Taiwan is a tiny island with only 23.57 million people. However, it has a variety of fantastic cuisines, especially noodles. Noodles in Taiwan are based on its rich history and which you absolutely must try. Make sure to put Taiwan in your bucket list, not for its many attractions, but for its noodles!
Wonton Noodles 餛飩麵
Major historical events brought many mainland Chinese people to Taiwan. They also brought with them unique culinary dishes and food culture. For example, wonton noodles originated in the Guangzhou Xiguan area during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. With cultural exchange and migration, wonton noodles gradually spread to Taiwan.
What is wonton? It is a dumpling made with fillings such as pork, shrimp, vegetables, scallions, and ginger. They resemble gyoza but are smaller in size with a thinner wrappers.
Wonton noodles have a rich flavor, with the aroma of pork blending perfectly with the texture of the wonton wrappers and noodles. Paired with a light broth or vinegar, they become even more delicious. Whether served in soup or dry style, they are a mouthwatering delight.
Recommended Restaurant
延陵溫州餛飩: No. 441, Guanghua 2nd Road, Qianzhen District.
Eel Noodles 鱔魚意麵
Eel noodles originated from Tainan and is a local specialty food renowned for their unique flavor and texture. There are two main types: “Dry-fried eel noodles” and “Eel noodle thicken soup.” Both of these dishes have a sweet and sour taste, which matches the sweet preference of people in Tainan.
The ingredients for eel noodles include eel, noodles, onion, lard, garlic, scallions, chili, and vinegar.
Eel is rich in protein and iron, making it a nutritious food that is also considered a health tonic. As for its taste, eel has a soft texture with a slightly sweet flavor and a hint of sourness from vinegar. It also has a rich taste. On the whole, it’s a dish that combines sweetness and sourness, which will definitely satisfy your taste buds.
Recommended Restaurant
進福炒鱔魚: No. 46, Section 1, Fuqian Road, Zhongxi District, Tainan City
Beef Noodles 牛肉麵
Taiwan beef noodle soup combines elements from Sichuan’s doubanjiang, Shanghai’s red-braised cuisine, Cantonese broth, and the pickled vegetables of Eastern Fujian and Southern Fujian. Some variations also include the spiciness of Sichuan, the shallots of Taiwanese cuisine, and the satay sauce of Southeast Asia, among other ingredients.
The noodles have a resilient texture with a satisfying chew, and the meat can be thinly sliced, releasing flavorful broth. The spiciness of the broth can be adjusted to taste, and it is fragrant and delicious. These unique combinations make the Taiwan beef noodles one of the best noodles in the world.
Recommended Restaurant
牛肉英麵館: No. 348, Huimin Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City
Fried-Spanish Mackerel Thick Soup 土魠魚麵
According to Zheng Weizhong, an associate researcher at the Academia Sinica, the “Fried-Spanish Mackerel Tick Soup” started with Portuguese sailors. In modern times, the “Fried-Spanish Mackerel Thick Soup” represents the taste of Southern Taiwan.
The taste of “Fried-Spanish Mackerel Thick Soup” is mellow and sweet, slightly sticky in the mouth, and then the mouth is full of the unique aroma of shiitake mushrooms, black vinegar and the umami of bonito, and when sprinkled with white pepper, the taste is even better.
Recommended Restaurant
海哥土魠魚羹: No. 46, Lane 190, Nanzi New Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City
Authors: Olivia, Tiffany, and Dora.
