Taiwanese cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of flavors, reflecting the island’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. From humble street food to elegant banquet dishes, Taiwanese cuisine offers a delightful culinary experience for every palate. Join me as we delve into the heart of Taiwan’s food scene and explore the most iconic dishes that every food enthusiast must try.
1. Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice): A National Treasure
Description:
Lu Rou Fan, also known as Braised Pork Rice, is a national treasure and a must-try for any visitor to Taiwan. Tender chunks of pork belly are simmered in a flavorful soy sauce-based broth until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The savory sauce is poured over steamed rice, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s enjoyed by people of all ages.
Recipe:
https://redhousespice.com/lu-rou-fan/
Key Ingredients:
Pork belly, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, star anise, cinnamon, five-spice powder, garlic, shallots, rice.
Popular Restaurant:
Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan in Taipei (renowned for its authentic and delicious Lu Rou Fan, with long lines of locals and tourists alike)
2. Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian): A Hearty and Flavorful Soup
Description:
Beef Noodle Soup is a Taiwanese culinary icon, a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. Tender beef slices, springy wheat noodles, and aromatic broth infused with spices and herbs create a symphony of textures and tastes. It comes in various styles, including red-braised beef, clear broth, and spicy.
Recipe:
https://seonkyounglongest.com/taiwanese-beef-noodle-soup/
Key Ingredients:
Beef shank or brisket, wheat noodles, beef broth, soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, green onions.
Popular Restaurant:
Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodle in Taipei (famous for its rich, flavorful broth and tender beef)
3. Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji): An Aromatic Stir-fry
Description:
Three Cup Chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish named after the three main ingredients used in equal measure: sesame oil, rice wine, and soy sauce. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are stir-fried with basil, ginger, and garlic, creating an aromatic and savory dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Recipe:
https://thewoksoflife.com/three-cup-chicken-san-bei-ji/
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, sesame oil, rice wine, soy sauce, basil, ginger, garlic, dried chili peppers.
Popular Restaurant:
Din Tai Fung (multiple locations) – a world-renowned restaurant chain that offers a delicious version of Three Cup Chicken among its extensive menu.
4. Oyster Omelette (O-A-Tsian): A Taiwanese Street Food Staple
Description:
Oyster Omelette is a beloved street food dish found in night markets across Taiwan. Fresh oysters are mixed with a starchy batter and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The omelette is then topped with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Recipe:
https://mickyrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/03/taiwanese-oyster-omelette.html
Key Ingredients:
Oysters, sweet potato starch, eggs, Chinese chives, bean sprouts, sweet and savory sauce.
Popular Restaurant:
Ningxia Night Market in Taipei boasts various stalls serving delicious Oyster Omelettes.
5. Taiwanese Hot Pot: A Communal Feast
Description:
Taiwanese Hot Pot is a social dining experience where family and friends gather around a simmering pot of broth to cook a variety of ingredients. Choose from an assortment of meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles, dipping them into the flavorful broth and enjoying them with different sauces and condiments.
Recipe:
https://ohsnapletseat.com/2020/12/27/taiwanese-hot-pot-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Broth (various types), meats (beef, pork, lamb), seafood (shrimp, squid, fish balls), vegetables (napa cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms), tofu, noodles, dipping sauces.
Popular Restaurant:
Mala Yuanyang Hot Pot in Taipei is a popular hot pot restaurant with a wide selection of broths and ingredients.
6. Hakka Stir-Fry (Ke Jia Xiao Chao): A Flavorful Tradition
Description:
Hakka Stir-Fry is a classic dish from the Hakka community in Taiwan. It features a medley of ingredients like squid, pork belly, tofu, and dried shrimp, stir-fried with flavorful seasonings. The dish is known for its bold flavors and satisfying combination of textures.
Recipe:
https://tastecooking.com/recipes/hakka-style-stir-fry-with-pork-belly-squid-and-chinese-celery/
Key Ingredients:
Squid, pork belly, tofu, dried shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili bean paste, rice wine.
Popular Restaurant:
Hakka Stir-Fry is a common dish in Hakka restaurants, such as Mei Zhen Hakka Restaurant in Taipei.
7. Seafood Congee (Seafood Xifan): A Warm Embrace
Description:
Seafood Congee is a comforting and nourishing rice porridge that’s a popular breakfast or light meal option in Taiwan. The creamy congee is simmered with fresh seafood like shrimp, scallops, or fish, creating a delicate and flavorful dish. It’s often garnished with ginger, green onions, and a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma and taste.
Recipe:
https://thewoksoflife.com/fish-congee/
Key Ingredients:
Rice, seafood (shrimp, scallops, fish), ginger, green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce.
Popular Restaurant:
Zhou’s Kitchen in Taipei (offers a variety of delicious congee dishes, including seafood congee)
8. Taiwanese Bento (Biandang): A Convenient and Diverse Meal
Description:
Taiwanese Bento, also known as Biandang, is a convenient and affordable meal option found throughout Taiwan. These packed meals typically include rice, a main dish (meat or fish), vegetables, and sometimes a side of pickled vegetables. Bento boxes are available at convenience stores, train stations, and specialty shops, offering a wide variety of flavors and choices.
Recipe:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/taiwanese-train-bento-recipe
Key Ingredients:
Rice, protein (meat or fish), vegetables, pickles.
Popular Restaurant:
Taiwan Railway Bento (available at most train stations) – known for its iconic pork chop bento.
9. Taiwanese Porridge (Zhou): A Simple and Nourishing Classic
Description:
Taiwanese Porridge, or Zhou, is a simple yet satisfying rice porridge that’s often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. It can be plain or enhanced with various toppings like meat, seafood, vegetables, or preserved vegetables. Zhou is easy to digest and perfect for those seeking comfort food.
Recipe:
https://www.foodmakesmehappy.com/2021/01/savory-taiwanese-congee.html
Key Ingredients:
Rice, water, toppings (optional – meat, seafood, vegetables, preserved vegetables).
Popular Restaurant:
Fuhang Soy Milk in Taipei (a local institution known for its delicious soy milk and savory porridge)
10. Taiwanese Fish Ball Soup (Yúwán Tāng): A Savory Street Food Snack
Description:
Taiwanese Fish Ball Soup is a popular street food snack featuring bouncy fish balls made from fresh fish paste. The fish balls are served in a clear, savory broth, often garnished with cilantro and a sprinkle of white pepper. It’s a quick and tasty bite that’s perfect for satisfying cravings on the go.
Recipe:
https://whattocooktoday.com/fish-ball-noodles.html
Key Ingredients:
Fish balls (made from fish paste), broth, cilantro, white pepper.
Popular Restaurant:
Fish ball soup can be found at numerous street food stalls and night markets throughout Taiwan.
Conclusion
Taiwanese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered. From the heartwarming comfort of Lu Rou Fan to the fiery kick of Three Cup Chicken and the delicate tastes of Seafood Congee, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant culinary landscape. Embrace the diversity, savor the unique flavors, and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Taiwan!
Let me know if you’d like to explore any of these dishes in more detail or have any other questions about Taiwanese food.
