A Culinary Journey in Taipei — Local Recommendations for Must-Try Restaurants and Dishes

From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.

Taipei is a city renowned for its rich culinary culture. Here, I introduce the favorite local eateries and their recommended dishes.

Overview

Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐): A world-famous dim sum restaurant, known for its signature dish, 'Xiao Long Bao'.
Night Market Exploration: Enjoy a variety of street foods at 'Shilin Night Market' and 'Raohe Street Night Market'.
Local Recommended Restaurants: There are many places specializing in 'Beef Noodle Soup' and 'Mala Hotpot'.

Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)

Din Tai Fung is a globally recognized dim sum restaurant established in 1958, with its Taipei branch famous for 'Xiao Long Bao'.

Signature Dish: Xiao Long Bao (小籠包) - As of 2026, a serving of 8 pieces costs about 200 NT$.
Location: 194 Xinyi Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City (台北市中山區信義路194號)
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Reservation and Wait Times: During peak hours, wait times can be long, so it's advisable to reserve in advance or visit during less busy times on weekdays.

Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)

One of the largest night markets in Taipei, where you can enjoy a variety of street foods.

Signature Dish: Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) - As of 2026, a serving costs about 100 NT$.
Location: 101 Da'an Road, Shilin District, Taipei City (台北市士林區大安路101號)
Operating Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Tips: It can get crowded in the evening, so it's best to visit early or on weekdays.

Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街夜市)

A favorite among locals, this night market offers a variety of food and shopping options.

Signature Dish: Mala Hotpot (麻辣燙) - As of 2026, a serving costs about 150 NT$.
Location: 41 Raohe Street, Nangang District, Taipei City (台北市南港區饒河街41號)
Operating Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Tips: It can be busy on weekends, so visiting on weekdays is recommended.

Beef Noodle Soup Restaurants

Taipei has many restaurants specializing in beef noodle soup.

Signature Dish: Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵) - As of 2026, a serving costs about 120 NT$.
Location: 123 Xinyi Road, Da'an District, Taipei City (台北市大安區信義路123號)
Operating Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Tips: It can get busy during lunch hours, so arriving early is a good idea.

Mala Hotpot Restaurants

There are also many restaurants specializing in mala hotpot.

Signature Dish: Mala Hotpot (麻辣燙) - As of 2026, a serving costs about 150 NT$.
Location: 45 Minquan Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City (台北市中山區民權路45號)
Operating Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Tips: Highly recommended for those who enjoy spicy food.

Where to Stay

Taipei offers a variety of accommodation options.

Hotel Recommendation: Taipei Garden Hotel (台北凱達大飯店)
- Location: 1-1, Section 1, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City (台北市中山區中山北路1段1號)
- Features: Conveniently located near the main station with various amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to use cash in Taipei?

A. Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but some small stores or night markets may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some on hand.

Q. How do I use public transportation in Taipei?

A. The Taipei MRT (subway) has English signage, making it easy to navigate. Using an 'EasyCard' (悠遊卡), similar to T-money, allows you to use both buses and the subway.

Q. Is there a tipping culture in Taipei?

A. Tipping is not customary in Taipei.