When you think of Taiwan, what is the first thing you think of? For some, it may be the celebrities but for the rest of us, it’s definitely the street food.
If you were one of the lucky ones who have been to this land of delicacies, you would have noticed that there’s mouth-watering grub to be found at almost every street corner. And the Taiwanese are super nice and friendly so your food adventure usually starts at one store and ends with a number of recommendations from the various store owners you have visited.
So if your next run takes you to Taiwan, make sure you try these local delicacies out.
#1 Extra Large Fried Chicken Cutlet
Photo Credits: Taiwan Travel Blog
Singaporeans are blessed that we are able to get this awesome, crispy snack locally at either Shihlin or Hot Star. Yes, we now have Hot Star in Singapore too for those who are wondering. While we have to satisfy our cutlet cravings in an air-conditioned shopping mall, having the original in Taiwan on a cold winter’s day is heaven. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this is one snack you cannot go without when you are there! And oh, the ones in Taiwan have a bone-in so, don’t say you weren’t warned.
#2 Braised Pork Rice
Photo Credits: Bear Naked Food
The Taiwanese really perfected the art of making this dish one of its national dishes. For those who have never tried this, you have to. Imagine juicy, stewed pork braised to perfection on top of piping hot white rice, slathered with savoury sauce that was used to cook the meat for hours. Some roadside stalls serve them in tiny portions so you can eat as many as you like to fill your tummy.
#3 Oyster Omelette
Photo Credits: Serious Eats
If you are expecting to have the exact same type in Taiwan as the ones in Singapore, then you may be in for a sweet surprise, literally. The oyster omelette in Taiwan is slightly different in that it is chewier because there is more sweet potato starch added (my favourite!). And, get this; it is drenched in a thick chili sauce that is more sweet than spicy. Super yummy and sinful but worth all the calories! Just run it off I always say.
#4 Oyster Mee Sua
Photo Credits: Vkeong
Another dish that is highly sought after by tourists in Taiwan. While some claim that this dish is nothing to call home about, it is undoubtedly one that many locals and foreigners still turn to to warm their tummies on a cold day. Usually filled with fresh oysters and mee sua doused in a sticky, thick gravy, you will find this in most locations throughout Taiwan.
#5 Snowflake Ice
Photo Credits: Snowflake
The name of this dessert says it all. Sweet and cool, it is the favourite dessert of many a Taiwanese lady because many claim that it is healthy due to its generous serving of fruits like mango on top of a heap of flavoured ice that is as soft as snow. This cool, sweet dish is awesome especially if the weather is sweltering or if you just need something to cool down after your run. And you don’t have to worry about not being able to find it. Almost every café in Taiwan serves this awesome dessert.
