By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team Compilation and Report
As the Dragon Boat Festival holiday draws near, many people are planning overseas trips to relax their mind, body, and soul. For many travelers, food is also one of the indispensable elements of any journey. To this end, the renowned online accommodation booking platform Booking.com has, for the first time, released the "Top 10 Taiwanese Favorite Food Cities" list based on destinations recommended by Taiwanese travelers. Not only does it offer a high-quality accommodation experience during your trip, but it also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sensory delight that food brings—experiencing a unique Dragon Boat Festival journey through "eating."
Visit “Busan,” which became an overnight sensation thanks to a movie last year, and indulge in region-exclusive K-wave cuisine. (Image provided by Booking.com)
With the global rise of Korean Wave culture, popular movies and food experiences complement each other. Busan in South Korea has claimed the top spot as the favorite food city in the hearts of Taiwanese; Shanghai’s classic noodle dishes, with their authentic and rustic flavors, are also deeply loved by locals, ranking second. In addition, Japan, a long-beloved travel destination for Taiwanese, takes seven spots on the list, including Kobe, Osaka, Sapporo, and Kumamoto. Japanese cuisine is highly favored by Taiwanese, making Japan the biggest winner.
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Top 10 Taiwanese Favorite Food Cities Ranking |
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1 |
Busan |
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2 |
Shanghai |
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3 |
Kobe |
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4 |
Osaka |
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5 |
Fukuoka |
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6 |
Hong Kong |
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7 |
Nagoya |
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8 |
Sapporo |
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9 |
Kanazawa |
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10 |
Kumamoto |
With the boost of Korean Wave culture, Taiwanese visitors to Korea must try tteokbokki, but don’t forget to sample Busan-exclusive regional delicacies. (Image provided by Booking.com)
Busan, a Hub for Region-Exclusive K-Wave Cuisine
Busan, which became an overnight sensation last year due to the movie *Train to Busan*, not only boasts world-famous attractions such as Haeundae Beach and the recently popular Gamcheon Culture Village, but is also a hub for all kinds of Korean food. Thanks to the influence of Korean Wave culture, must-eat Korean dishes for Taiwanese visitors such as tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, and jjajangmyeon can all be easily found here. But beyond these staples, region-exclusive Busan specialties such as rice noodles, pork soup rice, and cold pork trotters are also must-tries. And thanks to its proximity to the port, freshly caught seafood is also considered one of Busan’s must-eat delicacies.
Called the “national dish” of Shanghai, pan-fried buns are definitely a delicious treat that all visitors must try. (Image provided by Booking.com)
Shanghai, a Legacy of Snack Culture and Classic Noodle Dishes
Shanghai’s unique snack culture originated during the Southern Song Dynasty. Since the late Qing Dynasty, when Shanghai became a treaty port open to foreign trade, it has been influenced by visitors from around the world, gathering the essence of cuisines from various regions. Among them, pan-fried buns, known as the national dish of Shanghai, are a must-try delicacy for all visitors. The dough is chewy and elastic, pan-fried to a crispy yet non-greasy exterior, and finally sprinkled with generous amounts of sesame seeds and chopped scallions. With every bite, you taste not just the savory richness of the meat broth but also the aroma of sesame and green onions. In addition, noodle dishes have always been mainstays on Shanghai’s dining tables and are delightful flavors that visitors must not miss.
Visit the city where meat-eating culture first flourished—“Kobe”—and experience a paradise for carnivores. (Image provided by Booking.com)
Kobe, the Perfect Destination for Carnivores
Kobe is one of the first cities in Japan where meat-eating culture became widespread. This is not only because its cuisine was influenced by Western culture but also because the city itself produces high-quality beef. For many travelers, mentioning Kobe immediately brings to mind its beef. From lineage control to slaughtering processes, everything is strictly regulated, which is why Kobe beef enjoys its exceptional reputation. In addition to beef, visitors to Kobe should also try its signature dish—takoyaki.
The most well-known “national dish” of Osaka is undoubtedly okonomiyaki, made with a variety of fresh ingredients to create an authentic taste. (Image provided by Booking.com)