TOP 5 TAIWANESE DISHES (Our Cycling Taiwan Best Dishes Selection)

When visiting a new country it can be hard to decide where to start experiencing it. With so many new things it can be overwhelming to choose what food to eat, which activities to do and when to do them. Today we´re going to help prepare you for when the time of visiting Taiwan comes around by listing the Top 5 Taiwanese dishes that you definitely have to try when visiting.

You can participate in activities, you can go sightseeing but eating the local cuisine is the most authentic way to truly get immersed in a new culture.

TOP 5 - Dan Bing

These are thin crepes cooked over large, circular pans that give them a unique appearance. They are often covered with a layer of eggs that get cooked at the same time as the crepe and you can then ask for certain fillings depending on the stand (bacon, sausage, meat, different vegetables, and sauces). It is usually eaten for breakfast but with the right combination of fillings, it can be hearty enough for lunch. It ranks number 5 because the flavors may be authentic but the whole dish can feel a little western-like.

TOP 4 - Fan Tuan & Steamed Rolls

If you thought that Japan had a monopoly when it came to rice rolls then you might be surprised to see Fan Tuan. These are rolls of glutinous rice containing chicken, pork or beef, herbs, and vegetables. They are dense and hearty but the flavor will surely have you eating more than one. On the other side of rolls you can find Steamed dough rolls, these use a savory batter instead of rice in order to contain the meaty or vegetable goodies inside.

Both are delicious but the first ones fill like a full-on meal while the lighter texture of the latter helps them pass as a snack. They are tied for a reason so you may choose freely or, you know, TRY BOTH!

TOP 3 - Gua Bao

The concept of a Gua Bao can come off as simplistic; it is steamed bread wrapped around pork belly cuts, peanuts, onions, and peppers; but the execution is majestic. The simple dish packs some intense flavor and a lot of textures, from the softness fo the bread, to the crunchiness of the peanuts and greens, the crispiness of the belly and the rich creaminess of the fat. This dish would be the delight of the Top Chef judges if someone dared to cook it; combining texture, flavor, and color it will surely leave you wanting for more.

TOP 2 - Mangrove Crab Porridge

You can´t come to an island and not eat some seafood. While there are many seafood dishes that you will find all around the country; some cooked, some raw, some cured and in different presentations, our recommendation is the Crab Porridge. A not so thick mixture of textures and flavors served hot and with a variety of aromatics depending on where you eat it. The crab meat will be delicious and tender and the porridge can be spicy and invigorating, or mild and comforting, depending on your taste.

The more authentic versions will be those served in stands on small coastal villages, but you can try a restaurant version as well.

TOP 1 - Taiwanese Hot Pot

More than a meal, Taiwanese Hot Pot is an experience. The hot pot is basically a stew that gets cooked right on the table as you talk and share with others. Bowls of spicy or mild broth will be brought over and placed at the center of the table where they will be heated and will begin to boil. Alongside the broth you can ask for many different ingredients that may include things as normal as beef or lamb as well as some exotic choices like snake meat or cow tripe (each restaurant has their own menu).

The idea is to have a community experience as everyone uses the same broth base to cook the different meats and vegetables. You would usually have access to several different sauces that complement the flavor of the boiled meats making them saltier, spicier and more intense.

Take a look at this Youtube video by Off the great wall, where they go over all the important details of eating a nice hot pot.