Northern Taiwan, the food capital, also has ten top-recommended snacks

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwanese street food is world-famous, and for many foreign tourists visiting Taiwan, the most essential itinerary includes visiting night markets and trying local delicacies. However, besides Tainan — the city known as the food capital — Northern Taiwan also boasts numerous well-known night markets and countless delicious treats. Below are ten must-try food stalls, hidden in various night markets and street alleys. Travelers may want to add these to their must-visit list and explore the local snacks of Northern Taiwan.

1. Taipei Qingguang Shopping Area – Taiwan People’s Crispy Milk Donuts
Besides the many food stalls within the market, the Qingguang Shopping Area also hides many delicious snacks around its perimeter. This shop, Taiwan People’s Crispy Milk Donuts, has created the world’s only donut with a unique texture — its crispy outer shell gives off a rich milk aroma, making it a one-of-a-kind Taiwanese-style donut.
 
Main store address: No. 24, Lane 17, Shuangcheng St., Taipei City
Taipei branch address: No. 183, Huayin St., Taipei City

2. Taipei Beiping – Longmen Inn Dumpling House
 
Longmen Inn Dumpling House has been around for decades. Every evening, a long queue forms at the entrance. The restaurant specializes in dumplings and beef noodles — the dumplings have thick, chewy, and generously sized skins, while the beef noodle soup is rich and flavorful. In addition, the freshly sliced marinated meats here are also a must-try delicacy.

3. New Taipei Banqiao – Ah Guo’s Spicy Rice Vermicelli with Tofu Puffs
 
Ah Guo’s Spicy Rice Vermicelli, an ultra-popular late-night queue-worthy eatery in Banqiao, is packed every night. Its authentic rice vermicelli is both spicy and numbing — recommended for those who can handle heat. The spicy pickled radish is also a highly recommended snack.

Address: No. 56, Guanqian East Rd., Banqiao District, New Taipei City

4. New Taipei Yonghe – He Zhen’s Handmade Glutinous Rice Balls and Soybean Pudding
 
This 30-year-old soybean pudding shop in Yonghe is clean and simple, offering treats such as sesame glutinous rice balls, red bean soup, and peanut soup. The handmade sesame glutinous rice balls have a delightfully chewy skin, and biting into them releases a rich aroma of sesame. Recommended dishes include the peanut soup with sesame glutinous rice balls and the red bean soup.
 
Address: No. 15, Lane 66, Zhulin Rd., Yonghe District, New Taipei City