Eat your way through Taiwan
Taiwan’s beauty extends far beyond its scenic landscapes and vibrant cities. It lives in the crackle of a hot wok, the aroma of freshly steamed seafood, and the warmth of meals shared around a family table.
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Taiwan’s beauty extends far beyond its scenic landscapes and vibrant cities. It lives in the crackle of a hot wok, the aroma of freshly steamed seafood, and the warmth of meals shared around a family table.
Red Castle 1899 serves refined Taiwanese and Chinese banquet classics that are as memorable as the historic setting.
Braised Beef Brisket Casserole — Tender beef simmered in a rich, savory soy-based sauce, making every bite warm and comforting.
Sweet-Savory Meat Bread — Soft, slightly sweet bread packed with savory meat, like a Taiwanese take on siopao.
Garlic Oysters — Juicy oysters topped with minced garlic, perfect as pulutan or paired with rice.
Braised Beef Brisket — A Taiwanese restaurant staple that’s tender, flavorful and always worth ordering.
Fried Pika-Pika — Crispy, flavorful and slightly spicy, this was the perfect bite while waiting for the main course.
Spicy Stinky Tofu — My personal favorite: bold, spicy and, yes, stinky in the best way.
People often say the best way to understand a culture is through its food. In Taiwan, that couldn’t be more true.
Beyond its mountains, temples, night markets and historic streets lies another reason travelers return: the flavors. Food here is more than sustenance —it’s a way of life. From hearty breakfasts to bustling seafood restaurants and late-night street food, Taiwan serves every meal with remarkable consistency and surprising affordability.
Here are seven restaurants that made my trip unforgettable.
Great Gobi Mongolian Barbecue
A meal here is as much about the experience as the food. Diners fill bowls with sliced meats, vegetables, noodles and sauces before chefs expertly stir-fry everything on a massive circular grill. The all-you-can-eat spread also includes hot pot, dim sum, cooked dishes and desserts, making it an ideal introduction to Taiwan’s communal dining culture.
Red Castle 1899
Housed in a beautifully preserved red-brick mansion overlooking the Tamsui River, this historic restaurant pairs elegant surroundings with classic Taiwanese and Chinese banquet dishes. Delicate steamed sea bass and perfectly cooked stir-fried cabbage prove that great ingredients need little embellishment.
Nanhai Fishing Village
Freshness takes center stage here. Rows of live seafood tanks greet diners before generous platters of fish, shrimp and shellfish arrive at the table. Pair the feast with Taiwanese beer or the restaurant’s refreshing unsweetened tea for a truly local dining experience.
Jinshan Hakka Restaurant
Serving family-style Hakka cuisine since 1990, this Songshan favorite delivers bold, comforting flavors. The Hakka stir-fry and braised pork with preserved mustard greens are standouts, while the ginger-fried pork intestines offer an unexpectedly delicious combination of tender meat, aromatic ginger and bright acidity.
Tian Jin Seafood Stir-Fry Restaurant
After exploring Taipei’s historic Dihua Street, this relaxed neighborhood eatery is the perfect stop. Specializing in Taiwan’s beloved *re chao* — quick stir-fried dishes made for sharing — it serves fragrant seafood, lightly spicy Sichuan-inspired dishes, and crispy tofu stuffed with silky egg filling.
Gutsuo Restaurant
Hidden in a quiet Luzhou alley, Gutsuo feels more like a family home than a restaurant. Its comforting Taiwanese dishes are memorable, especially the famous stinky tofu in spicy broth. The aroma may be intimidating, but the silky tofu and richly flavored soup reveal why this iconic dish has earned a loyal following.
Mao Yuan Restaurant
Operating since 1971 and recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Mao Yuan remains a benchmark for traditional Taiwanese cooking. Now run by its second generation, the restaurant lets seasonal ingredients shine through dishes such as white-cut chicken, garlic oysters, steamed fish and chewy pumpkin rice noodles.
Taiwan’s beauty extends far beyond its scenic landscapes and vibrant cities. It lives in the crackle of a hot wok, the aroma of freshly steamed seafood, and the warmth of meals shared around a family table. Every restaurant tells a story, reminding visitors that the island’s richest experiences are often found one bite at a time.
