Breakfast
Fu Hang Soy Milk
Some people may say this spot is overrated. I wouldn’t want to wait more than an hour for this, and many people do during peak times. They do have excellent sweet soy milk and salty soy milk items, tandoori-style bread, and other favorites.
If you are short on time, I would skip this, but for an authentic traditional Taiwanese breakfast, it’s worth trying. If not, many other delicious breakfast spots will do the job.
Soft Power
For a trendier take on Taiwanese breakfast, this brunch restaurant mixes tradition with a modern, youthful twist.
Lunch and Beyond
A Cheng Goose (dine in)
This place was one of my favorites and highly recommended if you enjoy geese. I came back multiple times. This specialty isn’t easy to find, especially at this level. You can choose from two preparation methods: boiled, salted, or smoked.
You can also choose different parts of the body, from dark and white meat to the front or back; gizzards, liver, and heart are even available.
You order on this sheet of paper to give to them.
You can order a small or larger plate. There is lots of variety and choices for everyone.
Definitely a feast when I am here.
They also have soup, noodle, and rice variations to complement everything.
Come early to get your number so you don’t wait too long in the queue. When they call your number, head inside.
They do have a takeout location across the street if you don’t want to wait to dine in.
Yongkang Beef noodle soup
This is a classic beef noodle soup spot popular with locals and tourists. Lines can be long during peak hours, but they move quickly.
It is a very casual and crowded spot where you order beef noodle soup in two ways, the clear broth or classic soy broth, spicy or non spicy, with extra condiments you can add at the table.
Starbucks Reserve Dream Plaza
This is quite a gorgeous location.
They also have specialty drinks and food only available at this location.
I also cannot resist their tumblers and cups that are exclusive to this location.
Variety of seating areas, but it can get filled up during peak times. Come early for a choice of seats.
Chun Shui Tang
They say this place invented boba milk tea!
They also have great meal options.
One of my favorites is the sesame noodles with a black tea latte with boba.
There are different locations, but one I enjoy is the one in the basement of the National Theater and Concert Hall, within Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
Pick up a number and take a walk around while you wait, or if not too busy, get seated quickly!
I love going after taking a walk around. Not only that, but the hall also now houses one of the best tofu pudding spots.
Sweets
Bai-Shui Tofu Pudding
Even though I am loaded with a full meal plus boba from Chun Shui Tang, I still have to grab a bowl of tofu pudding right next door. This spot does not have boba as a topping, but I LOVE the peanut shaving topping (which you can also order to go as candied bites) and the tea jelly.
The other location near Yong Kong has boba, but honestly, I don’t miss it because the two jellies are so good, plus the added brown sugar you can drizzle on top if you desire it to be sweeter.
I went to both because after Chun Shui Tang, I grabbed it once, and then after Yong Kong Beef Noodle Soup, I walked a little bit and then came to this location!
Bar seating.
I came back multiple times and even grabbed a nice to-go box for relatives on the way home, and they loved it too.
Upgraded to a reusable takeout container.
Famous for their pineapple cakes, wife cake, and sun cakes.
People bring carts to buy many! The first guy of the day is ready to get as many as he can!
They have other bakery items, but their wife cakes sell out fast!
They make a limited amount each day, and we need to get in line before they open to have a chance to buy them.
Another line for checkout.
Indulgent Buffets
The buffets in Taiwan are on another level. Everything is delicious, full of variety, and reasonably priced for everything you get. The popular ones might be harder to book, so reservations are recommended. It is still on my list to visit some of these:
There are more must-eats that I didn’t even get to here, but these are some ideas to help jump-start your food adventure.