Pizza rolls, shrimp tempura, coffee, ice cream, Din Tai Fung pork buns – Taiwan Railways’ sightseeing dining cars are back on track

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After a 27-year hiatus, Taiwan Railways’ sightseeing dining cars are making a comeback to let travelers once again enjoy delicious meals on the train. The railway operator has introduced two newly built sightseeing dining cars, which have been operating on cruise-style trains since August 14. These dining cars are equipped with tables, bar counters, and offer a variety of foods including pizza, wraps, shrimp tempura, coffee drinks, and ice cream. Even Din Tai Fung pork buns are featured on the menu, allowing passengers to savor tasty meals while riding the train.

▲ Taiwan Railways reintroduces its sightseeing dining cars, featuring cute cartoon characters painted on the exterior. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Redeveloped at a cost of NT$6 million, Taiwan Railways’ new sightseeing dining cars feature charming cartoon characters painted on the exterior. The interiors are elegantly designed, lit with eco-friendly LED lighting, creating a warm and cozy dining atmosphere. Each car offers five sets of four-person tables, three sets of window-side two-person tables, and four single-person tables by the window—perfect even for solo travelers.

The dining cars serve great-value full meals, à la carte items, desserts, and ice drinks. Full meal sets are priced at NT$250, while à la carte options range from NT$50 to NT$100. Din Tai Fung pork buns are available for NT$70. Taiwan Railways stated that until the end of April next year, the dining cars will be operating in tandem with cruise-style trains, with around 4–5 departures per month normally and up to 9 during summer vacation. The public canvisitthe Taiwan Railways websiteto check cruise-style train schedules. After April next year, the dining cars will be attached to island-loop trains operated by private companies.

▲ Interior of Taiwan Railways’ sightseeing dining car, featuring four-person, two-person, and single-person seating. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Taiwan Railways first launched dining cars in 1960, attaching them to scheduled express trains. These cars served Chinese stir-fried dishes and became a classic memory for many older generations traveling by train. However, due to financial losses, Taiwan Railways had to discontinue the service in 1986.

Great-value full meal menu – Each set costs NT$250

Meal A: Pizza, chicken nuggets, popcorn, pudding ice cream, orange juice (children’s meal)

Meal B: Wrap, fried grilled shrimp, Americano (hot)

Meal C: Pork bun (Din Tai Fung), spicy chicken wings, fish ball egg tart, pudding ice cream, orange juice