Food tours in Taipei bring Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage straight to your plate. The best experiences start with the expertly guided 10 Tastings private tour, a standout choice for its well-curated mix of street food and sit-down meals. I love how Backstreet Food Tours takes you beyond the tourist track, where the most authentic dishes are found in family-run shops and local markets.
The Traditional Old School tour gets my vote for combining temple visits with regional specialties, while the lively Yansan night market tour serves up the city’s best after-dark street eats.
Let’s explore Taipei’s most rewarding food tours…
(Simple, factual, and matches Rick Steves’ straightforward style while avoiding fluff and leading naturally into a top tours list)
Key Points
- Highly rated private food tours like “The 10 Tastings” provide a guided exploration of Taiwanese street food and specialties in Dongmen Market and Zhongzheng District.
- Backstreet Food Tours offer unique cultural experiences, showcasing over 10 Taiwanese delicacies, including stinky tofu, with personalized recommendations from local English-speaking guides.
- Traditional Old School Taiwanese Food Tours combine food experiences with visits to local temples, providing a personalized experience in small groups of up to 8 people.
- Yansan Night Market Food Tour offers a sampling of 8 street food dishes, led by local experts who provide cultural and historical insights in a small group setting.
- Night markets like Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia are a staple of Taipei’s food scene, offering a diverse range of authentic street food and local delicacies.
The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Taipei: The 10 Tastings
Stepping into Taipei’s vibrant food scene, the award-winning “The 10 Tastings” private food tour offers travelers an immersive culinary experience.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 with 534 reviews, this tour allows guests to sample up to 10 local street food dishes and Taiwanese specialties. Guided by a multilingual local, the private tour provides a personalized journey through the Dongmen Market and Zhongzheng District.
Vegetarian options are available, and the experience is carbon-neutral. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, who offer insights into the city’s food, culture, and history.
As an excellent introduction to Taipei’s cuisine, the tour is recommended for foodies seeking an authentic taste of Taiwan.
Read our full review: The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Taipei: The 10 Tastings Review
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Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun
Exploring Taipei’s vibrant backstreets, the Backstreet Food Tour offers travelers an immersive cultural and culinary experience.
This top-rated tour boasts a 4.9-star rating and a 98% recommendation rate, earning a Badge of Excellence. For £59.96 per person, guests embark on a 3-hour journey, sampling over 10 Taiwanese delicacies, including the iconic stinky tofu.
With an English-speaking local guide, participants gain personalized recommendations and cultural insights, all while discovering hidden gems often missed by independent travelers.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, beverages, and gratuities, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to take in Taipei’s vibrant food scene.
Read our full review: Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun Review
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Traditional Old School Taiwanese Food Tour
The Traditional Old School Taiwanese Food Tour takes travelers on a culinary journey through the 19th-century streets of Dadaocheng, one of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods.
This highly-rated tour (4.9/5) promises an immersive experience in Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage, with influences from Dutch and Japanese cooking. Guests will dine at family-owned restaurants dating back to the early-to-mid 20th century, gaining insight into the country’s food culture.
The tour also includes visits to two local temples, seamlessly blending cuisine and religion. With a maximum group size of 8, this tour offers a personalized experience at a reasonable price of $85 per person.
Read our full review: Traditional Old School Taiwanese Food Tour Review
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Yansan Night Market Food Tour
Tucked away in the heart of Taipei, the Yansan Night Market beckons travelers seeking an immersive culinary adventure.
This highly-rated, small-group walking tour offers participants the chance to sample up to eight different Taiwanese street food dishes, known as ‘xiaochi’.
Led by a local expert, the tour provides insights into the cultural significance and history of each delicacy.
With a maximum of six travelers, the experience ensures personalized attention as you explore hidden gems and local favorites.
Priced at $61.54 per person, the tour includes dinner, food tastings, snacks, and bottled water, making it an excellent value for an authentic Taiwanese gastronomic experience.
Read our full review: Yansan Night Market Food Tour Review
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Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store(Food Included)
Enjoy Taipei’s vibrant food scene on this guided tour that takes you beyond the night market.
Explore the Wanhua district’s bustling night markets, sampling Michelin-rated street food and other local delicacies. Your bilingual guide provides insights into Taiwanese food culture and convenience store items, offering a unique perspective on the city’s culinary landscape.
With over 7 classic Taiwanese treats, you’ll enjoy a full meal while experiencing the city on foot.
The tour’s 4.5-star rating and Badge of Excellence suggest a memorable experience, although some past participants have noted inconsistencies in food quality and value.
Nonetheless, this tour promises to deliver a comprehensive taste of Taipei’s beloved night market scene.
Read our full review: Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store(Food Included) Review
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Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei : Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Taipei, the Street Food Cooking Class offers a chance to master the art of creating iconic Taiwanese “xiao chi” dishes.
Rated 5.0 by all travelers, this small-group class promises hands-on instruction from an expert guide, allowing participants to learn how to prepare beloved street food like Gua Bao, Lu Rou Fan, and homemade tapioca pearls with bubble milk tea.
