Are you planning a trip to Taiwan? If so, you are in for a real treat! Taiwan is home to some of the most delicious and unique dishes in the world, making it a food lover’s paradise. From traditional street food to high-end restaurants, Taiwan offers a huge variety of dishes to choose from. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the must-try dishes for any tourist touring Taiwan. Get ready to experience some exciting flavors and textures!
Ah-gei
If you’re in Taiwan and looking for a unique dish to try, Ah-gei should definitely be on your list! It’s a popular street food that originates from Tainan, a city in southern Taiwan.
Ah-gei consists of a stuffed tofu pouch that is filled with glass noodles, pork, and mushrooms. It’s then served with a spicy sauce on top that adds a kick of flavor to the dish.
The texture of Ah-gei is something you won’t forget – the soft tofu and chewy glass noodles make for an interesting combination that will tantalize your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to try this traditional Taiwanese dish – it’s definitely worth the adventure!
Baobing
Baobing, also known as shaved ice, is a popular dessert in Taiwan that is perfect for beating the heat on a hot summer day. The dessert is made up of a pile of shaved ice topped with various sweet toppings such as fresh fruits, condensed milk, mochi, red bean paste, and syrup.
Traditionally, baobing was only available during the summer months, but it has become so popular that it can now be found in restaurants and cafes year-round. The best place to try this refreshing treat is at one of Taiwan’s night markets, where you can find a wide variety of flavors and toppings to choose from.
One of the most popular types of baobing is the mango-flavored shaved ice. This is made up of a mound of fluffy, shaved ice that is topped with fresh mango chunks, mango syrup, and condensed milk. Another popular variety is the red bean baobing, which consists of a mountain of shaved ice topped with sweet red bean paste, peanuts, and condensed milk.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try some of the more unique varieties of baobing, such as the peanut butter and jelly baobing, which features a layer of peanut butter and jelly sandwiched between two layers of shaved ice.
No matter which type of baobing you choose, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and refreshing dessert. So be sure to add it to your list of must-try dishes when you’re touring Taiwan.
Beef Noodle Soup
No visit to Taiwan would be complete without trying its signature dish – beef noodle soup. This flavorful dish has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was first introduced by immigrants from mainland China.
The dish consists of chewy wheat noodles in a savory broth made from beef bones, tomatoes, garlic, and other seasonings. The broth is then slow-cooked for hours until it’s rich and flavorful.
The beef in the soup is typically made from beef shank or brisket, which is also slow-cooked until it’s tender and flavorful. Other ingredients, such as bok choy, bean sprouts, and scallions, can be added to give the soup more depth and texture.
The result is a hearty, delicious bowl of soup that is perfect for a cold day or a comforting meal. It’s no wonder that beef noodle soup is considered one of Taiwan’s national dishes and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
If you’re visiting Taiwan, make sure to stop by one of the many beef noodle soup shops that can be found all over the country. Each shop has its own unique recipe, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Braised Pork Knuckles
When it comes to Taiwanese cuisine, braised pork knuckles are a must-try. This traditional dish consists of tender pork knuckles that are slow-cooked in soy sauce, rice wine, and a blend of spices until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Braised pork knuckles are often served on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some sautéed vegetables. The rich and savory flavor of the pork pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the rice.
This dish may sound heavy and decadent, but it is surprisingly balanced and satisfying. The pork knuckles are slow-cooked until they are incredibly tender, while the soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Braised pork knuckles are a staple of Taiwanese cuisine, and no trip to Taiwan would be complete without giving them a try. Whether you’re a meat lover or just looking for a delicious and hearty meal, braised pork knuckles are sure to satisfy.
Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
Braised Pork Rice, also known as Lu Rou Fan, is a Taiwanese comfort food that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. This dish consists of succulent chunks of pork belly that are slow-cooked in soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings until they are fall-apart tender. The braised pork is then served over a bed of steaming hot rice, garnished with green onions, and served with a side of pickled vegetables.
What makes this dish so special is the combination of rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it hard to resist. Braised Pork Rice is a staple dish in Taiwan, and you can find it at almost every restaurant and food stall in the country.
While the basic recipe for Braised Pork Rice is simple, there are countless variations that add their own unique twists to the dish. Some versions feature additional ingredients like boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, or mushrooms, while others may use different cuts of pork or a different type of rice. However, no matter how it is prepared, Braised Pork Rice is always a hearty and delicious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
If you are a fan of pork and rice dishes, then you absolutely must try Braised Pork Rice during your trip to Taiwan. You won’t be disappointed!
Bubble Tea (Boba)
If you haven’t tried bubble tea yet, Taiwan is the perfect place to give it a go. This beloved Taiwanese beverage, also known as boba or pearl milk tea, has become a global phenomenon in recent years. Boba tea is made with a base of milk, tea, and sweetener, and then mixed with chewy tapioca pearls or fruit jelly. It’s usually served cold, and you can customize your drink with a variety of flavors, such as fruit syrups or powders.
The best thing about bubble tea is the chewy texture of the tapioca pearls, which add an extra element of fun to the experience. You can use a wide straw to sip the tea and the pearls together, creating a unique mouthfeel that’s unlike any other drink. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ordering your boba with some unique toppings, such as aloe vera or grass jelly.
In Taiwan, there are countless bubble tea shops to choose from, ranging from small stalls on street corners to chain stores like Chatime or CoCo. Each shop has its own special recipe and variations, so it’s worth trying different places to find your favorite. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals or to experiment with new flavors – you might discover a new addiction!
Overall, bubble tea is an essential part of the Taiwanese culinary scene, and a must-try for any visitor. It’s refreshing, fun, and a great way to cool down on a hot day. So next time you’re in Taiwan, be sure to add a cup of boba to your list of must-try dishes!
