Taichung Food Guide | What to Eat at Top Markets & Restaurants

Plan a DIY foodie four with this Taichung food guide that takes you to some of the best markets and restaurants in Taichung City and beyond. Get tips on what to eat at Feng Chia Night Market in Xitun District, and plan a Taiwanese food eating extravaganza at Tunghai Villa Night Market near the gorgeous campus of Tunghai University. From stinky tofu to pineapple cakes and pearl milk tea, Taichung food is an adventure for the taste buds and a perfect way to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture.

Taichung Food Guide | Feng Chia Night Market

You’re likely to run into Feng Chia (Fengjia) Night Market while wandering down Fuxing Road or Wanhua Road in Taichung’s popular district of Xitun. The market is the largest in the city, and if you don’t just happen upon Feng Chia Night Market by chance, then let your nose lead the way! The area is brimming with local restaurants and shops dishing out everything from stinky tofu in black tea to Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice. A must-try restaurant at Feng Chia Night Market is Minglun Pancake (Ming Lun Chinese Omelet). Located at No. 546 on Fuxing Road, the shop serves savory stuffed pancakes hot off the grill!

Feng Chia is also famous for its bustling energy and sheer variety of street food that represents the unique cuisine and flavors of Taiwan. In addition to the Taiwanese sausages, don’t miss the famous large fried chicken cutlets, which are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Another favorite is the Taiwanese fried milk – bite-sized pieces of milk battered and deep-fried to create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Want something sweet? Try the taro balls, a soft, chewy dessert that blends earthy taro with sugary syrup. Be prepared for sensory overload, as the lights, smells, and sounds create an experience unlike any other in Taichung.

Plus, Feng Chia offers more than just food; it’s a cultural hub where the vibrant local life of Taichung thrives. As you weave through the stalls, you’ll find trendy fashion items, unique gadgets, and quirky souvenirs that make it easy to spend an entire evening exploring. The market comes alive after dark, drawing visitors from all over Taiwan, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to dive into authentic Taiwanese street culture.

Address: Wenhua Road, Xitun District
Hours: many restaurants start firing up their grills around 4 p.m., but some shops are open as early as noon. No matter what, Feng Chia Night Market stays hopping until 1 or 2 a.m.

What to eat at Feng Chia Night Market

• Stinky tofu soaked in black tea – tofu fermented for a pungent flavor and then soaked in fragrant black tea
• Chinese omelet at Minglun Pancake (明倫蛋餅) – a savory pancake filled with a mix of eggs and scallions, then grilled to perfection
• Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice – a classic street snack pairing sweet, garlicky Taiwanese sausage with a sticky rice bun
• Large fried chicken cutlet – this giant fried chicken cutlet is seasoned with a special blend of spices, then fried until golden and crispy
• Taiwanese fried milk – bite-sized milk curds battered and deep-fried for a creamy, rich interior with a crispy exterior
• Taro balls with syrup – chewy taro balls made from mashed taro and served with a sweet syrup

Check In to Chase Hotel, Step Out to Feng Chia Night Market

Taichung Food Guide | Taichung Second Market

Sightseers and foodies alike will love a trip to Taichung Second Market. Sandwiched between Liuchuan Riverside Walk and Taichung Park, the market makes a perfect go-between for attractions in Central District. The market is as much a cultural experience as a foodie tour, as locals make good use of the area for daily meals, shopping and its hangout spots. Along with traditional Taiwanese food, visitors can buy fresh produce, Taiwanese snacks, souvenirs and enjoy a cup of coffee. As one of the only early-morning markets in Taichung, Taichung Second Market is the perfect place to experience a traditional Taiwanese breakfast.

Beyond its breakfast specialties, Taichung Second Market is also famous for its delicious bites of mochi, sun cakes, and peanut brittle. These iconic street food snacks are often purchased as souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of Taichung’s food markets home with you. The market also offers local dishes like oyster pancakes and beef noodle soup, two of Taiwan’s most famous comfort foods. If you’re feeling adventurous, seek out some century eggs (preserved duck eggs) and try them with tofu or congee for an authentic taste of the island’s more unique local dishes.

