A British woman's island-wide food tour: Taiwan is as quirky and rebellious as its street snacks

Taiwan’s night markets are a popular destination for tourists, offering a chance to sample a wide variety of local specialties. A recent article in a British media outlet titled "The Alluring Aromas of Taiwan’s Night Markets" follows the author’s journey through Taipei, Hualien, Taichung, and Tainan, where she tasted distinctive dishes and street foods from northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. She described Taiwan as sharing the same innovative, quirky, and rebellious traits as its cuisine.

The article noted that Taiwanese cuisine is deeply tied to the island’s ethnic background. A visit to a Taiwan night market is like an extraordinary culinary adventure, where you can find traditional Chinese dishes like stinky tofu. You can also grab deep-fried snacks from street vendors or hot drinks from convenience stores. Additionally, vegetarian restaurants are widespread in both major cities and small towns, offering affordable prices and generous portions.

The British author visited Taipei, Hualien, Taichung, and Tainan, mentioning that Taiwan and its cuisine share common traits—playful, rebellious, and influenced by religious beliefs. For example, some restaurants avoid using onions or garlic, as they are considered ingredients that may bring bad luck. She believes that while Taiwan retains elements of Chinese culture, it remains highly innovative with a distinct culinary identity.