By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is approaching, and many people are planning an overseas trip to relax body and mind. For many travelers, food is also one of the essential elements in a journey. To this end, the well-known online accommodation booking platform Booking.com has, for the first time, announced the "Top 10 Favorite Food Cities Among Taiwanese" list based on Taiwanese travelers’ recommended dining destinations. Not only does it offer high-quality accommodation experiences during travel, but it also allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the sensory feast brought by food—experiencing a unique Dragon Boat Festival through "eating."
The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is approaching, and many people are planning an overseas trip to relax body and mind. For many travelers, food is also one of the essential elements in a journey. To this end, the well-known online accommodation booking platform Booking.com has, for the first time, announced the "Top 10 Favorite Food Cities Among Taiwanese" list based on Taiwanese travelers’ recommended dining destinations. Not only does it offer high-quality accommodation experiences during travel, but it also allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the sensory feast brought by food—experiencing a unique Dragon Boat Festival through "eating."
Visit “Busan,” which became an overnight sensation due to a movie last year, and indulge in regional Korean dishes exclusive to the city. (Image provided by Booking.com)
With Korean Wave culture leading the trend, popular movies and food itineraries complement each other. South Korea’s Busan has taken the top spot as Taiwan’s favorite food city. Shanghai’s classic noodle dishes with their authentic and down-to-earth flavors have also won the hearts of locals, ranking second. Additionally, Japan, a long-beloved travel destination among Taiwanese, claimed seven spots on the list, including cities such as Kobe, Osaka, Sapporo, and Kumamoto. Japanese cuisine is highly favored by Taiwanese, making Japan the biggest winner.
| Ranking of the Top 10 Favorite Food Cities Among Taiwanese | |
| 1 | Busan |
| 2 | Shanghai |
| 3 | Kobe |
| 4 | Osaka |
| 5 | Fukuoka |
| 6 | Hong Kong |
| 7 | Nagoya |
| 8 | Sapporo |
| 9 | Kanazawa |
| 10 | Kumamoto |
Boosted by the Korean Wave, Taiwanese traveling to Korea must try spicy stir-fried rice cakes, but don’t miss out on “Busan”-exclusive regional foods. (Image provided by Booking.com)
Busan, a Hub of Region-Specific Korean Dishes
Busan, which gained sudden fame last year thanks to the movie Train to Busan, not only boasts world-renowned attractions like Haeundae Beach and the recently tourist-favorite Gamcheon Culture Village, but is also a melting pot for all kinds of Korean foods. With the boost from the Korean Wave, Taiwanese must-try Korean dishes such as spicy stir-fried rice cakes, Korean fried chicken, and jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean noodles) are all readily available here. Beyond these essential eats, don’t miss Busan-exclusive regional specialties like miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), pork bone soup rice, and cold pork trotters. Thanks to its proximity to the port, freshly caught seafood is also considered a must-try dish in Busan.
Busan, which gained sudden fame last year thanks to the movie Train to Busan, not only boasts world-renowned attractions like Haeundae Beach and the recently tourist-favorite Gamcheon Culture Village, but is also a melting pot for all kinds of Korean foods. With the boost from the Korean Wave, Taiwanese must-try Korean dishes such as spicy stir-fried rice cakes, Korean fried chicken, and jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean noodles) are all readily available here. Beyond these essential eats, don’t miss Busan-exclusive regional specialties like miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), pork bone soup rice, and cold pork trotters. Thanks to its proximity to the port, freshly caught seafood is also considered a must-try dish in Busan.
Shengjianbao, known as Shanghai’s “national dish,” is definitely a must-eat delight for all visitors. (Image provided by Booking.com)
Shanghai, a City That Carries on Classic Noodle Culture
Shanghai’s unique snack culture originated in the Southern Song Dynasty. Since the late Qing Dynasty, when Shanghai became a treaty port open to foreign trade, it has been influenced by a variety of cultures, gathering the essence of cuisines from all over. Among them, shengjianbao, hailed as Shanghai’s national dish, is an absolute must-try for all visitors. With its chewy and springy dough skin, pan-fried to a crispy yet non-greasy exterior, and topped with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions, each bite brings the savory-sweet flavor of the meat broth along with the aroma of sesame and green onions. In addition, noodles have always been a staple on the Shanghai food scene and are a delicious taste that visitors simply must not miss.
Shanghai’s unique snack culture originated in the Southern Song Dynasty. Since the late Qing Dynasty, when Shanghai became a treaty port open to foreign trade, it has been influenced by a variety of cultures, gathering the essence of cuisines from all over. Among them, shengjianbao, hailed as Shanghai’s national dish, is an absolute must-try for all visitors. With its chewy and springy dough skin, pan-fried to a crispy yet non-greasy exterior, and topped with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions, each bite brings the savory-sweet flavor of the meat broth along with the aroma of sesame and green onions. In addition, noodles have always been a staple on the Shanghai food scene and are a delicious taste that visitors simply must not miss.
Visit “Kobe,” one of the first cities in Japan to embrace meat-centric culture, and experience the perfect haven for meat lovers. (Image provided by Booking.com)
Kobe, the Perfect Haven for Meat Lovers
Kobe is one of the first cities in Japan to popularize meat-centric culture. This is not only because Kobe’s cuisine has been influenced by Western culture, but also because the city itself produces premium-grade beef. For many travelers, mention of Kobe immediately brings to mind its beef. From lineage control to slaughtering processes, everything is strictly regulated, which is why Kobe beef enjoys such an exceptional reputation. In addition to beef, visitors to Kobe shouldn’t miss trying the local specialty—takoyaki-style grilled fish balls called akashiyaki.
Kobe is one of the first cities in Japan to popularize meat-centric culture. This is not only because Kobe’s cuisine has been influenced by Western culture, but also because the city itself produces premium-grade beef. For many travelers, mention of Kobe immediately brings to mind its beef. From lineage control to slaughtering processes, everything is strictly regulated, which is why Kobe beef enjoys such an exceptional reputation. In addition to beef, visitors to Kobe shouldn’t miss trying the local specialty—takoyaki-style grilled fish balls called akashiyaki.
The most well-known “Osaka” national dish is none other than okonomiyaki, where a wide variety of fresh ingredients come together to create an authentic taste. (Image provided by Booking.com)
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