What to eat in Taiwan

Soup dumplings. Din Tai Fung is the famous one, but local shops like Hangzhou Xiaolongbao are half the price.

Try: Yongkang Street, Din Tai Fung, Hangzhou XLB

Taiwan's national dish. Braised (hong shao) is rich and spicy; clear broth (qing dun) is lighter.

Try: Yongkang Beef Noodle, Lin Dong Fang

Minced pork belly braised in soy over rice. The cheapest, most comforting meal in Taiwan.

Try: Jin Feng, any night market

Charcoal-oven buns stuffed with peppery pork. Eat carefully, the juice is hot.

Try: Raohe Night Market entrance

Sweet-savory starchy omelet with fresh oysters and sweet chili sauce.

Try: Shilin and Ningxia night markets

A face-sized fried chicken cutlet with pepper salt. Night market essential.

Try: Hot-Star (Shilin), Fengjia

Born in Taiwan. Ask for less sugar (half: ban tang) if you find it too sweet.

Try: Chun Shui Tang, Tiger Sugar, 50 Lan, Milksha

Fluffy milk snow ice piled with fresh mango. Best May to September.

Try: Smoothie House, Ice Monster

Chewy taro and sweet potato balls in sweet soup, hot or iced.

Try: Grandma Lai's, Jiufen

The pasalubong. Buttery crust with pineapple jam filling.

Try: Chia Te, SunnyHills, Lee's Bakery