Taipei Cultural Food Small Group Tour with Locals

Taipei , Taiwan (Republic of China)

Taipei Cultural Food Small Group Tour with Locals

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About this experience

Step into the real Taipei: where sizzling woks, smoky grills, and the scent of garlic and soy fill the narrow alleys. This immersive food tour isn’t just about tasting, it’s about understanding how locals eat, order, and connect through food.

Follow your guide through buzzing night markets and hidden street corners where vendors have perfected their craft over generations. You’ll learn how to order like a local, try Taiwan’s most iconic street dishes, and uncover the stories behind the flavors that shaped the city.

Enjoy freshly cooked street food straight from the pan, iconic local flavors that locals swear by, and a mix of sweet and savory bites that constantly surprise your palate. From deeply savory snacks to refreshing cold desserts with unexpected textures, each stop uncovers a new layer of Taipei’s culinary identity.

By the end, you’ll not only be full, you’ll understand Taipei through its food, the way locals live it every day.

Available options

Taipei Cultural Food Small Group Tour with Locals

What's included

Multiple food tastings at different stops

Traditional ingredients and pantry staples explained on site

Visits to family run vendors used by locals

Guided walk through a historic local neighbourhood

Local guide sharing personal stories and recommendations

Small group format for a more personal experience

Time to observe markets, rituals, and daily life

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Dihua Street is one of Taipei’s oldest trading streets, with roots going back to the Qing dynasty. It has long been a centre for tea, herbs, dried goods, and fabrics, and many of those family run businesses are still operating today.

We walk you through the parts locals actually use, meeting real vendors and tasting everyday foods. You experience the smells, sounds, and small details that make this street feel alive and genuinely local, not staged for tourists.

Stop 2

Taipei Xia Hai City God Temple is a small but deeply important temple that locals visit for protection, business success, and relationships. It has been part of the neighbourhood for over a century and is especially known for its love deity.

We stop here to understand how everyday faith fits into daily life in Taipei, watching locals pray, make offerings, and pass through as part of their normal routine rather than a tourist ritual.

Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple is a long standing local temple dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess, and has been central to the Dadaocheng community for generations.

The temple sits beside one of Taipei’s most traditional food areas, surrounded by simple stalls and long running eateries. It is a place where daily worship, street food, and neighbourhood life blend naturally, giving a clear sense of how the area really works.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet at Beimen Station Exit 1, just as you come up from the Subway. Please aim to arrive 10 minutes earlier before the start time!

About Taipei

Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a fascinating blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Known for its bustling night markets, towering skyscrapers, and lush green mountains, Taipei offers a unique urban experience with a rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Taipei 101

Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper and a symbol of modern Taipei. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 89th floor.

Architecture/Observation Deck 1-2 hours NT$600-800 (observation deck ticket)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This national memorial hall is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, former leader of the Republic of China. The hall features a large museum, gardens, and a daily changing of the guard ceremony.

Historical/Memorial 1-2 hours Free (museum admission may vary)

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking spot offering one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The hike is relatively short and suitable for most fitness levels.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours (hike and sightseeing) Free

Shilin Night Market

One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei, Shilin Night Market offers a wide variety of street food, snacks, and shopping. It's a must-visit for food lovers.

Food/Market 2-3 hours Budget to moderate (depending on food and shopping)

Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou is known for its natural hot springs, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. There are several public and private hot spring resorts to choose from.

Relaxation/Spas 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive (depending on the resort)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beef Noodle Soup

A hearty soup made with tender beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth. It's considered Taiwan's national dish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (noodles).

Bubble Tea

A popular Taiwanese beverage made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It comes in various flavors and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Drink Vegetarian (if made without dairy).

Oyster Omelet

A savory omelet made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Contains seafood and eggs.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and sauce. It's an acquired taste but a must-try for adventurous eaters.

Snack Vegetarian (if made without meat-based broth).

Popular Activities

Hiking in Yangmingshan National Park Paragliding in Wuling Farm Visiting Beitou Hot Springs Tea tasting in Maokong Exploring historic temples and shrines Visiting museums and art galleries Kayaking in the Tamsui River Stand-up paddleboarding in Ximending

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It's also the time for various festivals and events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English, Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas and among younger generations)

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taipei is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport • 40 km from city center
Taipei Songshan Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Taipei Main Station, Banqiao Station

By bus

Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Taipei Metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use. It operates from 6:00 AM to midnight and has both English and Chinese signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taiwan Taxi App

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ximending Daan Zhongshan

Day trips

Jiufen

40 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its narrow streets, tea houses, and historic sites. Jiufen is often compared to a smaller version of Tokyo's Golden Gai.

Yehliu Geopark

40 km from Taipei • Half day

A unique geopark featuring fascinating rock formations, including the famous Queen's Head, created by erosion over thousands of years.

Tamsui

15 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A historic district at the mouth of the Tamsui River, known for its beautiful sunset views, historic sites, and vibrant night market.

Festivals

Taipei Lantern Festival • February (dates vary, typically around the Chinese New Year) Taipei Pride • Late October (dates vary) Taipei International Food Show • June (dates vary)

Pro tips

Use the EasyCard for convenient and discounted payments on public transportation, as well as for access to some attractions and shops.
Visit popular attractions, such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the city's vibrant night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, for an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Tamsui, to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your travel experience and connect with locals.