Beef Noodles
People always say, when in Taiwan, you have to try the Taiwanese beef noodles. They are absolutely right! This hearty, flavourful dish is a local favourite, and it did not disappoint. The tender beef, savoury broth, and chewy noodles came together perfectly. I tried both the dry and soup versions, and honestly? Both were super satisfying; the portions were huge too! I think I might have eaten enough beef and beef tendons to last me the next one month. 😂🤣
Location: Yu Cheng Beef Noodle Restaurant
Address: No. 2-7號, Lane 116, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)
Scallion Pancakes with Bacon / Ham
I stumbled upon a small eatery selling scallion pancakes and some other grab-and-go breakfast bites like pork burgers. I ordered two scallion pancakes - one with bacon and one with ham. They were served piping hot, straight off the griddle, and I absolutely loved them! And of course, I had to pair them with a cuppa Taiwanese milk tea. Definitely the best way to start the day in Taipei.
Location: 巨林美而美
Address: No. 410-9號, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)
McGriddles Pork Burgers at McDonald’s
It's always fun to drop by McDonald’s when traveling abroad just to see what's different. So, I tried the McGriddles pork burgers, a special offering available in Taiwan. Imagine a savoury pork patty, melty cheese, and syrup-infused buns all in one bite. Another great (and slightly indulgent) way to start the day in Taipei!
Ay-Chung Taiwanese Rice-Flour Noodles (阿宗麵線)
Definitely a Ximending icon! I don't usually queue for food, but since I was already in Ximending - why not? This is a dish of savoury rice-flour noodles served in a gooey broth, loaded with bits of braised pork intestines. You eat it standing up (there are no tables), just like everyone else. A true Taiwanese street food classic.
Peanut Ice Cream Roll (NO Cilantro / Coriander!)
This quirky and refreshing Taiwanese treat is also known as Jiufen-style ice cream "burrito." It's made by wrapping two creamy scoops of pineapple ice cream and shaved peanut brittle in a thin crepe-like popiah skin. Traditionally, it comes with a sprinkle of cilantro… but nope, not for me — I got mine sans the smelly herb (yes, I'm proudly Team No-Coriander), and it was perfect! Sweet, nutty, cold, and chewy all at once. A must-try, especially on warm days!
Rice, Noodles, Soups, and Side Dishes
I also managed to try typical local Taiwanese lunch of rice, noodles or soup served with a variety of side dishes. From marinated vegetables to braised pork, each bite was a delightful combination of textures and flavours.
Duck Fat Rice
I also tried Taiwanese duck fat rice, dang gui (angelica sinensis ) duck meat soup, and sweet potato leaves. The tender duck meat, savoury rice with duck fat, and flavourful dang gui soup were truly delicious!
Location: 鐘予原味當歸鴨 林森北店
Address: No. 430號, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)
Taiwanese Snacks & Other Souvenirs
I ended up buying quail eggs (tie dan), pineapple cakes, sun biscuits, fruit jelly, nougat crackers, and instant noodles to take home as souvenirs.
Gaji Tote-Bag / Taiwan Striped Bag ("Ga Ji Dai" - 茄芷袋)
Also known as "Taiwan LV" (as proudly declared by one of the stall vendors 😄), I had to bring one of these iconic Taiwanese bags home! I picked a design with a cute bubble milk tea motif sewn on it; then fully committed to the theme by pairing it with a bubble milk tea keychain and a matching mini "ga ji dai" keychain. Ridiculously cute, right? It's giving full-on Taipei street market fashion and I'm truly obsessed! I bought them from Jiufen Old Street.
More photos
Check out my Facebook page's album (Souvenirs & Snacks from Taipei).
You can also read my previous blog post about where I went in Taipei in May 2025 and my favourite activity during the trip.
