What is Taiwanese Breakfast and Where to Eat It Like a Local
Taiwanese breakfast is an essential part of daily life and an important side of the island’s vibrant culinary identity. Rooted in both tradition and innovation, it brings together flavors and ingredients from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, often with a distinctly local twist.
Soy Milk and Youtiao (Doujiang & Youtiao)
Fresh soy milk (doujiang) is a staple at nearly every Taiwanese breakfast shop. It can be served hot or cold, sweet or savory. Accompanying it is often youtiao, a golden, deep-fried cruller with a crisp exterior and airy interior.
Where to try it: Yonghe Soy Milk King (Yonghe Doujiang Da Wang) in Taipei is renowned for its traditional preparation and round-the-clock service.
Dan Bing (Egg Crepe)
Dan bing is a thin, chewy wheat flour crepe filled with scrambled eggs and often layered with ingredients like cheese, ham, basil, or corn. It is then rolled and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Where to try it: Fu Hang Soy Milk in Taipei offers a thicker, crispier version popular among locals and visitors alike.
Shaobing (Baked Flatbread)
Shaobing is a layered, sesame-coated flatbread that can be enjoyed sweet or savory. It is often stuffed with fillings such as egg, beef, or youtiao.
Where to try it: Jin Feng Shaobing in Taichung is a long-standing favorite known for both traditional and inventive variations.
Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)
While typically eaten later in the day, some traditional breakfast shops offer lu rou fan, a bowl of steamed rice topped with savory, slow-cooked minced pork. In rural or older neighborhoods, this heavier breakfast is still commonly enjoyed, especially by early risers.
Where to try it: Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei is a top destination for this classic dish.
Fan Tuan (Rice Roll)
Fan tuan is a glutinous rice roll filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork floss, pickled mustard greens, egg, and youtiao.
Where to try it: LoCo Food in Taipei offers modern takes on fan tuan while preserving the traditional recipes.
Douhua (Tofu Pudding)
A light and subtly sweet option, douhua is a soft tofu dessert often served with syrup, peanuts, or red beans. While it can be eaten throughout the day, many locals enjoy it in the morning as a refreshing contrast to heavier foods.
Where to try it: Shuanglian Market in Taipei has multiple vendors offering freshly made douhua, ideal for an early start.
Taiwanese breakfast is deeply tied to the island’s culture, shaped by generations of culinary practice. It is best experienced on the streets and for travelers, seeking out these morning rituals offers not only a memorable meal but an authentic glimpse into daily life in Taiwan.