By Cambria Kelly and Rosie Lu
When it comes to food, Taiwan overloads the senses in the best way possible. From lively night markets to peaceful full-service restaurants, not a single bite left us disappointed–with one specific exception, which we discuss later. Over the course of our travels, we dove into the vast culinary world of local flavors, hidden gems, and unforgettable dishes. Here are the top ten eats that left us craving for more–and we do warn you, they may leave you inexplicably hungry.
Outstanding Omurice – 9/10
At our first stop of the trip, I ordered a medium omurice in the style they are known for, beef bourguignon. This was a new food for me, so I didn’t expect much, but my expectations were far surpassed by the decadent meal served to me. The rich taste of the beefy sauce cut into the umami egg-rice combo, and every bite was a perfect balance of flavors. We arrived at a very early hour, so this meal was the perfect pick-me-up to start the day.
Mount Mango – 9/10
Shaved from milk-based ice blocks, the mango and strawberry snowflake shaved ice offered a truly unique blend of ice cream and crunchy shaved ice. The copious amounts of fresh mango and strawberries piled on top were incredibly fresh and juicy. The toppings of mango-flavored sorbet and panna cotta also complemented the shaved ice, adding an element of variety. However, the mango syrup and condensed milk were a touch too sweet. Overall, the dessert was refreshing and tasted like the essence of summer, a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
Din Tai Fung Pork XLB – 8.5/10
At the original Din Tai Fung in Taipei, the xiao long bao certainly lived up to its expectations. The delicate, folded wrapper of the dumpling bursts with burning hot soup, melting into the tender pork to form the perfect bite. The traditional condiment mixture of black vinegar and ginger shreds adds a nice acidity that counteracts the indulgent richness of the pork. These soup dumplings are perfect for sharing with friends alongside other dishes, as they can get slightly one-note after eating a few.
Bangin’ Braised Beef Dry Noodles – 10/10
The bowl of “dry noodles“ is a refreshing twist on Taiwan’s traditional beef noodle soup. Instead of the typical deep umami broth, garlicky beef broth sauce coats the chewy, hand-pulled noodles. The meat was generously portioned and braised to tender perfection. The greens on top added a touch of health and freshness. We opted to add some of the restaurant’s house-made chili oil for a hint of spice and crunch, completing the satisfying taste of this bowl.
Scrumptious Scallion Pancake with Egg – 9/10
With freshly chopped scallions and a handmade dough, the scallion pancake from Shilin Night Market is cooked to order and served fresh off the griddle. The crispy outer layer reveals soft chewy layers inside, and when torn apart, it releases a mild aroma of green onions. Coupled with a fluffy omelette, this street food classic is a match made in heaven. Though I chose to complement my pancake with egg, other popular options include corn, pork floss, and cheese. The food stand also offers condiments, including chili sauce and oyster sauce, for an extra hit of spice.
I Love Apricot a Latte – 10/10
Something about this apricot latte satisfies the soul—it hits all the right spots in sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. The thick layer of milk foam with meticulously swirled latte art emphasizes the creaminess of the milk. The subtle hints of apricot jam add just the right amount of sweetness and tartness to the drink. The coffee itself is one of the best I’ve had, tasting rich and neither overwhelmingly bitter nor too watery. The dehydrated orange slice garnish adds a nice touch, aesthetic-wise, but is also surprisingly delicious. Perhaps quite controversially, this cup beats my local Starbucks any day.
Bao-bundance – 8/10
An abundance of bao buns blessed my eyes when I walked into this hole-in-the-wall eatery. Each bun had delightfully decorated dough, with a doubtlessly delectable interior to match. Ranging from savoury pork bears to jammy bees, this specialized restaurant had it all. I tried both sweet and savory styles, and I must say that the pork and veggie bear was the winner.
Terrific Teishoku – 9.5/10
After a long day of walking, we stumbled on this unassuming restaurant and decided to give it a shot. This may have been the most fortunate choice made during the trip, because this meal is something I dreamt about for the rest of the summer. The main dish was a choice of meat, accompanied by a scrumptious mango salad that perfectly balanced fruity and acidic tones to complement the rest of the dish. This alone would have set the bar at 10/10, but the rice, miso soup, and other sides served with each meal only enhanced the experience further.
Trendy Treats on the Streets – 7/10
I’m sure sometime in this past year you’ve seen them on your feed – crunchy and juicy tonghulu and tasty tiramisu. Well, when I strolled through a night market browsing the foods, I had the perfect opportunity to try both of these trending desserts. First up is the sweet and crunchy tonghulu. These stalls offered a plethora of options: grapes, strawberries, plums, and even tomatoes available for your choosing. I went with the most popular choice, the strawberries. Not to exaggerate, but the first bite felt life-changing to me. A burst of fruity juices, enhanced by a crystalline coating of sugar, overwhelmed my senses, and I went back multiple times throughout the night, bringing me to an obvious 10/10. However, while the tonghulu exceeded my every expectation, the mango tiramisu was a tragic letdown. The most prominent element of the cake was artificial sugar, and the pastry did not sit well in my stomach. After the first bite, I finished the pieces of mango on top and, unfortunately, resorted to throwing the rest away, rounding the overall score down to its current 7/10.
Fillet Buffet – 10/10
Let me tell you something about myself: I love fish. Sushi, poke, ceviche, smoked fillets–I indulge in any preparation of this tasty meat. So, when I saw endless amounts of such dishes being sliced and served to order, I leapt at the chance to satisfy my cravings. It did not disappoint. Yellowtail, tuna, salmon, eel, and scallops, this place had it all. You could take any straight off the plate, or go to a station specializing in seared meats, where you could customize your order down to the sauce. My favorite order, after much experimentation, was seared scallops with rice, teriyaki sauce, and caviar to top it off. I had ten of those alone!