Food is the universal language of travel, and Taiwan speaks it fluently.
A Beginner’s Guide for Indian Foodies
Taiwan is a place that has been blessed with rich culinary delights. And there is a good reason for the same. It has a history of over a millennia and centuries of influence from nearby giants like Japan, China, the Philippines, or even America. Over the years, Taiwan has developed a range of authentic dishes, from spicy broth ones to pineapple cake. But for the people exploring the island for the first time, this can be a daunting task. Therefore, we have created a list of dishes to make sure you are able to enjoy your Taiwan trip with the authentic local delights. Lets get the taste of must-try Taiwanese dishes for a first time Indian travellers.
Vegetarian Delights in Taiwan
Oyster Mushroom Stir Fry: This is a traditional dish in Taiwan that is made out of oyster mushrooms instead of seafood. It is a popular healthy and nutritious dish in Taiwan. It will give you a taste of sweet and spicy at the same time, a mild hint of the culinary scene in Taiwan. Oyster mushrooms absorb the flavours of the sauce and spices and give the broth a natural taste.
Vegan Hot Pots: A hot pot is a dish with heated broth kept at the centre of the table, to which a variety of food items can be added that gets cooked in the broth. While we enjoy the dish with our loved ones, the broth remains constantly heated. You can choose from a variety of ingredients like tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms and can dip it into a customisable sauce for your taste made from sesame oil, soy sauce, etc. Do try this vegetarian dish when in Taiwan.
Iconic Taiwanese Dishes You Can’t Miss
Stinky Tofu: Best served fried, stinky tofu is the night stall’s favourite dish, found in the night markets. The smell is present because of the fermented tofu. As the name suggests, this dish is stinkier than one can think of. But if you can get past the smell, which we recommend you do, then you are in for a delight.
Pineapple Cake: Another favourite Taiwanese export is pineapple jam-filled baked pastries. Do try the award-winning pastries on your Taiwan trip. In Taiwan, gifting pineapple cake is considered auspicious and is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the house.
Beef Noodles: Commonly known as the national dish of Taiwan, beef noodles are omnipresent in the island nation. Thinner noodles with spicy broth, pickled mustard greens along with slow-cooked tender beef, and you have yourself a prized dish of Taiwan.
Indian-Friendly Options in Taiwan:
Bubble Tea (Boba): Bubble tea is a Taiwanese invention and famous export to the world. Bubble tea with tapioca pearls at the bottom is a dish to be savoured for a Taiwanese tour. Although a plethora of options are available in Taiwan for the same, do try the Original Pearl Milk Tea to get the authentic taste of the famous drink.
Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing): Scallion pancakes are a dish made of wheat dough and minced scallions (green onions). It is a flaky and buttery dish best enjoyed with savoury soup. It looks like an Indian paratha and can be explored with the other local Taiwanese street food.
Master the Night Markets: Insider Tips for First-Time Indian Visitors
You haven’t really explored this island until you have tried and tasted the authentic Taiwanese street food of the night markets. Although there are many, the most loved ones would be Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, or Tonghua. Let us see the tips to explore these night markets.
Food allergy: If you have any food allergies, make sure to write a note about the same in Mandarin, as local street vendors might not be able to understand English.
Change: If you are visiting night markets for food, make sure to carry a lot of change, as it will be a hassle to explore with the larger denomination bank notes.
Slow and Steady: The stalls present at night have a variety of culinary items to satisfy your soul. But make sure you are able to try all the items, so start slow and explore the stalls with longer lines.
Basic Greetings: Handy Common Terms for Indians
Hello: (Nǐ hǎo) Pronounced as: (Nee-hao)
Thank you: (Xièxiè) Pronounced as: (Shay-shay)
Do you have vegetarian options? Nǐmen yǒu sù shí xuǎnzé ma? Pronounced as: Nee-men yo soo shur shwen-zuh ma?
Bill, please: (Qǐng gěi wǒ zhàngdān) Pronounced as: (Ching gay woh zhang-daan)
Cheaper, please: (Piányí yīdiǎn hǎo ma?) Pronounced as: (Pyen-yee ee-dyen hao ma?)
Why Taiwan Is a Food Paradise for Indian Travellers
Taiwan’s food scene offers a mixed delight of familiar as well as new tastes for Indian travellers. This makes it an ideal destination for Indians. Whether you prefer vegetarian, vegan, or local delicacies, Taiwan will surprise you at every turn.
Do check out our Taiwan Packages to experience the land of many wonders. Also if you have any queries regarding Taiwan visa, get in touch with our travel experts at 022 4164 2214 or email us at easyvisa@in.musafir.com to finalize your Taiwanese adventure.
Your Taiwan Food Queries Answered:
What is the national dish of Taiwan?
Beef noodle soup is considered the national dish of Taiwan. It is a dish made up of beef, noodles, and aromatic broth mixed with various ingredients and spices.
What is the most common food in Taiwan?
Traditionally, rice is the foundation of most Taiwanese dishes, with other ingredients including meat, seafood, and soy.
What is a famous street food in Taiwan?
The famous street food in Taiwan includes Stinky Tofu, Taiwanese Oyster Noodles, Scallion Pancake, Beef Noodle Soup, and Boba Tea.
Is Indian food available in Taiwan?
Yes, Indian food is available in Taiwan. This is due to the fact that the number of Indians has increased in Taiwan.
Is it easy to eat vegetarian in Taiwan?
Yes, it is easy to find vegetarian food in Taiwan. If you are travelling to major towns, it will be relatively easier to find there than in off-beaten tourist spots or in smaller towns. There are certain vegetarian products that do contain eggs, so make sure to ask around or take help from Google Translate.