months in a brine mixed with fermented meat, dairy, and herbs before it's cooked. Vendors then deep-fry the fermented tofu and drizzle it with a hot, savory sauce.
Today, stinky tofu continues to spark debates, dividing opinions sharply between lovers and haters. Regardless, its distinctive and indescribable flavor leaves a lasting impression on many diners.
Despite ongoing debates, stinky tofu boasts a substantial fan base (Image source: Collected)
4. Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
When discussing Taiwan's top 10 must-try dishes, soup dumplings are an essential mention. This dish is a staple breakfast for locals, featuring delicate, thin-skinned dumplings filled with a savory pork mixture and a burst of flavorful soup.
To enjoy, gently break open the dumpling with chopsticks and savor the rich, savory broth first. Then, relish the tender filling and soft wrapper. The soup inside is undoubtedly the soul of this iconic dish.
Taiwan's soup dumplings have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from versions found elsewhere (Image source: Collected)
5. Pork belly buns (Gua bao)
At first glance, Gua bao might remind you of a hamburger, but its ingredients and preparation are entirely different. The bun is soft, fluffy, and naturally airy, while the filling typically consists of braised pork belly marinated in a blend of rice wine and soy sauce.
Famous not only in Taiwan, Gua bao is also widely enjoyed across many Southeast Asian countries (Image source: Collected)
To enhance the flavor, diners often add pickled mustard greens and crushed peanuts, making this dish even more irresistible. It’s no wonder Gua bao is celebrated as one of Taiwan’s top 10 dishes that you can enjoy endlessly without getting bored.
6. Oyster noodles
While beef noodle soup is iconic, oyster noodles are equally beloved in Taiwan. This dish features two main ingredients: noodles and fresh oysters. Additionally, it’s often topped with pork intestines, which are thoroughly cleaned and braised with a blend of 10 herbs. For the best experience, diners can add chili sauce, black vinegar, minced garlic, and cilantro to enhance the flavor.
Visiting Taiwan without trying a bowl of oyster noodles would be a missed opportunity (Image source: Collected)
7. Baobing shaved ice
While not widely known in Vietnam, shaved ice is one of Taiwan's most popular snacks. Originally introduced from Japan during Taiwan's occupation, Baobing shaved ice has become a local favorite. The ice is finely shaved using specialized machines and then generously topped with fresh fruits and condensed milk.
Taiwanese shaved ice offers a variety of flavors for diners to choose from (Image source: Collected)
Mango shaved ice is one of the best-selling flavors in Taiwan. Baobing has even been recognized by CNN as one of the world's best desserts. If you're looking for a refreshing treat in Taiwan, don’t miss trying a cup of mango-flavored Baobing!
8. Iron eggs
Iron eggs are one of Taiwan's top 10 must-try delicacies. This popular snack can be found at almost any stall in Taiwan's bustling night markets.
Iron eggs are a creative culinary invention of Taiwan. Made from chicken, pigeon, quail, or even duck eggs, they are simmered in a mix of spices and then dried repeatedly, giving them their signature dark brown or black color.
Iron eggs are a truly unique dish that you can only find in Taiwan (Image source: Collected)
Each batch of iron eggs undergoes a meticulous process of simmering and drying up to 11 times to achieve its distinctive texture and flavor. If you visit Taiwan, trying iron eggs at least once is a must!
9. Chicken cutlet
Chicken cutlet is one of Taiwan's most unique dishes, standing alongside iron eggs and stinky tofu. The chicken is marinated with spicy chili, five-spice powder, seaweed, and mustard, creating a flavor profile that’s truly one-of-a-kind. You can enjoy it with sweet and sour sauce or melted cheese for an extra twist.
Chicken cutlet has gained popularity among Vietnamese youth (Image source: Collected)
10. Oyster omelette
The final contender in Taiwan's top 10 must-try dishes is the oyster omelette. Despite being a humble snack, its preparation is quite intricate. Key ingredients include eggs, oysters, flour, bean sprouts, and lettuce, with sweet potato starch being the secret to its unique, chewy texture. The combination of fluffy eggs and creamy oysters creates an explosion of flavors.
Who would have thought that the unusual pairing of eggs and oysters could result in such a unique dish! (Image source: Collected)
Above is a detailed guide to Taiwan's top 10 must-try dishes. We hope these insights provide you with valuable knowledge about Taiwanese cuisine. If you're interested in booking a Taiwan tour, please contact Mytour via the hotline 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!
