Taiwan may be small, but its food scene is anything but. From sizzling night markets to tucked-away noodle shops, every bite has a story to tell. On a recent trip to Kaohsiung and Taipei with my mom, we weren’t trying to be food bloggers—we just love to eat! And honestly, we enjoyed almost everything we tried. Maybe it’s the subtle similarities between Vietnamese and Taiwanese flavors that made it all feel a bit like home. Here’s a look at what we ate (and absolutely loved), plus a few tips if you’re thinking of letting your tastebuds lead the way through Taiwan.
✈️ First Stop: Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 (Arrival Hall)
Before even getting out of the airport, we grabbed a quick bite at the Terminal 1 Arrival Food Court – Taoyuan International Airport (Terminal 1)
📍 No. 9, Hangzhan S Rd, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City
After my mom and I landed in Taoyuan, we had a few hours to kill before catching our train to Kaohsiung—and we were starving. Luckily, the Arrival Food Court in Terminal 1 came through. It’s not fancy, but it offers a solid selection of Taiwanese staples like beef noodle soup, bento boxes, and bubble tea, all at very reasonable prices (especially for an airport!).
We ordered a beef noodle soup and a fish glass noodle soup—both warm, flavorful, and satisfying after a long flight. It wasn’t the best meal of the trip, but it definitely hit the spot and gave us a comforting welcome to Taiwan. A great quick stop if you’re hungry and hanging around the airport.
🛵 Kaohsiung: Street Eats & Hidden Gems
1. Liuhe Night Market 六合夜市
Liuhe Night Market – Kaohsiung
📍 Liuhe 2nd Rd, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
This is where our trip really kicked off. My mom and I checked into Liu He Siu Hotel, which is conveniently located right at Liuhe Night Market—literally steps away from the action. As soon as we dropped off our bags, we headed straight out to explore, following the sounds, smells, and colorful lights.
The energy was contagious. The street was buzzing with sizzling grills, neon signs, locals grabbing dinner, and vendors calling out their specialties. We slowly ate our way through the market, and a few bites stood out:
- Fish noodle soup (魚麵) – These handmade noodles had a chewy, bouncy texture and were served in a light, flavorful broth. Simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
- Grilled octopus – Charred just enough for that smoky flavor, and glazed with a sticky, sweet soy sauce. So addictive.
- Grilled crab – Messy, juicy, smoky perfection. We stood on the side of the street, cracking shells and licking our fingers. No regrets.
The whole market had that perfect blend of chaos and charm—hawkers shouting prices, scooters weaving through the crowd, and that unmistakable night market scent of grilled meats, seafood, and sweet desserts. Staying right next door made it easy to go back for seconds.
2. Lao Jiang Milk Tea 老江紅茶牛奶
📍 No. 169, Liuhe 2nd Rd, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City
This spot became our go-to real fast. Just a short walk from our hotel, Lao Jiang Milk Tea is a Kaohsiung institution—classic, no-frills, and so good we came back three times.
They’re known for their milk tea, which is creamy and rich without being overly sweet. On hot mornings, we loved ordering it over shaved ice—so refreshing and just the right energy boost before exploring the city.
But what really kept us coming back was the food. Their breakfast sandwiches were incredible—soft toast filled with ham or pork floss and a perfectly cooked runny egg yolk that dripped with every bite. Total comfort food. And the omelet with tuna? Surprisingly delicious—fluffy, savory, and perfectly seasoned. Simple, but done so well.
Lao Jiang gave us that comforting, old-school vibe—always bustling with locals, no fuss, just reliable flavors that made us feel right at home.
3. Three Generation Spring Rolls 三代春捲
📍 No. 129, Ziqiang 3rd Rd, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City (Near Formosa Station, Kaohsiung)
This tiny, no-frills stall may not look like much, but it’s a local legend—and now we totally get why. Three Generation Spring Rolls (三代春捲) has been delighting locals for decades, and once you try one, you’ll wish you grabbed two.
The spring rolls are made fresh right in front of you, tightly wrapped and bursting with flavor. Each roll is packed with shredded veggies, savory meat floss, and crunchy ground peanuts, all wrapped in a soft yet slightly chewy rice wrapper. The mix of textures is what makes it so addictive—crunchy, creamy, nutty, and fresh in every bite.