As you wander through the market’s narrow lanes, take a moment to chat with the vendors, many of whom have been there for generations, passing down their culinary secrets. This adds a personal touch to your visit, allowing you to truly connect with the local food culture. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious, Taichung Second Market promises a rich, flavorful experience

Address: No. 87, Section 2, Sanmin Road, Central District
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)

Traditional Taiwanese foods to try at Taichung Second Market

• Lu rou fan – braised pork in a soy sauce with five spices
• Sweet tofu – just like the name sounds, it’s sweet tofu (think of a custard made with tofu)
• Turnip cakes – kind of like a potato cake, only made with radishes
• Oyster pancake – a crispy, savory dish made with fresh oysters
• Beef noodle soup – a hearty bowl of slow-braised beef in a rich broth

Check In to Park City Hotel Central Taichung, Step Out to Taichung Second Market

Taichung Food Guide | Taichung Fifth Market

For a more intimate foodie experience and an unforgettable Taiwanese breakfast or lunch, head to Taichung Fifth Market in West District, which is about a 15-minute drive from Taichung Second Market in Central District. While the Fifth Market maybe smaller in size, its restaurants are not less in tastiness. In fact, travelers may find restaurants at Fifth Market serving even more traditional Taiwanese food – at cheaper prices – than its nearby competitors.

Aside from its delicious vermicelli and fresh spring rolls (popiah), one of the Fifth Market’s standout features is its abundance of handmade foods. Many vendors make noodles, buns, and dumplings right before your eyes, creating a fresh, flavorful dining experience that larger food markets may not offer. A must-try is the meatball soup, a comforting bowl of clear broth filled with soft, handmade meatballs. The market is also a fantastic place to try traditional Taiwanese breakfast foods, like fried dough sticks and soy milk, which locals dip in their morning beverages. Don’t forget to browse the stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, as the market is known for having some of the best local produce in Taichung.

The market’s smaller size also means you can easily chat with the vendors and get personalized cuisine recommendations. They often use ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms, adding to the authenticity of the dishes. If you want to experience the essence of Taiwanese home-style cooking, Taichung Fifth Market is the place to be.

Address: No. 9, Daming Street, West District
Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily

Must-try dishes at Taichung Fifth Market

• Handmade vermicelli – served with a variety of dishes
• Popiah – fresh spring rolls
• Oyster congee – rice porridge with oysters
• Meatball soup – a light broth with handmade meatballs
• Fried dough sticks – crispy and delicious, served with soy milk
• Fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers

Check In to Calligraphy Greenway Hotel, Step Out to West District

Taichung Food Guide | Enjoy Pineapple Cakes & Original Pearl Milk Tea

While out and about at Taichung Second Market and Feng Chia Night Market, sightseers should make it a point to pick up two of Taichung’s most famous snacks, which happen to make a perfect combo! While at Taichung Second Market, make a run to Sunny Hills to grab a box of pineapple cakes. Later, while shopping at Feng Chia Night Market, take a break at Chun Shui Tang (Original Store), where you can wash down your pineapple cakes with a world-famous bubble tea in the very shop in which it was invented!

Both of these treats have become symbols of Taiwan’s vibrant snack culture, offering a perfect balance of flavors. Pineapple cakes deliver a sweet, tangy bite of tropical goodness, while the bubble tea provides a refreshing, chewy contrast with its tapioca pearls. Together, they make for a delightful afternoon snack that you’ll find hard to resist.

This combination of pineapple cakes and bubble tea isn’t just a snack—it’s an iconic taste of Taichung’s contribution to Taiwanese culinary heritage. Whether you’re enjoying them together or savoring each separately, these two delicacies showcase the best of Taichung’s sweet treats and are an unmissable part of any foodie’s trip to the city.

Sunny Hills address: 407, Taiwan, Taichung City, Xitun District, Section 3, Taiwan Boulevard, 10th Floor, No. 301
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Chun Shui Tang (Original Store) address: No. 30, Siwei Street, West District
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Check In to Hotel National, Step Out to West District

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Taichung Food Guide | Tunghai Villa Night Market & Donghai Night Market

Being located across from the gorgeous campus of Tunghai University is a bonus to visiting Tunghai Villa Night Market (and connecting Donghai Night Market), and being a favorite for college kids in the area also means good food at cheap prices. While the market is located about 25 minutes northwest of Taichung City, a jaunt to Longjing District is well worth the traveling time. The market also makes a great place to go during a short layover at Taichung International Airport, only 15 minutes away.

The two food markets have more to offer than their relaxed, student-friendly vibes. For the adventurous eater, there are numerous exotic snacks that you won’t find at other night markets, such as grilled squid on a stick or skewered chicken hearts. Both local dishes pack a punch of flavor with their smoky, grilled taste. If you’re looking for something refreshing, try the fresh papaya milk, a local favorite that blends papaya and milk into a smooth, naturally sweet drink. To finish off your food journey, grab a Taiwanese shaved ice topped with mango and condensed milk – a dessert that’s both cooling and satisfying on a warm Taichung evening.

The lively yet laid-back atmosphere makes these adjoining markets a great spot to relax and enjoy some street food after a long day of sightseeing. Whether you’re into savory skewers or sweet treats, there’s something for everyone, and the prices won’t break the bank.

Address: No. 9, Xinxing Road, Longjing District
Hours: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. (but visitors can find something to do at the market 24 hours a day)

What to eat at Tunghai Villa Night Market

• Chicken feet jelly (gelatin) – well, it’s basically chicken feet, drenched in medicinal herbs and cooked until gelatinous. You can eat the jelly-like skins smothered in gravy or the gelatin itself, which is said to contain many health benefits.
• Mung bean smoothie – trick your taste buds with this sweet treat, and top it with a scoop of red bean ice cream!
• Steamed buns – it’s not really a trip to Taiwan unless you have a steamed bun. Go where the lines are longest and try as many pork- and chicken-based fillings as you can.
• Grilled squid – smoky and tender, skewered and served hot off the grill
• Chicken hearts on a stick – for a bold and flavorful experience
• Papaya milk – a refreshing, creamy drink popular with locals

Check In to T-Life Hostel, Step Out to Tunghai Villa Night Market

Taichung Food Guide | Braised Pork Knuckle Rice at Fu Ding Wang

After you’re finished touring markets and walking your legs off looking for the perfect taste temptation, you may be ready for a sit-down meal at a popular Taichung restaurant. Fu Din Wang is one of Taichung’s favorite eating establishment when it comes to braised pork knuckle, a savory pork leg marinated in special spices and cooked until the meat falls off the bone.

What makes Fu Ding Wang special is not only the perfectly braised pork knuckle but also the meticulous attention to flavor. The pork knuckle is simmered for hours in a master stock that includes soy sauce, garlic, star anise, and other Chinese spices, creating a rich, aromatic dish. The fat becomes so tender that it melts in your mouth, while the meat stays juicy and flavorful. The dish is served over a bed of white rice that soaks up all the delicious juices, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness. For added texture and flavor contrast, it’s typically served with pickled mustard greens and a boiled egg steeped in the braising sauce.

Aside from the iconic braised pork knuckle, Fu Ding Wang also offers other classic Taiwanese cuisine such as stir-fried water spinach, marinated tofu, and stewed bamboo shoots. If you’re in the mood for soup, their herbal pork bone broth is a great way to warm up and further enjoy the depth of flavors in Taiwanese cooking. Pair your meal with a side of braised peanuts or spicy pickles to round it out.

Fu Ding Wang’s popularity is a testament to its consistent quality and traditional approach to cooking. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a meal here is bound to be a memorable part of your Taichung dining experience.

Address: No. 560, Section 1, Taiwan Boulevard, Central District
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday)

Must-try dishes at Fu Ding Wang

• Braised pork knuckle – tender pork knuckle simmered for hours in a flavorful broth
• Braised bamboo shoots – tender bamboo shoots slow-cooked in a flavorful broth
• Stir-fried water spinach (空心菜) – water spinach stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce
• Herbal pork bone soup – pork bones simmered in a fragrant herbal broth

Check In to Fengchia INNK Hotel, Step Out to Fu Din Wang

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