
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.