Tainan: A Culinary Paradise in Taiwan
Tainan, with its rich history and culture, is often celebrated as the food capital of Taiwan. This vibrant city is not only the oldest in the country but also a hotspot for culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Visitors often find themselves in a delightful dilemma, as the variety of dishes available is both extensive and tantalizing. When you ask the locals for recommendations, you’ll receive countless suggestions, each highlighting their personal favorites. This guide will take you through some of the most iconic dishes you must try when visiting Tainan.
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1. Tainan Beef Soup: A Breakfast Staple
In Tainan, beef soup is a beloved breakfast option that stands out from the more commonly known braised beef noodles found throughout Taiwan. Tainan’s version is characterized by sliced beef served in a lighter broth, making it a refreshing start to the day.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of dining at Six Thousand Beef Soup (六千牛肉湯), a cozy restaurant with a few tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, a common scene in Tainan. This place is well-known, and while weekends might see long queues, my visit on a Friday morning at 9:30 am was blissfully queue-free.
A small bowl of beef soup costs NT$120, and you can choose to enjoy it on its own or with a bowl of rice. Don’t forget to dip the tender beef slices in their special sweet sauce, accompanied by thinly sliced ginger, for an extra burst of flavor.
Where to Eat Beef Soup in Tainan
- Six Thousand Beef Soup (六千牛肉湯)
- A-Tang Beef Soup (阿堂牛肉湯)
2. Migao: Tainan’s Sticky Rice Pork Delight
Migao, a traditional specialty from Tainan, is a dish deeply rooted in the city’s culture. Made from glutinous rice flour and topped with slow-cooked pork, this dish provides a unique, chewy texture that is utterly delightful.
I visited Nuo Fu Migao (糯福米糕), a recommendation from a local friend. The shop’s location surprised me as it is nestled within the courtyard of a temple. The seating is limited, with only a few chairs and standing tables available. After placing my order, I waited at one of the standing tables, unsure if I was in the right spot.
This migao, priced at NT$45, features melt-in-your-mouth pork bits atop a bowl of glutinous rice that, despite its appearance, is not slimy but rather a comforting treat. I regretted not ordering a second bowl, as this was one of the most memorable dishes I had in Tainan.
Where to Eat Migao in Tainan
- Nuo Fu Migao (糯福米糕)
- Bao An Lu Migao (保安路米糕)
- Lo Cheng Migao (羅城米糕)
3. Eel Noodles: A Sweet and Savory Classic
Eel noodles are another Tainan classic, known for their sweet and savory flavor profile. While this dish can now be found throughout Taiwan, Tainan’s version is unique, featuring two types: a “soupy” version with thick gravy and a “dry” version that consists of fried eel and noodles.
I opted for the dry type at De Xing Eel Noodles (德興鰻魚麵). Admittedly, the presentation was less than appetizing at first glance, as the eel’s appearance reminded me of bugs. However, I set aside my initial hesitations and dove in, drawn by my love for eel from my travels in Japan.
The flavor was a delightful mix of sweetness and savory “wok hei,” and I finished my plate in under five minutes! A small dish of fried eel noodles costs NT$130.
Where to Eat Eel Noodles in Tainan
- A-Jiang Eel Noodles (阿江鰻魚麵)
- De Xing Eel Noodles (德興鰻魚麵)
4. Leng Tih Tong Fried Cookies: A Nostalgic Treat
My introduction to Leng Tih Tong cookies came from my stay at the Retro Tai-pan hotel, where I found a packet of these treats waiting for me. The retro packaging intrigued me, leading me to discover that these egg cookies have been a local favorite since the Japanese occupation era.
Despite their name, the cookies do not taste overtly of eggs. They use eggs as a key ingredient, a nod to their historical significance when eggs were a luxury. The first bite transported me back to my childhood, as they taste remarkably similar to the fortune cookies I enjoyed in Chinese-American restaurants in Los Angeles.
Where to Eat Leng Tih Tong Cookies
- Leng Tih Tong (冷帝通) on Chung Ann Street
5. Coffin Bread: A Unique Snack
Coffin bread offers an amusing twist on traditional snacks. This deep-fried white bread is hollowed out and filled with creamy soup, resembling a rectangular bread bowl. The name playfully evokes dark humor among the Tainanese, as the bread’s shape resembles a coffin.
While the bread itself is tasty, I wouldn’t go out of my way to seek it out unless I stumbled upon it during my explorations.
Where to Eat Coffin Bread in Tainan
- Anping Old Street Market
- Garden Night Market
6. Pork Lard Rice with Raw Egg Yolk: A Comforting Delight
Pork lard rice topped with raw egg yolk quickly became one of my favorite dishes in Tainan. The name may sound unappealing, but the flavor is simply divine.
I tried this dish at Ding Fu Fa, a charming eatery designed to resemble a retro classroom. To order, I simply marked my choices on an English menu and paid at the cashier. The dish consists of a bowl of rice topped with rich pork fat, a raw egg yolk, and crispy fried shallots. The best way to enjoy it is to mix everything together and savor the comforting flavors.
The richness of the pork lard and the creaminess of the egg yolk create a delightful combination, enhanced by the crunch of the shallots. For NT$45, this small bowl of comfort food is an absolute must-try. If you’re not a fan of raw egg yolks, you can opt for sunny-side-up fried eggs instead.
Where to Eat Pork Lard Rice in Tainan
- Ding Fu Fa – Located in a small alley in the West Central district, don’t hesitate to ask for the English menu!
7. Muahchee Fritters: A Sweet Street-side Delight
One of my favorite street snacks in Tainan is muahchee fritters. These delightful treats consist of mochi (rice cake) that is battered, deep-fried, and then rolled in fine white sugar. Despite their simplicity, they are incredibly delicious and addictively satisfying.
Where to Eat Muahchee Fritters in Tainan
- Linjia White Sugar Cakes (林家白糖糕) – Conveniently located in the West District, this stall serves the best muahchee fritters along with other fried snacks.
In conclusion, my culinary adventure in Tainan was a feast for the senses, filled with unforgettable flavors and unique dishes that reflect the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, Tainan offers an abundance of gastronomic delights that are sure to satisfy your palate. I hope this guide serves as a valuable resource for your culinary explorations in Tainan. Feel free to leave any comments or questions below—I’d love to hear about your experiences!