Taipei Street Food Guide: Snacks to Try and Skip

The Ultimate Taipei Snack Guide: What to Eat and What to Skip

It is no secret that Taipei is a paradise for food lovers. During my recent trip, I found myself constantly eating my way through the city's vibrant streets.

While I have already shared my favorite sit-down restaurants in a previous post, this guide is dedicated entirely to the quick bites, street food stalls, and casual snacks that keep you fueled while exploring Taipei.

Here is my honest, unfiltered review of the popular snacks I tried, from the absolute must-haves to the ones you can probably skip.

1. Douhua (Taiwanese Tofu Pudding)

Douhua is a traditional Taiwanese dessert made of incredibly silky, soft tofu pudding. Rather than being sold by mobile street carts, you will usually find it in cozy, small dessert shops.

The base is incredibly light and unsweetened, but it is typically served in a pool of sweet brown sugar syrup and loaded with toppings like chewy tapioca pearls, soft peanuts, red bean, or taro balls.

I absolutely loved that it wasn't overly sweet. If you appreciate the delicate texture of soft tofu, this is a fantastic, refreshing dessert. Every shop seems to have its own unique twist on the recipe, making it fun to try in different neighborhoods.

2. Hohomi Pineapple Bun (Soboro Bun with Butter)

Hohomi is a highly popular local chain famous for its hot, freshly baked pineapple buns (also known as Soboro buns). This is a sweet, crusty bun sliced open with a thick slab of cold butter melted right inside.

It is a simple, satisfying snack. Interestingly, the menu allows you to choose your specific type of butter, which is a neat touch for dairy enthusiasts.

While the presentation is incredibly basic, the contrast of the warm, sweet, crunchy bun against the cold, salty butter is delicious. It might not be a groundbreaking culinary masterpiece, but it is definitely worth grabbing if you walk past one.

3. Local Takeout Tea Chains (KEBUKE & 50 Lan)

KEBUKE (크어부크어)

One of my absolute favorite things about traveling in Taipei is the abundance of takeout tea shops. They are on literally every corner, representing dozens of different local brands.

I do not have a huge sweet tooth, so I usually stuck to classic, unsweetened iced teas. Sipping on a crisp, cold oolong tea while wandering the humid streets of Taipei was pure bliss. I found myself buying at least two or three cups a day!

Just like at global bubble tea chains, you can fully customize your drink's sweetness and ice levels. The menus are massive, ranging from premium black teas to fruit-infused brews.

The iconic 50 Lan (Wushilan)

Pro-Tip: Because of the massive takeout culture, you will see locals carrying their drinks in reusable fabric cup holders. I highly recommend buying one of these canvas drink sleeves at a local market or souvenir shop as soon as you arrive! It makes carrying your iced tea incredibly convenient. You can even find cute, stylish ones at Starbucks locations across Taiwan.

4. Jipai (Giant Taiwanese Fried Chicken)

Jipai is Taiwan’s legendary, oversized fried chicken cutlet. My husband is a massive fried chicken fan, so we headed to a popular local spot near our hotel to grab one.

The chicken is pounded thin, heavily battered, fried to a perfect golden crisp, and dusted with a generous amount of pepper, salt, and five-spice powder.

Even ordering just one, the size is absolutely massive—easily larger than your hand! It is incredibly savory, juicy, and satisfying. It is a crowd-pleasing classic that you are guaranteed to love.

5. Congzhua Bing (Scallion Pancake)

Congzhua Bing is a flaky, layered scallion pancake that is a staple of Taiwanese street food. The most famous spot is Tianjin Flaky Scallion Pancake on Yongkang Street, where you will almost always find a massive queue.

The dough is fluffed up while frying on the griddle, giving it a crispy exterior and a wonderfully chewy, pull-apart interior.

You can order it plain or customize it with add-ons like fried egg, cheese, basil, or ham. We grabbed ours and ate it in a nearby park. It is a decent, hearty snack when you are feeling peckish.

However, to be completely honest... if the line is wrapping around the block, I don’t think it is worth waiting more than 15 minutes for.

The Final Verdict: What to Prioritize

• Takeout Teas: A must-try! Grab a cup carrier and try different local tea brands daily.
• Douhua: Highly recommended. It's a unique, lightly sweet, and refreshing treat you won't find quite like this elsewhere.
• Jipai: Excellent. Perfect for a late-night snack paired with a cold Taiwanese beer.
• Congzhua Bing: Honestly, my least favorite of the bunch. It is good, but definitely overhyped if you have to stand in a massive line.