What to Eat and Drink in Taiwan

Although it is impossible for me to sample everything that Taiwan has to offer in a span of 5 days, these are my favorites out of everything that I tried when I was there.

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Hot Pot

A notable Japanese influence on the Taiwanese cuisine, hot pot dishes are sometimes called shabu-shabu in Taiwan and they are very popular throughout the country. Literally a hot pot filled with water, ingredients are cooked by placing them into the pot piece by piece as the water boils.

Because Taiwan has an abundant array of the freshest, organic ingredients, this dish requires no condiments as it already possesses natural flavors that would make it delicious as it is.

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Taiwanese Tempura
Photo credit: Jude Bacalso

Another Japanese-influenced grub is the Taiwanese tempura. Although it is more of an oden than it is tempura, these ready-to-eat steamed fish cakes are available in most Taiwanese 7/11 branches. They come in different variants and are served with sweet sauce or hot sauce. Lobster roll and fish tofu are not to be missed.

Bubble Milk Tea 

Taiwan is the birth place of bubble milk tea so it only makes sense to have it when you are there. Although I have not tried it at some artsy cafe, I did grab a bottle of bubble milk tea from a convenience store and it was really good.

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Oolong Tea

A soothing cup of oolong tea is must when visiting Taiwan. Very similar to green tea, it has a rich fragrance with smooth and refreshing finish. There are several varieties of oolong tea and depending on how it was crafted, it can taste light, robust, fruity, floral, earthy, and/or smokey. 

Another reason to drink oolong tea apart from its taste is its health benefits. Oolong tea is not only rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals; it is said to reduce obesity and stress, boost the immune system, control diabetes, improve mental health performance, reduce high blood pressure,

lower the risk of getting cancer and promote healthy bone, skin and dental health.

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Marigold Infused Water

I’ve always thought that marigolds are merely ornamental plants that repel mosquitoes and other garden pests. Turns out it’s more than that. Marigold has been highly valued for its therapeutic uses. It has antibacterial, antibiotic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties which make it a very useful plant. It is also rich in antioxidants that help fight and prevent cancer. At Forest 18 Farm, they infuse their water with marigold leaves and it tastes so refreshing!

Taiwan Beer

Taiwan Beer is an award-winning pale lager that has its distinctive flavor coming from the best locally grown Formosa rice. Its mild and smooth taste makes it

pretty wonderful on its own or a good accompaniment to any kind of food. 

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Gao Jha
Photo credit: Jude Bacalso

Unique to Yilan County, gao jha is a specialty street food sold at Luo Dong Night Market. This seemingly plain, unpretentious snack is anything but simple. It is made up of minced chicken, pork, and shrimp meat which is simmered in chicken stock for several hours until it forms into a paste. Once cooled, it is cut into squares, dipped in cornstarch and then deep fried until golden and crispy. 

Gao jha has a crunchy crust with a soft and gooey inside that is bursting with exquisite, complex flavor. Be careful though as you bite into these tasty treats because they are served scalding hot!

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Mulberry Pasta

A signature dish of Fairy Story Village Organic Farm in Yilan County, this savory pasta is made with organic mulberry sauce then topped with crunchy pork floss and chopped spring onions. Definitely one-of-a-kind!

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Xiao Long Bao

Xiao long bao are steamed buns that have a delicate handmade dough with a savory meaty soup filling. It is a culinary wonder how these magical buns are engineered in a way that it is able to hold the soup and meat with its thin, pillowy soft dough. Eating

these dumplings do require patience, restraint and maybe a wee bit of practice because you don’t want to get your tongue scalded with the piping hot soup.

I got lucky to have had them at Din Tai Fung, a Michelin star awarded restaurant famous for their xiao long bao. This deserves its own post (link to follow).

Thanks Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association and Ma’am Jane Syjuco of Everbright Travel Agency for this fun and educational experience!

Read about my Taiwan Travel Guide here
Rice puff making at Tea and Rice Resort
Rice harvesting at Fairy Story Village Organic Farm
Mosquito repellent making at Forest 18 Farm
Dragon fruit picking at Xing Ke Dragon Fruit Farm