EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: TAIPEI

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN TAIPEI

Beef noodles (niúròu miàn) are so popular in Taipei that the city holds an annual Beef Noodle Festival where chefs compete to earn the title of “the best beef noodles in Taiwan.” The country’s national dish features hefty chunks of braised beef that simmer in beef broth for hours. Hand-pulled noodles and local vegetables including ginger, tomatoes, bok choy, onion, and garlic are added into the broth, along with a hodgepodge of seasonings like soy sauce, bay leaf, rice wine, salt, and rock sugar. Taste your way through Taipei on the hunt for the best beef noodles the city has to offer!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Taipei

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Taipei:

• Niu Rou Mian: Niu Rou Mian is a type of beef noodle soup that consists of tender beef, chewy noodles, and a savory broth. Every shop has its own secret recipe, and it can be a fun adventure exploring the city and trying to find your favorite rendition!
• Lu Rou Fan: A favorite among locals, Lu Rou Fan is a simple but delicious bowl of white rice topped with savory braised pork belly. It's a classic home-style meal that is both a very popular and affordable street food.
• O-A-Chian: O-A-Chian, or oyster omelet, is a popular dish that combines fresh oysters with eggs and leafy greens topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. It's the perfect dish to get a taste of the city's fresh seafood and bold flavors! 

BEST DRINK IN TAIPEI

If you’re looking for a beverage in Taipei that is as visually appealing as it is delicious, discover bubble tea! Bubble tea comes in your choice of black, green, white, or oolong tea that can be ordered with or without milk. Add fruit syrups to give it extra flavor or keep it natural with some sugar. What makes bubble tea unique are the dark, chewy “pearls” or “boba” you’ll find at the bottom of your glass. These pearls are usually tapioca balls or some form of jelly, such as fruit jelly, grass jelly, or agar jelly. If you want the most traditional bubble tea in Taiwan, order yours cold with black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk, and honey.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Taipei

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Taipei:

• Bubble Tea: Did you know bubble tea was invented here? This iconic drink has become a popular treat all over the world, and there is no better place to try it than its birthplace! You'll find countless shops serving a wide variety of flavors, all with those signature chewy tapioca pearls.
• Oolong Tea: Tea culture is a huge part of life here, and Oolong is a popular example. This is a semi-oxidized tea that has a complex flavor and is a key part of traditional tea ceremonies in the city. Visiting a tea house is also a great way to slow down and experience social rituals!
• Paozhong Tea: This is a type of Oolong from the Pinglin region, and it is famous for its delicate, light, and floral aroma. It is a symbol of the city's high-quality tea production! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN TAIPEI

Take a stroll through Taipei’s most historic neighborhood, Wanhua District, and you’ll find Longshan Temple, a 300-year-old temple rich with beauty and culture. Unlike most temples in the world, Longshan Temple is a place of worship for multiple religions, including Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Notice Longshan Temple’s impressive stonework and carvings – every detail was funded by donations from the community in reverence for the temple’s importance. Feel free to take pictures – the Taiwanese permit photography inside the temple!

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Taipei

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Taipei  

• Taipei 101: This building is a symbol of modern Taiwan's ambition and technological power. Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an impressive skyscraper with a stunning design that resembles a bamboo stalk. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: This national monument is a must-see for anyone interested in history. The magnificent white hall is surrounded by a massive public square and gardens. We recommend visiting to view the daily changing of the guard ceremony!
• National Palace Museum: This museum is home to one of the largest and most valuable collections of Chinese artifacts in the world, with its collections brought over from the Forbidden City. It’s a great place to explore thousands of years of Chinese history and art, from jade carvings to ancient scrolls. 

Explore Study Abroad Programs in Taipei