Foodies, check this out: The Top 10 Most Beloved Food Cities in Taiwan

Sit at one of Fukuoka’s famous yatai stalls and enjoy an unbeatable bowl of Hakata ramen. (Photo provided by Booking.com)

Food is one of the most essential elements of any trip. With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, global booking site Booking.com has, for the first time, released the “Top 10 Most Beloved Food Cities Among Taiwanese Travelers,” based on recommendations from Taiwanese visitors. Japanese cities took seven of the top spots, with Kobe — the ultimate destination for meat lovers — ranking the highest among them at No. 3. Meanwhile, last year’s breakout hit, Busan in South Korea, claimed the No. 1 spot thanks to its viral fame following a movie, surpassing even Japanese cuisine in taste and becoming the most recommended by Taiwanese travelers. Shanghai, famed for its noodles, ranked No. 2.

With the rise of Korean pop culture, Booking.com's survey found that Busan, South Korea, has won the title of the most beloved food city in the hearts of Taiwanese. Last year’s surge in popularity driven by the movie Train to Busan has made this city not only home to world-renowned sights like Haeundae Beach and the popular Gamcheon Culture Village, but also a hub of diverse Korean cuisine. In addition to must-try Korean street foods such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean fried chicken, and jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), Busan also offers unique regional specialties like miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), pork bone soup rice, cold pork trotters, and freshly caught seafood.

Shanghai claimed the No. 2 spot, where classic noodle dishes are staples on local tables. Known for their authentic and down-to-earth flavors, these dishes are beloved by Taiwanese travelers. One standout is the iconic shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), considered a national favorite in Shanghai and a must-try for all visitors. With a chewy, springy dough and a crispy pan-fried exterior that isn’t greasy, the buns are topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Each bite delivers a burst of savory pork broth, complemented by the aroma of sesame and scallions.

Hong Kong, a paradise for dim sum lovers, offers a wide array of creative and flavorful dim sum that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning gourmands. (Photo provided by Booking.com)

In addition to fresh seafood, Kanazawa also produces a variety of Kaga vegetables throughout the four seasons. (Photo provided by Booking.com)

Japanese destinations, loved by many Taiwanese travelers, secured seven spots on the list. Following Kobe at No. 3 are Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kanazawa, and Kumamoto. Japanese regional cuisine is immensely popular among Taiwanese, making Japan the biggest winner on the list. Hong Kong also made the list, ranking No. 6. From highly favored dim sum and clay pot rice to crispy roast duck and the ever-popular pineapple bun — a combination of Asian flavors with local flair — these are the secrets behind Hong Kong’s irresistible cuisine.