Taipei has an endless amount of amazing street food options. In general the Taiwanese people are very friendly and welcoming. Even if you don’t speak the language you can easily get by with pointing and holding up fingers to get what you need. The best way to experience the full variety of options is to hit up the night markets, but there are thousands of options available at all hours of the day if you get out and walk around. The morning street markets are also a great option to try out some of the local fruits and misc grocery items.
Xiao Long Bao
Don’t ask any questions, just order these whenever you see them. Amazing sacks of juicy goodness perfect for any time of day or any weather. You can get these all over China, specifically known in Shanghai, but in Taipei they are plentiful and delicious. Do yourself a favor…
Grilled Octopus Stick
Exactly as advertised. Octopus the spins on a skewer over charcoal. Not for me. I usually love grilled Octopus of the Mediterranean/ Spanish/ Latin American variety, but this was chewy, fishy and tasted old. Maybe I didn’t get the good pick or something but it seemed like the octopus itself wasn’t tenderized before gilling which is highly suspect and confusing, but again, maybe it’s just me.
Stinky Tofu and Blood Cake Soup
Okay, everybody has an opinion about the stinky Tofu here. Not really my cup of tea. The Duck Blood soup variety is actually better though as odd as that may sound. You can also find the blood soup flavoring in the hot pot (Taiwanese specialty) and it’s actually amazing. If you are from the USA or parts of Europe this flavor may seem odd at first but get over yourself and enjoy it.
Taiwanese Scallion Pancake Beef Rolls
So good. Roti like pancake wrap with steak, scallions, and chili inside. Salty, spicy, and slightly sweet. These things are highly addictive!
Noodles/ Soups
Taipei is known for Beef noodle soup. On the street and in the markets there are many varieties of soups and noodles, not sure what the name of the one one pictured here but it was amazing. Big chinks of spicy stewed beef/ tender noodles. Hot as fuck sauce not pictured here but on the table (so good if you love spicy things). If you can smell whatever is cooking while walking by, and it smells good give it a try. I didn’t have any bad experiences with food during my stay. That’s not to say you can’t get sick, just use your best judgement and you will be fine.
Grilled King Mushrooms
Exactly as advertised. Giant grilled mushrooms brushed with spicy barbecue sauce like substance. Get involved.
Not sure exactly what’s happening here but something is getting fried to hell!
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