I’m no stranger to Asian food. Over my travels, I’ve been lucky enough to eat my way across the continent, experiencing new dishes and discovering future favorites that I would seek out or recreate back home. But when it came to Taiwanese cuisine, I realized I didn’t know much about it, let alone the must eats in Taipei. I’d heard that Taipei was a foodie capital, much like Osaka, but I had no idea what the city was famous for or where to eat in Taipei.
That’s where Taipei Eats comes in.
With the help of their fantastic Taipei food tour, I set off to uncover not only what makes Taiwanese cuisine special but also the fascinating history and stories behind its iconic dishes. Here’s my detailed Taipei Eats review of the Old School Food Tour.
BOOK HERE: Taipei Eats Old School Food Tour
What is a Taipei Eats Food Tour (and why you should take one)?
With passionate local guides who know the city’s culinary heritage inside and out, Taipei Eats is an essential experience for food lovers wanting to discover Taipei’s best food. I was particularly drawn to the Old School Food Tour, which offers a deeper dive into the historic streets of Dadaocheng, allowing you to explore Taipei’s rich food culture while soaking in the area’s unique charm.
A food tour like this is not just about the dishes themselves but the journey behind them. Our guide, Tina, shared fascinating insights into each stop—stories and history that you wouldn’t easily come across on your own. Whether it’s finding that century-old noodle shop or tasting a street food staple passed down through generations, this tour uncovered hidden gems that even the most determined traveler might overlook.
Taking a food tour is also a great way to sample dishes you may not have considered trying on your own, with the added bonus of understanding the local culture and history through the eyes of a knowledgeable guide. From architecture to food stalls, the experience is as much about discovering Taipei’s rich culinary landscape as it is about tasting incredible local flavors.
Klook.comThe Experience: My Taipei Eats Food Tour Review
With my tour booked, my three days in Taipei began with excitement and a healthy appetite as I set out to discover the city’s must-eats with Taipei Eats.
Organ Soup at Mazu Temple Beer Garden
My day began at the lively beer garden outside the Mazu Temple, where tradition meets laid-back local culture. It might seem odd to have a beer garden right next to a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, but here, it’s all part of the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. More than 40 family-run food stalls and restaurants surround the temple, offering an authentic taste of Taiwanese street food at unbeatable prices.
The courtyard, shaded by banyan trees, is where locals have traditionally gathered to relax after work, enjoying good food and beer. Our guide, Tina, made sure our group got the full local experience. She presented us with a choice of three medicinal snacks that are said to boost health—one of which was a soup made from various animal organs.
It wasn’t exactly what I’d imagine pairing with a cold beer, but I’m always up for trying something once! The beer garden may not be a five-star environment, but it’s where you get to see real life in Taipei unfold.
This was the perfect way to start the day, offering not just local flavors, but also a true sense of how Taipei’s residents unwind and nourish their bodies. From the vibrant atmosphere to the unexpected culinary choices, it was a great introduction to Taipei’s food culture.
A Walk Down Dihua Street: A Food Lover’s Paradise
After soaking in the Mazu Temple Beer Garden atmosphere, we ventured down Dihua Street, a historic shopping district that’s as much about culture as it is about food.
This area, with its charming early-1900s architecture, feels like a step back in time. The street is lined with vendors selling everything from dried fruits to traditional Chinese herbs and snacks, making it a food lover’s dream.
Yimian Noodles: A Century-Old Tradition
One of the most memorable stops was a century-old noodle shop tucked away in the maze of Dihua Street. The shop still makes its noodles fresh each day, topped with a savory yimian sauce that’s been perfected over generations.
The noodles were springy, and the sauce rich with flavors—comforting and satisfying, like a bowl of happiness in Taipei. I couldn’t help but appreciate the history that came with each bite, knowing that I was tasting a century of tradition.
Famous Fish Balls: A Neighborhood Staple
Our next stop took us to a local fish ball shop that has been a neighborhood staple for years. Tina shared the story of its origins—an immigrant from Fujian Province started this spot with just a simple street cart, and today it’s a beloved institution.
The fish balls were light yet packed with flavor, and the broth was deliciously warming. It was unlike anything I’d had before, making it a must-try for anyone diving into Taipei’s food scene.
Pork Floss: Sweet, Savory, and Unforgettable
The pork floss stop was an unexpected delight. I had heard of pork floss before but had never tried it. The fluffy, almost cotton-candy-like texture was both sweet and savory, offering a unique twist to traditional Taiwanese dishes.
Almond Shaved Ice: My Favorite Sweet Treat of the Day
As the day went on, the heat became more intense, so when Tina led us to a small stand selling almond shaved ice, I was more than ready for something cold and sweet. The almond-flavored ice was refreshing and light, with just the right amount of sweetness.
