Taipei food tour
Between the morning pulse of Yongkang and the seasoned kitchens of Ximending, lies the unedited flavours of Taiwan, the 'Beautiful Island'. We're here to show you why the spirit of 'Formosa' lives in the flavours of its street-side eateries.
Recently dubbed one of the coolest streets in Asia by Time Out, we begin at vibrant Yongkang Street, ground zero of Taipeiβs deliriously good food. Kicking off at a Michelin-rated dian xin joint to witness the art of the fold, with the holy trinity of dim sum: xiΗo lΓ³ng bΔo pork soup dumplings that burst with broth, juicy xiΔ shΔomΓ i prawn siew mai, and the golden crunch of a mantou bun.
Witness the mesmerising swirl of Taiwanese flaky scallion pancakes at a street-side stand, and then a Tainan eatery for chewy glutinous meatballs, and sharp jiΔng zhΔ« fΔn qiΓ© tomatoes with ginger sauce, a strange Southern specialty that defies expectations. With 12+ tastings amongst more surprises along the way, you're in safe hands with our seasoned foodie guide.
Hop onto the MRT subway to emerge into the buzz of Ximending district, diving into a bag of basil-infused Taiwanese popcorn chicken. Venture to a Michelin-rated venue where the noodles are hand-pulled in the back kitchen, beelining straight for niΓΊ rΓ²u miΓ n beef noodle soup, with a broth that's a closely guarded secret by the family owners.
Track down the local masters of Γ΄-Γ‘-tsian omelet, where gooey starch and briny oysters meet the intense sear of a flat-top grill. Cool off with xiΔncΗo dΓ²uhuΔ herbal tofu pudding, a silky, wobbling classic of the Taiwanese dessert world. Our food-hopping crawl is a rite of passage into the local art of bΗo dΗo - a mission that ends only when you're full-bellied.
Why this tour is awesome
Beyond the guidebooks lies a version of Taipei defined by the steam of a dumpling basket and the clattering of pots in its historic alleyway kitchens. From the hipster lanes of Yongkang to the subcultural grit of Ximending, taste the two faces of Taipei during an epic daytime food tour.
We bridge the gap between Yongkang's modern appetite and Ximendingβs refined legacy, to show you how the appetite of 'Formosa' uncovers Taipeiβs lunchtime obsession of xiao chi street eats.
Witness the art of the fold
Steaming towers of dim sum stacks
Hand-made noodles in the back kitchens
Tender beef in niu rou mian noodle soup
The buzzing Yongkang Street
Refresh the palate with a beverage you've probably never tried before
Flaky scallion pancake, Taiwan's quintessential street food
Curious to try new foods at a Tainan eatery, from the old food capital
Take photos at the octagonal Red House in Ximen
Taiwanese popcorn chicken, dangerously addictive
Street food heroes perfecting their craft for decades
The bustling energy of Ximending district
Spoon dive into tofu herbal pudding
Includes
- Price US $55 per person
- Tastings 12+ food tastings included, more than any other Taipei food tour
- Drinks Bottled water included
- Transport / Walking Walking tour with 6-7 stops
- Small group tour Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Start Time 10:45AM
- Duration Around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the pace of the group
- Child Policy Children aged 3-12 years: 50% discount. Infants 0-2 years: free
- Guide Led by one of our superb Taipei food hosts
- Instant Confirmation Book instantly on our live calendar. If your date is unavailable, please contact us
- Cancellation policy Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Language English
- Pick up / Drop off Not included. Easy to find meeting point for all guests
Dietary information
- General Advice Many streetside vendors specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Meat and seafood are used in 4-5 tastings with limited alternatives available
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and eggs are used in over half the tastings
- Pescatarian Possible, though meat is used in 4-5 tastings, with limited alternatives available
- Pork Possible, pork is used in only 1-2 tastings. Unsuitable for halal diets.
- Halal Non-halal meats are used in 5-6 tastings. Unsuitable as few vendors hold halal certification.
- Gluten Intolerance / Celiac Disease Possible, though gluten is used in 3-4 tastings, and soy sauce in more tastings. Unsuitable for celiacs.
- Lactose Intolerance Lactose is not typically used in any of the tastings
- Peanuts / Tree nut allergy Peanuts or tree nuts are not typically used in the tastings. Possible for mild allergies only, as always risk of traces.
- Seafood / Shellfish Possible for mild allergies, though seafood is used in 2-3 tastings with limited alternatives
- Severe Allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join our Taipei lunchtime food tour, use the live booking calendar to select your date and secure your tour. If the date is unavailable, or for special requests and private bookings, pleaseΒ contact us. Safety and comfort of guests is our first priority, so if you have any questions on dietary information or food allergies, pleaseΒ contact usΒ before booking.
What to expect
This tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food locals eat. Itβs a walking tour, but the pace is gentle, the terrain flat and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way. Join us on the best Taipei food tour in the city, you won't regret it.
Meeting point
This Taipei food tour starts from Exit 5 of Dongmen Metro Station.Β It's easily reachable by metro train, taxi or walking.Β At the end of the experience, your guide can help you find transport back if you wish. More details will be sent upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps