Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan, Taiwan, Tainan, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Tainan, Taiwan

1. Tainan Fried Chicken (台南炸雞)

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this famous Tainan street food is a must-try. Served with pickles and a sweet sauce.
  • Unique Cooking Method: The chicken is marinated for hours before being double-fried to achieve its distinctive texture.
  • Popular Street Food: Tainan Fried Chicken can be found at various street food stalls, especially in the popular Ayi Market.
  • Flavor Profile: The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.

2. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

A savory dish made of oysters, eggs, and starch, stir-fried until crispy. Served with sweet chili sauce.
  • Seafood Specialty: Tainan's location by the coast allows for fresh, high-quality oysters in this dish.
  • Street Food Favorite: Oyster Omelette can be found at night markets like the famous Haye Street Night Market.
  • Versatile Dish: This dish is often served with various toppings, such as pickled vegetables or garlic chips.

3. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)

A popular street food in Tainan with a strong odor, yet surprisingly delicious when deep-fried and served with pickled vegetables.
  • Unique Aroma: The stinky tofu gets its pungent smell from the fermentation process.
  • Street Food Staple: Stinky Tofu can be found at night markets, especially Chigen Night Market.
  • Spicy Variations: There are variations of stinky tofu that come with spicy sauces for those who prefer a kick.

4. Tainan Sausage (台南腳肠)

A traditional Tainan snack made from pork intestines and various seasonings. Grilled and served with pickled vegetables.
  • Unique Texture: The use of pork intestines gives Tainan Sausage its unique texture.
  • Street Food Delight: Tainan Sausage is a popular street food, easily found at night markets like the Chikusan Market.
  • Flavorful Snack: The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this snack irresistible.

5. Tainan Soy Milk (台南豆漿)

A popular breakfast drink made from fresh soybeans. Served hot or cold.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Tainan Soy Milk is made with locally sourced soybeans, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
  • Breakfast Staple: Tainan Soy Milk is a popular breakfast item, often served with youtiao (fried dough sticks).
  • Healthy Option: Soy milk is a nutritious drink, high in protein and low in fat.

6. Tainan Sesame Oil Buns (麻婆饃)

Soft steamed buns filled with a sweet sesame paste. A popular snack in Tainan.
  • Unique Fillings: The sweet and nutty sesame paste is a unique filling for the steamed buns.
  • Traditional Snack: Tainan Sesame Oil Buns can be found at traditional bakeries in Tainan.
  • Easy to Find: These delicious buns are available at various street food stalls and bakeries throughout Tainan.

7. Tainan Shrimp and Pork Roll (蝦餅)

A savory dish made of shrimp, pork, and vegetables wrapped in a thin, crispy wrapper. Often served with a sweet sauce.
  • Unique Ingredients: The combination of shrimp, pork, and vegetables makes this dish stand out.
  • Popular Street Food: Tainan Shrimp and Pork Roll can be found at night markets, such as the Anping Old Fort Night Market.
  • Versatile Dish: This dish is often served with various sauces, allowing for a personalized flavor experience.

8. Tainan Pineapple Cake (台南鬆餅)

A sweet pastry filled with pineapple jam and topped with a powdery sugar glaze. A popular souvenir from Tainan.
  • Unique Filling: The use of pineapple jam gives these cakes their sweet flavor.
  • Popular Souvenir: Tainan Pineapple Cake is a popular souvenir, often purchased as gifts or to take home.
  • Soft Texture: The soft and flaky texture of the cake pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple filling.

9. Tainan Rice Noodles (台南米粉)

A hearty dish made of rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein, served in a flavorful broth.
  • Versatile Dish: Tainan Rice Noodles can be customized with various proteins and toppings.
  • Popular Eatery: Anping Old Fort Night Market is a great place to try Tainan Rice Noodles.
  • Comfort Food: The warm and comforting broth makes this dish perfect for cold days.

10. Tainan Braised Pork Rice (豬肉飯)

A classic Taiwanese dish featuring tender braised pork served over rice with pickled vegetables.
  • Traditional Dish: Braised Pork Rice is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine.
  • Popular Eatery: You can find Braised Pork Rice at many local eateries throughout Tainan.
  • Comforting Meal: The hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying meal.

11. Tainan Oyster Vermicelli (魚子面)

A light and refreshing noodle dish made with fresh oysters, vermicelli, and a tangy sauce.
  • Unique Ingredients: The combination of oysters and vermicelli makes this dish unique.
  • Seafood Specialty: Tainan's location by the coast allows for fresh, high-quality ingredients in this dish.
  • Refreshing Dish: The tangy sauce and fresh oysters make this a perfect summer dish.

12. Tainan Sour Soup (酸湯)

A sour and spicy soup made with pork blood, vegetables, and tamarind. A popular dish in Tainan.
  • Unique Ingredients: The use of pork blood gives this soup its distinctive taste.
  • Street Food Favorite: Tainan Sour Soup can be found at various street food stalls, especially in the popular Chikusan Market.
  • Spicy Variations: There are variations of sour soup with different levels of spiciness for those who prefer a kick.

13. Tainan Oyster Mushroom Rice (蚵仔蘑菇飯)

A hearty dish made of oysters, mushrooms, and rice, served in a flavorful broth.
  • Seafood Specialty: Tainan's location by the coast allows for fresh, high-quality oysters in this dish.
  • Versatile Dish: This dish can be customized with various toppings and served over rice or noodles.
  • Comfort Food: The warm and comforting broth makes this dish perfect for a satisfying meal.

14. Tainan Stinky Beansprouts (臭豆芽)

A stir-fried dish made of beansprouts, garlic, and preserved tofu. Known for its strong aroma.
  • Unique Aroma: The stinky beansprouts get their pungent smell from the fermented ingredients used in the dish.
  • Street Food Delight: Stinky Beansprouts can be found at night markets, especially Chikusan Market.
  • Versatile Dish: This dish is often served with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

15. Tainan Sugarcane Juice (菠萝汁)

A refreshing drink made from fresh sugarcane. A popular beverage in Tainan.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The use of locally grown sugarcane ensures a sweet and refreshing taste.
  • Summer Drink: Sugarcane Juice is the perfect drink to cool down during Tainan's hot summer months.
  • Easy to Find: You can find sugarcane juice at various street food stalls and markets throughout Tainan.