What is Taiwanese food? This question cannot be answered in one sentence. As an island country that has been immersed in various cultures, Taiwan's food culture is a mixed one. Rooted in Fujianese cuisine, which is oftentimes based on good broth, Taiwanese food also incorporates Dutch, Japanese, Chinese cuisine and more. Taiwanese food is distinguished by using an abundance of local ingredients and has gradually devolved its fame in home cooking, stir-fry, banquet feast, lunchbox food, and local eatery food. When eating Taiwanese food, what you end up digesting is, in fact, the history and sentiments of the island.
A good Taiwanese meal consists of rice as the main carb, some staple dishes, and a soup (also, if you'd like, Taiwanese beer), eaten around a table in good company, which is the soul of Taiwanese food. I recommend Shin Yeh, a Taiwanese food restaurant of such popularity that there are several locations from Shungcheng Street to Taipei 101; go try the Taiwanese home cooking for which they are famed. Fong Sheng Restaurant offers both home cooking and luxurious gourmet food. Lu Sang, known for their Yilan cuisine, is a fine example of delicious and economical dining. Another favorite is A-Hua, located on Civic Boulevard, where you can enjoy delicious seafood stir fry. TANG serves creative Taiwanese food that incorporates Western cooking.
Every Taiwanese person has their own favorite restaurant for Taiwanese food so make sure to ask around.
"Good Eye Taipei," a bilingual Taipei city guide, recommends six dining around the table restaurants to check out in Taipei.
Shin Yeh (欣葉台菜)
No. 34-1, Shuangcheng St, Taipei City
"Taiwanese food, home-cooking, they have it all."
A-Hua Stir Fry (阿華熱炒)
No. 29, Section 3, Civic Blvd, Taipei City
"Fresh seafood stir fry at a friendly price."
Lu Sang (呂桑食堂)
No. 12-5, Yongkang Street, Taipei City
"Yilan style cuisine, don’t forget to try their delicious kumquat tea."
TANG (四知堂)
No. 18, Section 3, Jinan Road, Taipei City
"Savor creative Taiwanese food and exquisite desserts in the famous Rainbow House."
Taiwan Chicken Restaurant (雞家莊)
No. 55, Changchun Rd, Taipei City
"Don’t miss out on their three-flavor chicken, specialty tofu dish, and egg pudding."
Feng Sheng (豐盛食堂)
No. 1-3, Lishui St, Taipei City
"Sit around a table and enjoy a few refreshing fresh Taiwanese dishes."
“Good Eye Taipei” can be purchased at all major bookstores in Taiwan. Check out TNL’s interview with the author here.
