Hidden Culinary Gems in Taiwan You Must Visit

Taiwan is often associated with bustling nite markets like Shilin or Raohe. However, for adventurous foodies looking to avoid the tourist crowds, Taiwan the new yorker deli holds hidden «Gourmet Spots» that offer authentic flavors and a more intimate culinary experience.

1. Keelung: Seafood Paradise at Zhengbin Harbor

Forget Taipei for a moment and drive north toward Keelung. Near the colorful houses of Zhengbin Harbor, there are small shops serving Keelung’s signature grilled Chikuwa (Zhu Gāo Guān). Unlike the Japanese version, Chikuwa here is made with a mixture of fresh shark fish paste, which gives it a chewier texture and a strong seafood aroma. Don’t miss the Sashimi at Kanziding Fish Market, which operates in the early hours; this is where chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants in Taipei source their fish.

2. Taichung: Culinary Wonders in a Labyrinth of Side Streets

In Taichung, try looking for handmade sticky rice mochi in the Second Market area. One of the hidden shops known only to locals is the one that serves Minced Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) with the addition of a half-boiled egg fried in pork fat. Its savory taste and tender texture far exceed the standards of franchise outlets. For dessert, look for traditional bakeries in the narrow alleys that sell Sun Cakes (Tai Yang Bing) still warm from the oven, with a pastry layer far crispier than those sold in airport souvenir shops.

3. Tainan: The Traditional Culinary Capital

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is home to family recipes that have been closely guarded for decades. One hidden gem you must seek out is the fresh beef soup stall, which usually sells out before 8 am. The beef here is thinly sliced while still very fresh and immediately drizzled with boiling broth in front of you. Additionally, look for Eel Noodles (Shan Yu Yi Mian) in the old street area, cooked over high heat (wok hei) to achieve the perfect caramelized sweet and sour sauce flavor.

4. Taitung: Indigenous Flavors on the East Coast

For those seeking a truly unique gourmet experience, head to Taitung to savor the cuisine of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. Find a restaurant that serves A-bai, sticky rice wrapped in special edible leaves, usually filled with wild boar. Traditional cooking techniques using hot stones and firewood provide a «smoky» aroma you won’t find in any modern restaurant.

5. Tips for Food Hunting in Taiwan

Use Google Maps Carefully: Often, the best places only have names in Chinese characters with high ratings from locals.
Queues are Key: In Taiwan, long queues of local residents (not tourists) are the most accurate indicator of quality.
Bring Cash: Many of these hidden gems do not accept credit cards or international digital payments.

To plan your culinary journey, you can check transportation routes thru the Taiwan Railroads Administration or book local food tours thru platforms like KKday to gain access to local guides who know these hidden gems.