Taiwan's Campus Food Rankings: "Taiyi Milk King" Takes the Crown

▲ The top spot in Taiwan's campus food rankings goes to "Taiyi Milk King" opposite NTU. (Photo provided by OpenRice Taiwan, the same below)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Comprehensive Report

A Taiwanese food website recently held a "2014 Taiwan Campus Food PK" voting event, covering a total of 51 universities across northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. Online voters rated the food options near these universities, with National Normal University ultimately receiving the highest votes and earning the title of "University with the Most Campus Food." Meanwhile, "Taiyi Milk King," located opposite National Taiwan University, won the championship for "Most Popular Shop Among Students."

Taiwan's Top 10 Campus Foods:

1. Taiyi Milk King (National Taiwan University)

▲ "Taiyi Milk King" is a long-established shop and almost a shared memory for Taipei residents.

2. Haohao Wei (National Normal University)

▲ The most popular item at "Haohao Wei Wonton Noodle & Tea Restaurant" is the ice-fire pineapple bun, hailed as "insanely delicious."

3. Little Cabin Pancakes (National Tsing Hua University)

▲ "Little Cabin Pancakes," which originated at National Chiao Tung University, offers both sweet and savory flavors, with an average price of around NT$50, earning it the title of "coin-pocket-friendly cuisine."

4. Fortune Turns (Ming Chuan University)

▲ Meals at "Fortune Turns" range from NT$85 to NT$95, with unlimited free refills on braised pork rice and drinks.

5. Little Apartment Apt. Cafe (National Chengchi University)

6. Axi Italian Pasta (National Chung Hsing University)

7. Little Cabin Pancakes (National Chiao Tung University)

8. Love One Cafe (Feng Chia University)

9. Pastoral Food House (National Central University)

10. Ruyi Noodle Restaurant (National Chiao Tung University)

▲ According to the website, Little Cabin Pancakes currently has five branches. It initially gained popularity on the National Chiao Tung University campus. In the voting, the Chiao Tung branch refers to the one on the Chiao Tung campus, while the one near Tsing Hua is the Guanxin branch.

Ranking of Universities with the Most Campus Food:
▲ 1. National Normal University

2. National Taiwan University

3. National Tsing Hua University

4. Ming Chuan University

5. Feng Chia University

6. National Chengchi University

7. Tunghai University

8. National Chung Hsing University

9. National Chiao Tung University

10. National Cheng Kung University

According to OpenRice Taiwan, based on a user-voted list of the top ten university campuses with the most diverse food offerings, it’s clear that a key deciding factor is whether the campus location is situated in or near a commercial district or night market. For instance, the top-ranked National Taiwan Normal University, located close to Normal University Night Market, boasts a wide variety of food options. Even though it once faced a dispute between merchants and nearby residents that led to a decline in the area's liveliness, its abundant and diverse food choices still make it a favorite among students, earning it the title of the university with the richest culinary scene nearby.

The website also noted that a common trait among the top ten campuses' popular eats is "generous portions and great value for money." The champion of campus food, “Tai Yi Milk King,” is beloved not only by students but also by both tourists and locals. With nearly 60 years of history, it’s a well-established Taipei institution. Its homemade glutinous rice balls are the signature item, selling over 1,200 per day, and during the Winter Solstice or Lantern Festival, the number can exceed 20,000 rice balls daily.