Dinogo’s Taipei Travel Guide
Taiwan, primarily an island, is encircled by three seas and features unique biodiversity, including endemic creeping fig and mountain peppercorn. Its vibrant culture reflects the influences of various groups that arrived over time, including the Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese during periods of colonial rule.
In practice, Taiwan functions more as a crossroads than an isolated island. Tied politically and socially to China, its neighbor to the west, Taiwan remains in a state of limbo, with neither China nor the U.N. recognizing it as a fully independent nation. Amid this ambiguity, Taiwanese food has emerged as a cultural cornerstone, with Taipei serving as its dynamic hub.
Every evening, Taipei’s bustling night markets, hot pot restaurants, and beef noodle soup stalls serve up classic Taiwanese dishes. The blend of sugar, spices, and deep umami in Taiwanese cuisine tells the story of the past few centuries, from Japanese-influenced bento boxes to the “Taiwanese hamburger,” a sweet pork belly bun with roots in China’s Fujian province.
Despite its diverse influences, Taipei’s food culture is unmistakably Taiwanese. The city, with its mix of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles, efficient public transport, and 24-hour dining culture, has a unique character that reflects its blend of traditions, from xiao chi (small eats) enjoyed throughout the day and night to its vibrant, one-of-a-kind ambiance.
In reality, you don’t need a guide to enjoy Taipei’s food scene. Simply step outside and you’ll find yourself amidst an endless street market offering scallion pancakes, skewered meats, shaved ice, and boba. However, some planning can help you manage the sensory and digestive delights. Dinogo’s Guide to Taipei highlights the must-try, locally recommended spots. Additionally, we've curated a rich collection of local insights, features, and essays to provide the essential context for savoring every bite.
38 Must-Try Restaurants in Taipei
Essential Tips for Dining in Taiwan
Raohe: Taipei’s Essential Street Food Hub
A guide to the must-try dishes at one of Taipei’s premier night markets
The Ultimate Boba Breakdown: A Guide to Taipei’s Bubble Tea
Everything you need to know about the chewy, delightful drink that’s captured the world’s taste buds
The Perfect 24-Hour Food Journey
The Street Food Legends
Explore Taipei’s Giant Seafood Haven
A Day Trip to Tainan
Hot Pot Is Always in Season in Taipei
An insider delves into the city’s deep-rooted passion for communal hot pot dining
Celebrate the Taiwanese Train Bento
The Japanese takeout classic that turned into a beloved obsession on Taiwan’s trains
Editorial Lead: Lesley SuterCreative Director: Brittany Holloway-BrownConsulting Editor: Clarissa WeiContributors: Stephanie ZY Hsu, Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, Chris Horton, Steven Crook, Karissa ChenPhotography: An Rong Xu, Sean Marc Lee, Farley ElliottEditors: Rafe Bartholomew, Erin DeJesus, Monica BurtonFact Checking: Lisa Wong Macabasco, Pearly HuangCopy Editors: Rachel P. Kreiter, Emma AlpernEngagement: Adam Moussa, Milly McGuinnessProject Manager: Ellie KrupnickSpecial Thanks: William Yang, Elizabeth Kao, Clarissa Wei, Farley Elliott, Matt Buchanan, Sonia Chopra, Amanda Kludt
Evaluation :
5/5