A Newbie's Guide to Taiwan Cuisine

The following blog was written by a student intern on a 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for a student's take on Taiwanese food. 

A Newbie's Guide to Taiwan Cuisine 

As a fellow foodie, Taiwan is nothing short of options for amazing dishes. When you step out, the first thing you are greeted with is the sheer number of convenience stores lining each corner of the streets. Places such as Family Mart, 7-11, and Hi-Life have unique options. When I’m up early exploring the city, these places are perfect to grab a quick bite, such as fresh rice balls, bāozǐ (包子), fresh fruit, or unique chips to try.

A 7-11 in a residential neighborhood

Sweet Treats 

With the summer heat, it is easy to grab Taiwan’s iconic drink, zhēnzhū nǎichá (珍珠奶茶), boba milk tea. Often made with a green or black tea base, the drink is mixed with milk and topped with chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom of the cup. Tapioca pearls are made from cassava root and simmered in brown sugar to provide their chewy texture and sweet flavor. Fruit teas are also popular, especially in humid summer weather, which tend to have fruit jellies and popping fruit pearls instead. 

Mango Shaved Ice from 'Smoothie House' in Yongkang Street 

Street Snacks | 小吃（xiǎochī）

Out of all foods, the one I kept coming back to was the scallion pancakes, 葱油饼 (cōngyóubǐng). These pan-fried flat breads are layered with sesame oil and green onions to give the dough a crispy & light texture. Their affordable price made it an addictive afternoon snack!

Tian Jin Onion Pancake in Yongkang Street 

Night (Market) Life 

Night markets in Taiwan have some of the best spots to find authentic local cuisine with hundreds of vendors. They sell items of varying Asian cuisine, like Japanese roasted sweet potato, Korean fried chicken, and Taiwanese specialties like oyster pancakes and cilantro peanut ice cream. Some night markets include Raohe, Shilin, Ningxia, and Le Hua (but Raohe stands on top, sorry not sorry)

Tanghulu, fruit in a melted sugar coating, from Raohe Night Market 

With all the food options, I asked our study abroad American high school students studying in Taiwan about their thoughts on the local food after having it for the first time. The students' favorite foods so far have ranged from milk & fruit teas to xiao long bao to popcorn chicken and beef noodle soups. In another question, I asked what food students would want to try while studying abroad. They replied with a larger variety of dishes: stinky tofu, pork blood soup, and congee. Definitely some adventurous diners in this group! Lastly, I asked how they thought American cuisine differed from Taiwanese cuisine. Students responded that Taiwanese food has larger portions with quality ingredients at an affordable price, and most desserts or drinks tend to be less sweet. 

Salmon-rice porridge with mixed veggies & miso soup 

Taiwanese cuisine has an option for everyone! What makes the food unique is the multicultural influences from all over the world that reflect its history in its dishes. If you get the chance to try any Taiwanese dishes, you won’t be disappointed. 

Sound yummy? Explore CIEE's high school summer abroad programs in Taiwan and consider applying for Summer 2027!