Seafood lovers, this is not to be missed: The 8 most beloved fish, shrimp, and crab dishes among netizens

▲ Dishes featuring Chinese mitten crabs. (Photo provided by the business)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As an island nation, Taiwan boasts abundant marine resources, offering a dazzling array of seafood dishes. But what are the types of seafood that Taiwanese people love the most?DailyView’s Online ThermometerCollected various seafood dishes hotly discussed by netizens over the past six months, and compiled a list of the dishes along with the places where these fresh and lively seafood items are most frequently mentioned, so seafood lovers definitely shouldn’t miss this!

AndIn the ranking of the most beloved types of seafood among netizens, the top three are none other than the most frequently discussed categories: fish, shrimp, and crabs, and among these three, the eight types most commonly discussed and loved by locals are listed below, along with where you can enjoy these delicious seafood treats!

1. Taichung, Miaoli: Chinese Mitten Crabs
Seafood fans who love Chinese mitten crabs are in luck these days. In recent years, you can enjoy Chinese mitten crabs that are no less delicious than those from their original habitat in Yangcheng Lake, right here in farming areas in Taichung and Miaoli. Taiwan now has well-established farms, and you can buy and cook them yourself whether in Taichung or Miaoli. Crab lovers who adore the “crab roe” definitely mustn’t miss out!

2. Shimen: Hill-Climbing Shrimp
When you come to Shimen, aside from the famous “three ways to eat live fish,” there's now another option: hill-climbing shrimp. Whether stir-fried crispy or blanched, they’re both delicious. Every year during April and May, hill-climbing shrimp migrate to Shimen Reservoir to spawn, and most of the shrimp caught are sold to nearby live fish restaurants—but they aren’t caught every day, so you’ll need a bit of luck to get a taste!

▲ Stir-fried Wanli Crab with Bean Paste. (Photo fromCrab Express Fan Page)

3. Wanli: Wanli Crab
Taiwan’s proudest wild sea crab: Wanli Crab refers to three varieties—stone crab, three-spot crab, and flower crab. These naturally wild sea crabs have tender meat and a delicious briny taste, leaving an unforgettable impression. Crab lovers, remember: when in Taiwan, you have to try Wanli Crab!

▲ Bluefin tuna. (Photo by reporter Yu t
Ru)

4. Donggang: Bluefin Tuna
When talking about Taiwan’s famous seafood, you absolutely have to mention Donggang bluefin tuna, known as “famous upriver and downriver.” Different parts of the bluefin tuna each have their own delicious qualities, especially the so-called “Toro”—its belly—which is considered the tastiest part. Though it’s quite pricey, it’s still worth trying if you get the chance!

▲ Botan Shrimp. (Photo by Hu Li Xiao Hai Hai)

5. Zhuwei: Botan Shrimp
In Zhuwei, you’ll often spot the sweet and fresh delicacy commonly seen on the sashimi menu of Japanese restaurants: botan shrimp. To fully enjoy botan shrimp, they must be eaten raw to appreciate their original, natural, and unprocessed sweetness. Don’t forget the shrimp roe in the head—just suck gently to extract the essence, it’s truly a delightful experience!

▲ Red Crab Glutinous Rice Cake. (Photo provided by Kao Bao Publishing)

6. Budai: Red Crab
Red crab, also known as blue swimmer crab, actually refers to female crabs that have mated and are carrying eggs—these are called red crabs. The often memorable “red crab glutinous rice cake” served at wedding banquets is a standout, but if you're here for the crab itself, steaming is the main method. Add some minced ginger and vinegar to counter the chill, or simply enjoy the rich, tender crab meat and the sweet, briny crab roe.

▲Fried milkfish dish. (Photo courtesy of Tainan City Tourism Bureau)

7. Tainan: Milkfish
In addition to its various street snacks, Tainan is also famous for its milkfish. Legend has it that the fish was once bestowed the name “Guoxing Fish” (Fish of the Royal Surname) by Prince Lu of the Southern Ming Dynasty, which speaks volumes about its uniqueness. Milkfish can be boiled or pan-fried — no matter how it’s cooked, the key lies in the fatty belly part rich in collagen, which is not only delicious but also good for your skin!

8. Taitung: Manta Ray / Ocean Sunfish
The manta ray was initially called “ocean sunfish,” later renamed as manta ray. With its snow-white flesh and tender texture, it has even earned the affectionate nickname “scallop fish” among gourmets, a testament to just how delicious it is. Moreover, the fish’s intestines, known as “dragon intestines,” are even more prized and are usually stir-fried — offering a truly unique flavor.

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