What I Ate & Bought in Taipei in May 2025

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.