Peanut ice cream rolls and fried taro balls – British media praise: Taiwan’s street food is the best in the world

▲ Taiwan’s night markets are almost world-famous. This is the opening scene of Kaohsiung’s Golden Diamond Night Market. (Photo / Provided by the Eat with All Your Heart Kaohsiung Food Fan Page)

Reported by Xiao Wanning / Compiled by HowToTrip

Taiwan’s night markets are already very well known internationally. Not only did CNN list “10 things Taiwan does better than any other country” at the beginning of the year, with night markets coming in first, but in mid-May this year, UK news website theguardian also sent reporter Audrey Gillan to Taiwan to experience them, and she wrote that “Taiwan’s night market snacks are the best in the world.” She described how as soon as she entered Ningxia Night Market, she headed straight for the taro ball stall. She said her companion also advised, “Whenever you see a queue in Taiwan, just join in and buy from that shop!”

▲ The delightful taste of peanut ice cream rolls even made the reporter want to bring them back to London for her restaurant’s menu. (Photo / Provided by Mika, authorized for use by Eastern News Entertainment with consent)

Audrey Gillan not only spoke highly of Taiwan’s night market snacks, but also thought Taipei’s metro system was fantastic – not only cheap but also a way to engage with the whole city, and perfect for solo travel around Taipei via the metro. Beyond Taipei, Audrey Gillan also visited Garden Night Market in Tainan, tried the “peanut ice cream roll” and was amazed, even wanting to put it on the menu of a London restaurant.

Regarding must-eat and must-visit spots in Taiwan, Audrey Gillan also compiled a food itinerary recommended by her travel companions:
1. Xu Family Rice Noodle
Here you can not only enjoy handmade rice noodles, but also make your own. It’s worth taking a taxi here for the experience, but you need to book in advance.
Address: No. 3, Sifen, Wutu Village, Shiding District, New Taipei City

▲ Yongkang Street is also a favorite spot for many people in Taiwan. (Photo / From Xiaohu’s Dream Food Net)
2. Visit Yongkang Street
This is a small place full of street stalls, cafes, and restaurants, very trendy. Though compact, it has everything. The most amazing part is the shaved ice – it’s like a mountain piled high with ingredients like mango, taro, and condensed milk.
3. Fresh seafood
Taiwan’s seafood is very fresh, and at fish markets, there are chefs who can cook it for you on the spot. You can choose to have it made into sushi or hot pot.

▲ Fresh seafood was praised by the reporter as one of the must-eat ingredients in Taiwan. (Photo / By Reporter Huang Kexiang)
4. Bubble tea
Combining black tea and fresh milk with chewy tapioca pearls, it’s smooth and satisfying with a nice bite. It’s one of the teas Taiwanese people really enjoy.
5. Si Zhi Tang
In this old-style restaurant, the dishes change daily. The flower wine pork trotters are flavorful, though not cheap, but it’s a great example of upscale Taiwanese cuisine.
Address: No. 18, Section 3, Jinan Road, Da’an District, Taipei City

▲ Taiwan’s bubble tea is also definitely worth trying for travelers from around the world. (Photo / Our newspaper archive)
6. Lin Dongfang Beef Noodles
The beef broth is mixed with butter and spicy seasonings, giving it a rich and appealing flavor. The noodles pair very well with the broth, making for an overall excellent dish.
Address: No. 274, Section 2, Bade Road, Taipei City
7. Jiade Pineapple Cake
A small cube filled with honey-infused pineapple and winter melon, offering a unique taste.
8. Dayin Tavern
Its Japanese-style architecture tells the story of Taiwan’s colonial past. The way it operates with a red lantern signal is unique. It uses local ingredients, and the flavors are excellent.
Address: No. 65, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City

▲ The taste of the beef noodles left an unforgettable impression on the reporter. (Photo / Reporter Xiao Wanning)