Taiwan’s street food culture is legendary, offering an incredible range of flavors, textures, and cooking styles. While many of Taiwan’s culinary delights are rooted in Chinese traditions, the local food scene has evolved into something unique, thanks to the island’s diverse influences and vibrant food culture. From night markets to street corners, Taiwan’s street food scene reflects the creativity and passion of its people. If you’re planning a visit, here are 20 must-try street foods and drinks that capture the essence of Taiwan’s culinary landscape.

1. Taro Balls with Salted Egg & Pork Floss – Taipei

A top favorite in Taipei’s night markets, Liu Yu Zai in Ningxia Night Market serves deep-fried taro balls stuffed with salted egg yolk and topped with pork floss. This dish’s combination of flavors and textures, from crispy to savory, makes it an unforgettable street food experience.

2. Mango Shaved Ice – Taipei

Mango shaved ice is the ultimate summer treat in Taipei. Invented on Yongkang Street, this refreshing dessert is made with heaping amounts of fresh mango and shaved ice. It’s the perfect remedy for Taiwan’s hot weather and is available year-round at many shops on the street.

3. A-gei – Danshui

Danshui, a popular district of New Taipei City, is home to A-gei, a local delicacy made from deep-fried tofu stuffed with cellophane noodles and sealed with surimi, then served in a sweet red chili sauce. It’s often enjoyed alongside a bowl of fish ball soup and a refreshing cup of soy milk.

4. Stinky Tofu – Shenkeng

Taiwan’s most infamous street food, stinky tofu, is loved by locals but feared by newcomers due to its potent smell. Shenkeng Old Street in New Taipei City is the best place to experience this delicacy, whether deep-fried or stewed, for a taste of Taiwan’s boldest snack.

5. Sweet Potato & Taro Balls – Jiufen

Jiufen, a picturesque town once famous for gold mining, is known for its sweet potato and taro balls. Served in hot soup during colder months or chilled with syrup in the summer, these chewy treats are beloved by locals and a must-try when visiting this scenic area.

6. Fulong Bento Box – Fulong Beach

Inspired by Japan, Fulong bento boxes feature a variety of savory items like chicken leg, pork chop, braised egg, grilled mackerel, and more, all served on a bed of rice. These traditional portable meals are a favorite in the Fulong area and make for an affordable, filling lunch.

7. Dried Tofu – Daxi

Hakka communities, especially in Daxi, Taoyuan City, are famous for their dried tofu. Made with star anise and other spices, these firm tofu cubes are pressed, dried, and served with sweet soy sauce and green onions, making for a perfect snack or side dish.

8. Peanut Brittle Ice Cream Wraps – Yilan

This creative treat is a surprising yet delightful combination of traditional Taiwanese ice cream, crunchy peanut brittle shavings, and fresh cilantro, all wrapped in a thin, soft wrapper. While this street food can be found across Taiwan, Yilan is where it all started.

9. Deep Fried Green Onion Cakes – Yilan

Yilan’s green onion cakes, or cong you bing, are famous for their crispy, deep-fried texture. This savory snack is made with locally grown green onions and is often served with an egg or other toppings, making it a delicious and greasy delight.

10. Pounded Tea – Neiwan

Pounded tea, or lei cha, is a traditional Hakka drink made by grinding tea leaves with nuts, seeds, and herbs before adding hot water. This energizing drink is usually served with puffed rice and is especially popular in the Neiwan Old Street area of Hsinchu County.

11. Strawberry Noodles – Dahu

Dahu, located in Miaoli County, is Taiwan’s strawberry capital. Here, you’ll find an array of strawberry-infused foods, including strawberry noodles. This unique dish combines strawberries with savory noodles, showcasing the region’s abundant fruit in a surprising way.

12. Pearl Milk Tea – Taichung

Although the origins of bubble tea are widely debated, Taichung is often credited as its birthplace. A visit to Chun Shui Tang, where bubble tea was first created, is essential for anyone wanting to try Taiwan’s most famous beverage, complete with chewy tapioca pearls.

13. Ba Wan – Changhua

Ba Wan, or meat-filled dumplings, are a signature snack from Changhua County. Made with a sweet potato starch dough, these steamed dumplings are filled with pork, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

14. Deep Fried Oyster Balls – Chiayi

Chiayi, known for its farmed oysters, is famous for its deep-fried oyster balls. These crispy treats, made from oysters, dough, and egg, are best enjoyed with a squirt of soy sauce and chili, offering a perfect bite of savory goodness.

15. Fresh Wasabi & Cold Tofu – Alishan

Alishan, Taiwan’s mountain region, produces some of the freshest wasabi you’ll ever taste. This milder, lighter version of wasabi is often paired with cold tofu and soy sauce, offering a refreshing and spicy snack while enjoying the cool mountain air.

16. Danzai Noodles and Spanish Mackerel Stew – Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan’s food capital, is home to some of the island’s best street food. Danzai noodles, served in a shrimp-based broth, and Spanish mackerel stew, featuring deep-fried fish in a savory soup, are iconic dishes you must try while in the city.

17. Coffin Bread – Tainan

Coffin bread is a quirky yet beloved dish in Tainan, made by hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with creamy stew, often containing chicken, seafood, or mushrooms. It may sound unusual, but it’s a must-try for those seeking unique Taiwanese flavors.

18. Red Braised Beef Noodles – Kaohsiung

Red braised beef noodles are a comforting and flavorful dish from Kaohsiung. Made with tender beef, rich broth, and noodles, this dish is a favorite in southern Taiwan and is usually served with pickled vegetables for extra flavor.

19. Mountain Boar – Aboriginal Communities

In Taiwan’s indigenous communities, grilled mountain boar is a popular dish. The meat, often cooked over an open flame, offers a smoky flavor and is typically served with local rice and millet wine, offering a truly authentic taste of Taiwan’s indigenous culture.

20. Flying Fish – Orchid Island

Flying fish is a delicacy found on Orchid Island, home to Taiwan’s Yami (Tao) people. Fried and served at street-side stalls, the flying fish is an important part of the island’s cultural heritage and is celebrated with festivals during the fishing season.

Taiwan’s street food scene offers a rich tapestry of regional specialties that reflect the island’s diverse culture. Whether you’re enjoying a simple bowl of noodles or indulging in more adventurous fare, each dish tells the story of Taiwan’s food heritage. As you explore Taiwan’s night markets and streets, these 20 regional foods are a great place to start your culinary adventure.