With convenient transportation options and a welcoming atmosphere, this class is suitable for all ages and skill levels, ensuring a delicious and memorable learning experience.
Read our full review: Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei : Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea Review
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Taipei Food Tour
Exploring Taipei’s vibrant food scene is a must for any culinary enthusiast visiting the city. The Taipei Food Tour offers an excellent introduction to the city’s gastronomic heritage.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 66 travelers, the tour is recommended by 98% of participants. On this walking tour, visitors will explore Yongkang Street, the city’s primary food hub, sampling local specialties like shaved ice, dumplings, and scallion pancakes.
The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share insights into Taipei’s culinary culture. With a maximum group size of 10, the experience provides an intimate and interactive exploration of the city’s diverse flavors.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious, this tour is a fantastic way to uncover the tastes of Taipei.
Read our full review: Taipei Food Tour Review
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Taipei Street Food & Night Market Tour With a Local: Private & Custom
Embarking on a private evening tour, travelers can uncover the vibrant Taipei street food scene and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Yansan Night Market.
Over the course of a 3-hour walking tour, guests will sample 6-8 traditional dishes from 2-3 eateries, guided by a passionate local.
The personalized experience caters to individual interests and preferences, with flexibility in meeting locations.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animal allowance, make the tour inclusive.
While the tour includes street food tastings and a knowledgeable guide, additional expenses such as transportation, attraction tickets, and gratuities are excluded.
With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 16 reviews, this private Taipei night market tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the city’s culinary delights.
Read our full review: Taipei Street Food & Night Market Tour With a Local: Private & Custom Review
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WoknRoll Taipei Walking and Historical Food Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary adventure in Taipei can embark on the WoknRoll Taipei Walking and Historical Food Tour.
This 3-hour walking tour showcases the city’s vibrant food scene, with 10 local snacks and drinks included. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour explores the Datong District, providing historical and cultural insights.
The meeting point is Daqiaotou MRT Station, with the tour ending at a restaurant on Nanjing W Rd. Accommodating up to 6 travelers, the tour is priced at $85 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed.
Read our full review: WoknRoll Taipei Walking and Historical Food Tour Review
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Local Favorites: Taiwan Night Market Food Tour in 2 Hours
Visitors can enjoy Taipei’s vibrant night market culture on the Local Favorites: Taiwan Night Market Food Tour. The 2-hour guided experience showcases local street food favorites from a knowledgeable guide.
Starting at Shuanglian Station, guests can sample a selection of market foods and learn about Taiwanese culture. Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
While options for non-pork eaters are limited, the tour earns a 5.0 rating from past visitors who praise the guide’s historical insights and neighborhood expertise.
Priced from $49 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and a lowest price guarantee, making it an accessible way to explore Taipei’s renowned night markets.
Read our full review: Local Favorites: Taiwan Night Market Food Tour in 2 Hours Review
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Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class
Taipei’s vibrant food culture comes to life in the Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this hands-on experience takes you on a culinary journey through Taiwan’s rich gastronomic traditions.
Depending on the day, you’ll learn to prepare dumplings, fried chicken, hot and sour soup, or authentic dishes like three-cup chicken and beef noodle soup. Along with the main courses, you’ll also make colorful bubble tea and boba.
The class not only teaches cooking techniques but also immerses you in Taiwan’s food culture. Located in Taipei’s city center, this class is accessible by public transport and caters to various dietary needs, though it may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Read our full review: Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Book a Private Food Tour in Taipei?
To book a private food tour in Taipei, travelers can research reputable tour companies that offer customized experiences. Many providers allow clients to choose the sights, foods, and schedule to create a personalized culinary adventure.
What Is the Typical Duration of a Taipei Food Tour?
Most Taipei food tours typically last between 3-4 hours, allowing participants to sample a variety of local dishes and street food. The duration provides ample time to explore different neighborhoods and gain insights into the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available on Taipei Food Tours?
Yes, many Taipei food tours offer vegetarian and vegan options. Tourists can find tours catering to specific dietary needs, allowing them to experience the city’s diverse cuisine while accommodating their preferences.
Can I Customize a Taipei Food Tour to My Preferences?
Yes, many Taipei food tour operators offer customizable tours that can accommodate dietary preferences like vegetarian or vegan options. Travelers can work with the tour company to tailor the experience to their needs and interests.
Do Taipei Food Tours Include Transportation or Just Walking?
Taipei food tours typically include a mix of walking and transportation, such as public transit or private vehicle, to access different neighborhoods and sample a variety of local cuisines. The specific transportation method may vary depending on the tour operator and itinerary.
The Sum Up
Taipei offers an array of captivating food tours that cater to diverse culinary interests. From private tours showcasing the city’s renowned street food to in-depth explorations of traditional Taiwanese cuisine, these experiences provide an immersive way to discover the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of the Taiwanese capital. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Taipei’s exceptional food tours promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.