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What is the most famous food in Taiwan?

Taiwan is a food lover’s paradise, known for its night markets, street food, and unique culinary traditions. While there are many delicious dishes, the most famous and iconic food in Taiwan is Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵, Niúròu Miàn).


1. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵, Niúròu Miàn) 🍜

This dish is considered Taiwan’s national dish and is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Why It’s Famous:

✔️ Rich, flavorful broth made by simmering beef bones, soy sauce, and spices for hours.
✔️ Tender braised beef (often shank or brisket) that melts in your mouth.
✔️ Chewy wheat noodles that soak up the broth perfectly.
✔️ Often served with pickled mustard greens for extra flavor.

📌 Where to Try It:

  • Yongkang Beef Noodle (永康牛肉麵, Taipei) – One of the most famous spots.
  • Lin Dong Fang (林東芳牛肉麵, Taipei) – Known for its rich broth and melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Other Famous Taiwanese Foods 🍽️

2. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, Zhēnzhū Nǎichá) 🧋

✔️ Invented in Taiwan in the 1980s.
✔️ A sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls (boba).
✔️ Comes in many flavors like taro, brown sugar, and matcha.

📌 Best Place to Try: Chun Shui Tang (春水堂, Taichung) – The birthplace of bubble tea!


3. Gua Bao (刈包) – The “Taiwanese Burger” 🍔

✔️ A fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork, pickled mustard greens, peanuts, and coriander.
✔️ Often compared to a bao bun sandwich.

📌 Best Place to Try: Lan Jia Gua Bao (藍家刈包, Taipei).


4. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) 🧄

✔️ Fermented tofu, deep-fried until crispy outside and soft inside.
✔️ Has a strong smell, but the taste is surprisingly delicious!
✔️ Served with pickled cabbage, garlic sauce, and chili sauce.

📌 Best Place to Try: Shilin or Raohe Night Market, Taipei.


5. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎, Ézǐ Jiān) 🥚

✔️ Made with fresh oysters, eggs, sweet potato starch, and vegetables.
✔️ Served with a sweet-sour sauce.

📌 Best Place to Try: Tainan or Ningxia Night Market, Taipei.


Taiwan is packed with amazing food, and Beef Noodle Soup is just the beginning!