Taiwan Food Guide: The Best Dining Destinations for Foodies in 2026
Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise. From bustling night markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, the island offers a unique blend of Hokkien, Hakka, and the new york deli Japanese traditions, along with modern innovation. If you’re planning a culinary trip to Taiwan in 2026, here’s a complete guide to must-visit dining destinations.
1. The Magic of Night Markets
Night markets are the heart of Taiwan’s food culture. In 2026, Raohe Night Market in Taipei remains a favorite due to its more local atmosphere than Shilin.
- Must Try: Black Pepper Bun (Hujiao Bing) baked in a clay oven.
- Keelung Miaokou Night Market: Located in the port city of Keelung, this market is famous for its fresh seafood and Ding Bian Cuo (a signature rice dough soup).
2. Iconic and Michelin-Starred Restaurants
For a more formal dining experience, Taiwan has a number of world-class, internationally recognized restaurants.
- Din Tai Fung (Xinyi): Despite having numerous global branches, eating Xiao Long Bao at the original Taipei store still offers a unique experience. You can track the queue on the official Din Tai Fung website.
- Raw: Chef André Chiang’s restaurant consistently leads the «Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants» list. Raw serves «New Interpretations of Taiwanese Cuisine» that combine French techniques with local, seasonal ingredients.
3. Traditional Cuisine and Typical Breakfast
Don’t miss out on a hearty Taiwanese breakfast. Fu Hang Dou Jiang is a Taipei culinary institution where people line up as early as 5 a.m. for fresh soy milk, You Tiao (fried dumplings), and Shao Bing (sesame toast).
For the main course, look for Chun Shui Tang in Taichung, which claims to be the birthplace of bubble tea . Besides their iconic drink, they serve incredibly authentic beef noodle soup . You can check out their menu on Chun Shui Tang’s official website.
4. Exploring Tainan: The Culinary Capital
If you’re a true foodie, Tainan is a must-visit. Taiwan’s oldest city is home to traditional street food ( xiaochi ).
- A-Hsia Restaurant: Famous for its legendary crab sticky rice.
- Beef Soup: Tainan is famous for its fresh beef soup, where the beef is thinly sliced and doused in hot broth straight after being slaughtered in the morning.
Culinary Tourism Tips 2026:
- Online Reservations: Many popular restaurants in Taipei now require reservations through platforms like Inline.app.
- Digital Payments: While night markets still accept cash, many stalls now accept EasyCard or Line Pay .
- Season: Come in autumn for seasonal crabs or in spring for the tea festival in the Alishan mountains.
With its rich blend of flavors and the friendliness of its people, Taiwan will ensure that every dining trip you take is an unforgettable memory in 2026. Enjoy your meal! ( Chī bǎo le ma? )