Official List of Must-Try Snacks: Taipei’s Top 10 Foods Released

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Taiwan is hailed as a food paradise by many international tourists, offering a wide variety of choices ranging from night market snacks to creative cuisine. In addition to being known as the food capital of Tainan, Taipei also boasts many surprising and delicious street foods. The Taipei City Government recently released a list of ten must-try snacks that visitors may consider adding to their itinerary for a food-themed trip.

1. Beef Noodles
As one of the national dishes, beef noodles consist of three essential elements: noodles, broth, and beef — none of which can be missing. The broth is the essence of beef noodles, which are generally divided into braised and stewed styles, often served with tender beef brisket and tendons. Beef noodles have become a source of pride for Taiwan, with eateries going to great lengths to perfect its taste.

2. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Known for being “small in size, big in filling, juicy, flavorful, thin-skinned, and beautifully shaped,” xiao long bao are famous for their thin, translucent wrappers. For traditional pork-filled xiao long bao, the broth is the soul. To achieve the ultra-thin and shiny skin, many chefs dust the dough with flour and press it into paper-thin sheets using a rolling pin. When steamed, these dumplings appear glossy and tender.

3. Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
A good bowl of braised pork rice is soft, rich, and not greasy. From small street vendors to five-star hotels, this dish has even made an appearance at the Presidential Palace’s state banquet. Food writer Shu Guozhi, known as the “Guru of Taiwanese Snacks,” once said that braised pork rice is Taiwan’s “national dish.”

4. Pig Intestine (Oyster) Vermicelli
Vermicelli is a common food in Taiwanese daily life. Beyond