This guide highlights my favourite spots that you should not miss on your trip to Taipei! 

As one of the food hotspots of Southeast Asia, it's easy to find great restaurants in Taipei, but here is a list of the most memorable local meals I had from my most recent trip - from night markets, to casual dining, and a Michelin starred restaurant.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan

3 Day Taipei Food Tour

One of Taiwan's most popular local dishes, as well as my favourite one, is their braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan). I got to try a couple of shops that specialises in this dish, but Wang's Broth in Huaxi Street Night Market was the one that stood out to me the most. It's good to mention that this restaurant has got a Bib Gourmand from Michelin as well. 

I recommend you order the minced pork rice over as it melts in your mouth. I promise, you'd want to go for a second bowl, or third!

Unlike most hotpot places that I have been to, I must say that WuLao Pot has the most exquisite flavours, even our Taiwanese friends were impressed. 

I also recommend ordering the wagyu slices that melt in your mouth, whitewater snowflake vegetable for a nice crunch, the refreshing floral chrysanthemum tea to balance the soup's spiciness, and lastly, the Tieguanyin tea jelly which was surprisingly very satisfying and is a perfect ending to cleanse your palate.

The tofu broth has such a unique, creamy flavour that perfectly compliments the spicy mala broth. They serve unique homemade ingredients to add on, like the special ice cream tofu, which was so memorable, unlimited duck blood, and their homemade tofu that is unlike any other I have eaten before, it had several layers that gave it a nice bouncy texture, which absorbs the flavour of the broth.

This family-owned Bib Gourmand restaurant serves home style cooking that may be a little exotic for some, but is definitely something that you must try! 

Taiwan is known for their night markets, and if you're in the mood for variety, then this is the place for you! Ningxia night market boasts a variety of local snacks and dishes, and I assure you, you will leave here satisfied.

Here, we ordered the abalone silkie soup, a slowly simmered Chinese herb based soup broth, with a native black skinned chicken called "silkie chicken" and fresh abalone. It's a hearty dish with contrasting textures from the chewy abalone and the tender silky mouthfeel of the chicken. 

A great place for a quick casual meal, A Cheng is another recommendation from the Michelin guide, and sure enough, this two restaurant is always packed. 

After trying some local Taiwanese cuisine and eating your way through the night market, why not treat yourself to a nice Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant? 

1) Sweet potato balls - these chewy and airy sweet balls are a perfect start to work up your appetite.

2) Mung bean shake - beat the heat with this oddly refreshing shake made from mung beans, it has a slightly sandy but pleasant texture, with just the right amount of sweetness.

3) Scallion pancake - packed with so much flavour, this was one of my favourites from the market. It's hot, crispy, and umami, with a nice kick of basil.

6) Peanut roll ice cream - an interesting combination of ice cream, crushed peanuts and cilantro wrapped in a spring roll paper. It's an odd combination but it's surprisingly delicious!

4) Taro balls with pork floss and salted egg yolk - this is one of Ningxia market's most popular shops and theres always a queue here so do not miss this place!

5) Oyster omelette - a local delicacy that has a very distinct taste like no other, with a nice crisp and gooey texture, topped with a sauce that compliments the oyster's unique flavour.

During this trip to Taipei, we stayed at The Regent Taipei, where we were welcomed with a box of complimentary pastries like nougat and pineapple cake, and a complimentary bottle of their sparkling tea that's specially made for Regent. 

Getting around Taipei without a car is very simple as the trains are pretty straightforward and they have English translations everywhere. Taiwanese people are also very friendly and hospitable, and most of the younger generation speak English so there's no need to worry about getting lost in translation. 

Lastly, I loved how they have a full on bath house inside the spa of the gym, complete with dry and wet saunas, and pools/tubs that vary in temperature - a cold one, a warm one, and a hot one, catering to everyone's preferences.

The rooms were spacious with a nice view of the city and Taipei 101. For guests on the executive floor, you'll also have access to the lounge for all day coffee, tea, snacks and desserts. Of course, there is a full range of breakfast buffet offering local and international dishes to all hotel guests.

Impromptu, located inside Regent Taipei is run by Chef Paul Lee, who curates his 12-course menu based on local seasonal ingredients. He uses French culinary techniques to create one of a kind dishes, by marrying his Taiwanese heritage with his European voyages to Amalfi Coast. 

You may also opt for a cocktail pairing that's just as memorable as this experience.

Another favourite of mine is the slow braised pork knuckle which was so succulent and surprisingly not oily. The owner explained that they cook this dish for 2 days to let the meat slowly absorb all flavours, while skimming the fat off the drippings which creates this amazing dish. Lastly, I also recommend you to try the beef tongue!

Everyone's favourite go to dish here is the smoked duck, and it was quite pleasant. The pieces are sliced thinly and is full of flavour, and it has a nice balance between the lean meat and a thin layer of skin, it's also not oily like how they prepare goose in Hong Kong. You can have this as is, or you may opt for sauces which they have at the sauce counter.

Now, pack your bags, fill your tummies up, and thank me later! 

The bamboo shoots also had a nice and refreshing taste, and they use the thicker/chunkier part of the bamboo so it's not quite like the usual bamboo dishes that I am used to.

People also recommend some of their side dishes, but I would gladly take a second order of the goose and bamboo instead.

Raohe is one of the more popular night markets in Taipei, thanks to Anthony Bourdain who came here to try the famous Fuzhou buns (or pork pepper buns) that are baked in this unique cylindrical oven, like a tandoor oven. The buns are crispy, juicy and peppery, but beware of burning your mouth! You can't miss this stall as it is the first one in the centre as you enter the main entrance next to the temple.

Like most night markets here, there are a lot of other cheap eats to try here such as stinky tofu, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), chicken cutlets, sweet potato balls, and many more.

For dessert, we really enjoyed Yupinyuan's Fire and Ice Tangyuan, a hot mochi-like rice ball filled with black sesame or crushed peanuts, that are served over osmanthus drizzeld shaved ice - hence the name fire and ice. 

3 Day Taipei Food Tour

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