Northern Taiwan, the food capital, also features a top 10 list of must-try snacks

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwanese snacks are famous worldwide, and for many foreign tourists visiting Taiwan, strolling through night markets and enjoying local cuisine are among the top activities. 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 snack stalls worth trying, hidden in major night markets and street alleys. Travelers might want to add these to their must-visit lists to explore local Northern Taiwanese street food.

1. Taipei Qingguang Shopping Area - Taiwan People's Crispy Skin Milk Donuts
Besides the many food stalls inside the market, the Qingguang Shopping Area also hides many delicious snacks around its perimeter. Taiwan People's Crispy Skin Milk Donuts has invented the world’s only donut with a unique texture — its crispy exterior releases a rich milk aroma, making it a one-of-a-kind Taiwanese-style donut.
 
Main store address: No. 24, Lane 17, Shuangcheng Street, Taipei City
Taipei branch address: No. 183, Huayin Street, Taipei City

2. Taipei Beiping – Dragon Gate Inn Dumpling House
 
Dragon Gate Inn Dumpling House has been around for decades, and every evening, a long queue forms outside its door. The restaurant specializes in dumplings and beef noodles — its dumplings have thick, chewy, and large wrappers, while the beef noodle soup has a rich broth. Also, the freshly sliced marinated meats here are not to be missed.

3. New Taipei Banqiao – Ah Guo’s Spicy Tapioca Noodles
 
Ah Guo’s Spicy Tapioca Noodles, an extremely popular late-night queue-worthy eatery in Banqiao, is packed every night. Its authentic spicy and numbing tapioca noodles are a must-try for those who love spicy food. Also recommended is the spicy pickled radish snack.

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

4. New Taipei Yonghe – He Zhen You’s Handmade Glutinous Rice Balls & Tofu Pudding
 
This 30-year-old tofu pudding shop in Yonghe is clean and simple, offering desserts and sweet soups such as sesame glutinous rice balls, red bean soup, and peanut soup. The handmade sesame glutinous rice balls have a delightfully chewy outer layer that releases a rich sesame aroma with every bite. Recommended items include peanut soup with sesame glutinous rice balls and red bean soup.
 
Address: No. 15, Lane 66, Zhulin Road, Yonghe District, New Taipei City