On a street corner amidst the crowds in Taipei, a couple of women fry up chou dou fu, creating a stench that can be smelt way before you see where it’s coming from. Better known as stinky tofu, this fermented tofu dish is certainly an acquired taste. Then there’s the cold chicken feet, double layered intestine soup and chicken bits that you can find amidst the Taiwan street food list.
Fortunately, there are many other Taiwan street food options to choose from. Many snacks are really tasty and with a different night market to eat from every night, you will be spoilt for choice.
These are a few of the non scary options that I consider my favourite Taiwan street foods:
Green onion pancakes (Cong you bing)
Flat circles of hot pastry studded with spring onion, best served fresh off the griddle. Fillings include cheese and ham, but I really like them just plain.
Gua Bao
A steamed bun folded into a sandwich, sometimes believed to have originated in Taiwan along with a number of other specialities which you can read more about in my 7 specialities made in Taiwan post.
Flame grilled beef
Cooked with a blow torch, the beef is then served with a variety of toppings including pepper and cheese. It often takes a while to get any as the beef has to be cooked in batches and this is a popular dish with locals.
Oyster omelette
A popular choice. I’m not a big fan of oysters but I did like this served with a sweet and mildly spicy sauce.
Roast suckling pig
If the pig is laid out on the stall it’s probably a bit off putting. But don’t let that deter you as the roast pork is really tasty. Often served in a wrap or omelette, you probably don’t need much else unless you’re really hungry.
Visiting a night market every night whilst in Taiwan, we certainly had many things to eat. Eating in a restaurant was only really an option during the daytime, as there were different markets to try as we travelled around the island. I would highly recommend a visit to Taiwan, so if you need more reasons take a look at my 10 reasons to visit Taiwan post.
