Many Filipinos who are based in Taiwan often prepare Filipino meals at home. Of course, this doesn’t stop them from trying out Taiwanese dishes whenever they go out! Just as Philippine cuisine has its famous adobo, kare-kare, and halo-halo — Taiwanese cuisine has its own share of popular foods and beverages.
What’s interesting about Taiwanese cooking is that it is actually a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Hakka, and other ethnic cuisines. There are plenty of meat, poultry, and seafood dishes, but there are vegetarian and vegan options, too. When in Taiwan, be sure to try out the following must-try foods and beverages!
Image Credit: eng.taiwan.net.tw (pineapple cake, pig’s knuckle stew)
Popular Taiwanese Foods and Beverages
From savory dishes to flavorful snacks, here is a list of the most popular foods and beverages in Taiwan:
Brown Sugar Cake
Brown Sugar Cake is believed to have been introduced by early immigrants from Okinawa, Japan. In the past, this steamed sponge cake was used strictly as an ancestral offering. Over the years, however, it has become popular among locals and tourists alike. In fact, brown sugar cake is often packaged as a souvenir!
Coffee
Coffee lovers would be happy to know that coffee is cultivated in many parts of Taiwan. Among them is Gukeng coffee, which is popular among locals. There’s even a coffee festival that promotes the use of local beans in creating delicious Taiwanese coffee!
Bubble Tea
Bubble Tea first became popular in Taichung, before eventually spreading to other parts of Taiwan. The beverage usually contains black tea, milk, and sugar. Of course, tapioca pearls or “boba” are added for that chewy, jelly-like experience!
Kumquat Preserves
Thanks to Taiwan’s rainy climate, Kumquats are cultivated in different parts of the country. Fruit is harvested from November to February, then preserved and packed. Notably, kumquat is known to help sooth the throat and aid digestion, among other benefits.
Century Egg
If you haven’t tried Century Egg yet, then it’s about time that you do! It is made by “aging” an egg in salt, ash, and lime for several weeks or months. The result is a tasty, greyish-black egg that’s best enjoyed with congee or topped on tofu dishes.
Meatballs
Taiwanese-style Meatballs are believed to have been created by a son who wished to make a dish that’s “easy to eat” for his elder family members. He kneaded pork into balls, boiled them in water (with some spices of course), and served them to his elders. Today, meatball soup remains a hearty and popular dish among locals.
Gua Bao
Also known as “mantou,” Gua Bao refer to steamed buns that you can stuff with braised meat, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and other yummy ingredients. Interestingly, Gua Bao is also known as “Taiwanese hamburger.”
Pig’s Knuckle Stew
You read that right! Pig’s Knuckle Stew is a native delicacy in Taiwan. Pigs’ knuckles are usually stewed in soy sauce and other ingredients. In Taiwan, eating pig’s knuckle with noodles is believed to dispel bad luck. How interesting!
Jiguang Bread
Long ago, Jiguang Bread is believed to have started out as a military ration, since this bread can be strung together and worn around the neck. These days, Jiguang bread is typically served with ham and fried egg. Sounds delicious!
Pineapple Cake
You can’t miss Taiwan’s famous Pineapple Cake; it’s a favorite snack and souvenir as well! And since pineapple is widely cultivated in this country, other than pineapple cake there’s pineapple jam, pineapple drinks, and many more!
Lei-cha (Ground tea)
Lei-cha is a Hakka beverage made from dried fruit, grains, and legumes that are ground and dried. Often served as a banquet refreshment, Lei-cha is usually garnished with puffed rice and presented with stir-fried side dishes.
Rice Noodles
Rice Noodles is believed to have arrived in Taiwan from Fujian, China. The process typically involves steaming or boiling rice noodles, then air drying them. The result is a chewy type of noodles that may be used in a variety of dishes!
Mochi
Early Taiwanese history shows that “mochi” had already existed in the country as “doushu” (bean rice cake). During the Japanese colonial period, however, the term “mochi” became more widely used. With or without a filling, this snack is a huge favorite!
Scallion Pancake
As the name suggests, Scallion Pancake is made from scallions and pancake batter; it is also called “green onion pancake.” Often sold at street stalls across Taiwan, scallion pancake can be enjoyed on its own, or served with ham, cheese, eggs, and more!
Ox Tongue Biscuits
As the name says, Ox Tongue Biscuits are oval and tongue-like in shape! There are two popular varieties in Taiwan: Lukang and Yilan ox tongue biscuits. The Lukang version is thick, oval-shaped, flaky, and lightly filled with malt sugar. Meanwhile, the Yilan version is thin, long, narrow, and crispy in texture.
Square Biscuits
Square Biscuits are exactly that: square-shaped, hehe! Made from powdered milk, sugar, butter, and sesame seeds, these biscuits are baked until crispy and cut into squares.
Sun Cakes
Sun Cakes were first introduced in Taichung, where there are local bakeries that serve this local treat. With the name coming from its “sun-like” shape, the sun cake is made by filling a golden pastry shell with malt sugar, then flattening it into a round shape.
Stinky Tofu
Just like the durian fruit, Stinky Tofu may not have the best aroma around, but it certainly tastes good! The tofu is fermented in a brine containing dried fish, mustard, bamboo, herbs, and other ingredients. Stinky tofu is usually served fried.
Wines
Local wines in Taiwan include Shaoxing Wine, which is made by fermenting Penglai rice, glutinous rice, wheat, and other ingredients; Gaoliang Wine, and Matsu Old Wine. Each wine has a distinctive taste; some are also used for cooking and not just drinking!
Tea
With a climate that’s ideal for cultivating tea plants, Taiwan has many different types of Tea. Among these are Dongding Oolong (Wulong) Tea, Pekoe Oolong (Baihao Wulong) Tea, and Wenshan Baozhong Tea. Tea is available in most department stores, supermarkets, and street stalls in Taiwan.
Aside from enjoying a cup of tea, consider buying a ceramic teapot and cups set as well. They make great souvenirs!
Aside from the above foods and beverages, Taiwanese cuisine offers much more to be explored… and enjoyed! Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, take time to enjoy the country’s authentic, local dishes.
On the other hand, if it’s Filipino company that you are looking for, check out this guide where you can find Filipino Communities in Taiwan.