Taipei Eats

Taipei Eats is a specialist food tour company founded in early 2015 by Mike Lee and Tina Fong, two food lovers who wanted to show visitors the dishes that locals actually eat. More than a decade on, it remains a good choice for travellers who want to understand Taiwanese food rather than simply sample it, and its guides help you navigate menus, stalls and etiquette that can be confusing on a first visit.

The company runs three main tours. Its original walk, named the Iconic Food Tour, focuses on the Taiwanese dishes that define the city's food scene today; it lasts around four hours and includes more than ten tastings. The Old School Food Tour takes you through a district rich in cultural and architectural history, with over twelve tastings in about three and a half hours, and its booking page points to the historic Dadaocheng area, home to Dihua Street and the city's old tea trade. The Taipei Night Market Tour, billed as the local foodie's night market, is a shorter outing of around two and a half hours with six or seven tastings.

Prices are published on the website for each tour, and they cover the tastings, so it is worth arriving hungry and skipping a big meal beforehand. The longer tours make a substantial meal in themselves. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, contact the company before booking, as Taiwanese street food often includes pork, seafood, peanuts and soy, and some dishes are difficult to adapt.

The tours suit first-time visitors, couples and solo travellers who want company, and families with children who are adventurous eaters. Taking a food tour early in your trip is a smart move: you will learn what to order and how to order it, which makes it far easier to explore night markets such as Raohe Street and Shilin, or noodle and rice shops such as Lao Shan Dong and Huang Chi, on your own afterwards.

Meeting points and departure times are confirmed through the booking system on the website, so check your confirmation before you set out. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and a small umbrella, and be prepared for heat and crowds, particularly on the night market tour. Bring a little cash too, in case you want to buy more of something you enjoyed once the tour ends.