It instantly reminded me of almond cookies, which happen to be one of my favorite treats when I visit my local T&T. The soft, delicate almond flavor hit just the right nostalgic note for me, making this my top dessert of the day. It was the perfect cool-down after walking through Taipei’s bustling streets.
Pork Steam Buns: A Street-Side Favorite
One of the busiest spots on our tour was a street-side stall famous for its pork steam buns, and it was easy to see why. The place was buzzing with energy, as workers skillfully pumped out bun after bun, barely keeping up with the demand from eager customers.
The buns were soft and pillowy, stuffed with tender, flavorful pork. What made them truly stand out was the sweet and tangy sauce drizzled over the top, which perfectly balanced the savory filling.
Sweet Finishes at the Aiyu Jelly Stand
We ended our journey with a refreshing bowl of aiyu jelly, a unique and popular Taiwanese dessert made from the seeds of local fruits. The jelly was light and slightly sweet, perfectly contrasting the heavier, savory dishes we’d enjoyed throughout the day.
Sitting there, cooling off with this unique dessert, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the Taipei Eats tour had introduced me to flavors I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
Hidden Treats and Take-Home Snacks
Without giving away all the secrets, I can say that there were plenty of extra stops at local shops where we sampled more local treats, some of which I even took home. One of my personal favorites was the deep-fried garlic crisps, a perfect snack to bring back from Taipei. These local gems are part of what makes Taiwan food tours like this so special—getting off the beaten path and discovering hidden delights.
Where to eat in Taipei: More to Explore
While the Taipei Eats Old School Food Tour gave me a fantastic introduction to traditional Taiwanese foods, there’s a whole world of flavors in Taipei’s vibrant food scene that you shouldn’t miss. My host, Tina, shared even more local favorites, giving me a list of must eats in Taipei and the best spots to find them. Here are some of the top dishes and where to seek them out:
1) Beef Noodle Soup
This Taiwanese classic with tender beef and rich, flavorful broth is a must-try. Head to Liao Jia Beef Noodle Restaurant or Lin Dong Fang for some of the best in town.
2) Oyster Omelette
A popular night market staple, this savory dish mixes fresh oysters with eggs. You can find it at nearly any night market, but the Shilin Night Market is known for serving great versions.
3) Braised Pork Rice
Comforting and hearty, braised pork belly over rice is a Taiwanese favorite. Many restaurants offer this dish, but you’ll find some of the best in family-run spots across the city.
4) Fish Balls
A highlight from my Taipei food tour, the fish balls at Jia Xing Fish Ball Restaurant are not to be missed.
5) Scallion Pancakes
Flaky, crispy, and packed with flavor, scallion pancakes are a street food favorite. Try them at Wenzhou Street Daikon Pancake or one of the bustling night markets for an authentic experience.
6) Pork Pepper Bun
For a delicious blend of pork and pepper in a crispy, flaky bun, visit Fuzhou Pepper Buns at the Raohe Night Market. I found the line up way too long so picked mine up at the popular stall near Taipei Main Station at Fuzhou Ancestral Pepper Cake.
7) Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly tasty, Shi Yun Fried Chicken is a local hotspot for one of the city’s most beloved snacks. (Save on your Shi Yun Fried Chicken order with Klook!)
8) Bubble Tea
No trip to Taipei is complete without trying bubble tea. For the original, visit Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of this iconic drink, and indulge in the many variations available.
9) Pineapple cake
Pineapple cake is a beloved Taiwanese pastry and a top food souvenir. It features a sweet, chewy pineapple filling in a buttery, crumbly crust. Popular brands include Chia Te Bakery and SunnyHills.
10) Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast
Start your day like a local with a traditional breakfast. Fu Hang Dou Jiang is a famous spot for soy milk and fried dough. For a unique breakfast experience on the go, try it as part of the Taipei Bike Works Morning Tour.
For those who want to dive deeper into Taipei’s incredible food scene, I also recommend exploring the city’s night markets through a tour. They’re packed with countless street food delights that complement what you’ll experience on the Taipei Eats tour. Whether it’s beef noodles, fried chicken, or bubble tea, these must-eats in Taipei are an essential part of any visit!
Wrapping up This Taipei Eats Review
By the end of my Taipei Eats food tour, I was left with a full stomach and a deep appreciation for Taiwanese food culture. From noodles to pork floss and refreshing aiyu jelly, the experience opened my eyes to the unique flavors of Taipei. Many dishes I had heard of but never tried have now become some of my favorites, and I can’t wait to seek them out back home in Vancouver.
If you’re a food lover visiting Taipei, don’t miss out on this amazing tour. With over 12 tastings in just three hours, it’s an intimate and casual walking experience suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Book your Taipei food tour today to discover the incredible flavors of this dynamic city.
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