We loved how quick and casual the experience was. The owners are super friendly and efficient—you’ll be in and out in a minute or two, spring roll in hand. And the best part? The prices are incredibly cheap, especially for something this tasty and handmade.
If you’re near Formosa Station, this spot is a must-try for an authentic, budget-friendly snack. This is the kind of street food you’ll crave again the next day.
4. 大圓環鴨肉麵 (Da Yuan Huan Duck Noodles)
📍 No. 1, Zhongshanheng Rd, Sinsing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800
We found this noodle shop almost by chance—right beside the famous Three Generation Spring Rolls stall. Seeing so many locals eating there was a good sign, so we decided to give it a try.
It’s not a flashy spot or tourist hotspot, just a humble, authentic local restaurant. We ordered the duck noodle soup and the meatball noodle soup—both were fantastic. The duck noodle had a rich, comforting broth with tender, flavorful duck meat that fell apart perfectly. The meatball noodles were hearty and satisfying, with bouncy, juicy meatballs that packed a flavorful punch. The noodles had just the right chewiness to balance everything.
It was exactly the kind of simple, satisfying meal you want after a day of exploring Kaohsiung. Plus, the prices were very reasonable, making it a perfect local find right next to the spring roll stall we loved.
🏙️ Taipei: Classic Flavors in the Capital
1. Ximen Noodle 西門麵店
📍 No. 10, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City
While wandering through the lively streets of Ximending, we stumbled upon this incredibly popular noodle shop—boasting a high rating and over 11,000 reviews on Google. It’s easy to see why this spot is such a local favorite.
We ordered the beef noodle soup and meatball dumplings, and both were absolutely delicious. The beef noodle soup featured a rich, slow-simmered broth full of robust flavor, with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that practically fell apart. The noodles were perfectly chewy, complementing the hearty broth beautifully.
The meatball dumplings were a standout—plump, juicy, and bursting with savory flavor, wrapped in a thin, delicate skin. Each bite was a perfect match to the comforting soup.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for a satisfying meal while exploring vibrant Ximending.
If you’re craving authentic Taiwanese comfort food, this highly-rated spot should be at the top of your list.
2. Tian Tian Li Delicacies 天天利美食坊
📍 No. 32, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Tian Tian Li Delicacies 天天利美食坊 is a beloved local gem nestled in the heart of Ximending at No. 1, Lane 32, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City. This tiny, bustling eatery draws long lines during peak hours, with customers sharing tables in its cozy, no-frills space. We visited on a rainy day and were immediately charmed by the lively, authentic atmosphere. The menu features classic Taiwanese comfort foods, and we especially loved the radish cake—crispy on the outside and tender inside—the hearty rice topped with savory ground pork, and the rich, flavorful oyster omelet packed with fresh oysters and a tangy sauce. Despite the crowd and cramped quarters, the friendly staff kept things moving smoothly, making it a memorable spot to taste genuine Taiwanese flavors away from the tourist trail. If you’re exploring Ximending and craving traditional, satisfying dishes, Tian Tian Li is a must-visit.
3. Mei Guan Yuan 美觀園
📍 No. 36, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Located just steps from the heart of Ximending, Mei Guan Yuan offers a nostalgic, slightly more refined dining experience compared to the fast-paced street food scene nearby. This long-standing restaurant is known for its Japanese-Taiwanese fusion dishes, served in a relaxed, sit-down setting that feels like a step back in time. We ordered the shrimp tempura and pork cutlet rice, both of which were plated beautifully and tasted just as good as they looked. The pork was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, while the tempura was light, golden, and not greasy at all. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a quiet meal, soak in a bit of history, and take a break from the hustle of the night markets.
💬 Final Thoughts
What I love about eating in Taiwan is that it’s not about fancy restaurants — it’s about flavor, tradition, and feeling at home even in a food stall on the side of the road. Every dish had a story, and I’d go back in a heartbeat just to eat it all again.
If you’re headed to Kaohsiung or Taipei, save this list — and definitely go hungry.
Trudy Travels 
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