15 Best Taiwanese Recipes

These Taiwanese recipes truly showcase authentic flavors, from the famous beef noodle soup to flavorful pepper meat buns. Find your favorite from our suggested picks!

Taiwanese cuisine is a tasty and diverse culinary tradition that reflects the island’s history, geography, and cultural influences. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Taiwanese cooking offers a succulent array of dishes that capture the essence of this vibrant culture.

These recipes haven’t just won over the hearts of locals; they’ve also made a splash on the worldwide food stage. To experience the captivating flavors of Taiwanese cooking, we’ve curated a collection of the best Taiwanese recipes–from comforting classics to exciting modern twists.

Top 5 Recipe Picks

• #1 Beef Noodle Soup is quite simple to make, even if you’re new to cooking.
• #6 Gua Bao uses a slow cooker to make the pork belly fall-apart tender. 
• You can easily customize #11 San Bei Ji (Three Cup Chicken) to match your tastes.
• #13 Popiah uses a swipe method to create a soft, chewy wrapper. 
• #15 Hu Jiao Bing (Taiwanese Pepper Meat Bun) has a savory flavor with a hint of spice.

Best Taiwanese Recipes

1. Beef Noodle Soup

The key to this Beef Noodle Soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to brown the beef properly. The browning process adds depth to the soup and helps tenderize the meat.

2. Taiwanese Fried Tofu

From its crispy golden exterior to the tender tofu within, this iconic Taiwanese street food is sure to please. It only requires basic ingredients that are easily accessible and can be prepared in a matter of minutes.

3. Brown Sugar Milk Tea

This Brown Sugar Milk Tea recipe uses a slow-cooking method to make the brown sugar syrup, which results in a richer, more complex flavor. Feel free to adjust the sweet flavor and strength of the syrup to your preference.

4. Oyster Omelette

This recipe highlights the blend of fresh oysters, eggs, and crisp vegetables. It’s crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor.

5. Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanese Pork Rice Bowl)

This famous Taiwanese dish is made with a soft pork belly cooked in tasty spices and soy sauce and served on top of fluffy rice. The secret ingredient is the soy sauce gravy, which has the perfect balance of sweet, briny, and umami flavors.

6. Gua Bao (Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns)

These fluffy steamed buns are filled with tender braised pork belly, pickled mustard, greens, cilantro, and peanuts. Make sure to braise the meat for a long enough time to it’s tender and falling apart.

7. Dan Bing (Taiwanese Green Onion Egg Pancake)

This savory Taiwanese food features a thin crepe of eggs and scallions, cooked until golden brown and then rolled up. Serve plain or with various filling, like meat, cheese, or veggies.

8. Taiwanese Fried Chicken

This delectable dish is known for its irresistibly crispy exterior and juicy tenderness within. The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with a sweet, savory, spicy flavor.

9. Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts (Shortcakes)

These tarts use real pineapple chunks in the filling, which gives them a more intense pineapple flavor than those made with pineapple essence or winter melon. They’re also baked until the crust is golden brown.

10. Bào Bīng (Taiwanese Shaved Ice Treat)

This refreshing treat layers finely shaved ice, sweet toppings, and condensed milk. It’s similar to a snow cone but way fancier, with different yummy toppings and flavors.

11. San Bei Ji (Three Cup Chicken)

This Taiwanese dish gets its name from the three main ingredients in its sauce. The chicken is cooked until tender, and the sauce is reduced to a thick, luscious glaze.

12. You Fan (Taiwanese Sticky Rice)

This Taiwanese Sticky Rice has a complex and savory flavor, blending umami, salt, sweet, and smoky notes. The highlight is the combination of savory ingredients that are cooked together with the glutinous rice.

13. Popiah (Taiwanese Spring Roll)

Popiah is a versatile dish with a thin, crepe-like wrapper filled with various fresh veggies, meat, and other ingredients. It’s a popular street food in Taiwan and can also be enjoyed as a light meal or snack.

14. Taiwanese Potstickers

Made with a simple filling of ground pork, cabbage, and carrots, these dumplings are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the bottom. The slightly sweet and savory sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

15. Hu Jiao Bing (Taiwanese Pepper Meat Buns)

These buns are baked until golden brown and crispy with savory ground pork filling heavily seasoned with black pepper. Every bite is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside as well.

The bottom line

As Taiwanese cuisine continues to gain international recognition and appreciation, it serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding and connection among people from different parts of the world. 

By exploring the intricacies of Taiwanese cuisine, one embarks on a journey that transcends the palate, delving into the heart of a culture that values community, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing a good meal.