Taipei is one of the best cities in Asia for food travelers. There’s so much good food and so many food markets in Taipei, Taiwan it can be intimidating. A Taipei tour that is focused on food markets or street food is a great way to learn about Taiwanese food culture. In this post, we share our tips on how to book the best Taipei food tours, tea tours, and cooking classes.
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Why Book A Taipei Culinary Tour
There are lots of great reasons why booking a Taiwanese food tour could make your visit to Taipei that much more special.
First, there is a language barrier in Taipei. We found a good number of people who spoke English. There are some English translations or picture menus at night markets.
But, to make the most of your experience and to learn about Taiwanese food culture, a food tour can help overcome these hurdles.
A local Taipei tour guide will also help with understanding what makes Taiwanese food special. This includes helping you understand what is specifically Taiwanese versus Chinese or even a Hong Kong specialty.
Taiwanese cuisine is loaded with influences from their neighbors and a Taipei guide can help explain all of these intricacies.
Last, we love taking food tours at the start of our stay in a new city. It really makes the rest of our trip better.
Your guide will give you inside tips on where and what to eat in Taipei too. Over the years, we’ve received great restaurant recommendations from some of our food tour guides.
Want to learn more about food in Taiwan? Check out our recommendations for the best breakfast foods in Taiwan.
See The Top Rated Food Tours In Taipei On Viator
How About A 9 Day Taiwan Food Tour?
This post focused on recommendations for Taiwan street food tours and cooking classes within Taipei. But, if you have more time and want to really dive into Taiwanese food culture, consider booking a Taiwan tour with a focus on food.
Intrepid Travel offers a 9 Day Real Food Adventure in Taiwan. This tour focuses on exploring Taiwan street food, local dishes, cooking classes, and demonstrations. We took Intrepid’s Real Food Adventure in Morocco and learned so much about Moroccan cuisine.
Their Taiwan food tour package includes visiting some iconic Taiwanese restaurants, learning how to make some iconic dishes, and visiting tea fields and a whiskey distillery. Book A Taiwan Food Tour With Intrepid Travel Here
How To See The Best Of Taipei On A Food Tour
A great food tour means that you can start to understand Taipei food culture while exploring a new city. It is more than just the food that is served.
It means you have the chance to meet locals, ask loads of questions, and learn about the history and culture of a new city. It’s one of our favorite ways to see a city! In this post, we share our recommended food tours and cooking classes in Taipei.
All pricing is provided in US dollars. With some tours, pricing will adjust based on how many people have already booked, how many people are in your party, and the time of year.
We recommend using Viator for booking food tours and experiences. We like Viator for a few reasons. One, we’ve used them for tours around the world without any problems.
Second, you will receive immediate confirmation of your booking.
Last, Viator is a reputable company that is actually owned by TripAdvisor, so if there are any issues with your booking, there is a big company standing behind the booking. See The Top Rated Food Tours In Taipei On Viator
TAIPEI FOOD TOURS
Small-Group Taipei Night Market Tour
Taipei is a 24-hour city that really comes alive at night. Seven days a week across the city, dozens of night markets pop up, cooking a wide range of local food specialties.
During this two-hour small-group Taiwan night market food tour, you’ll explore one of Taipei’s most renowned markets, Yansan Night Market. Known for its delicious ‘xiaochi’ or street food, Yansan Night Market is a must-visit for any trip to Taipei.
While walking the market, guests will sample eight popular Taiwanese dishes and regional specialties including tasty Taiwanese desserts.
Pricing for the night tour begins at $60. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Book this tour here.
Why We Like This Tour
This walking tour is limited to an intimate group of just four people. The small group setting allows for the undivided attention of your guide and allows you to experience Yansan like a local.
As one of the oldest night markets in Taipei, guests will enjoy amazing food and enjoy a slice of Taiwan’s history. Check Rates For This Taipei Night Market Tour Here
Taipei Backstreets Food Tour
Navigating Taiwan’s immense food scene can be difficult for any traveler. During this four-hour backstreet tour, sample some of the best street food Taipei has to offer.
Explore the XinYi district on foot, taking in the sights, sounds, and delicious smells of Taipei. Renowned for its culinary offerings, guests will sample some of XinYi’s best dishes including stinky tofu and soup dumplings.
The tour can accommodate up to 8 guests with pricing beginning at $70. A fair amount of walking is involved during the tour.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Because of uneven street surfaces, the tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Guests with any dietary requirements are welcomed and asked to provide notice at the time of booking.
Book this tour here.
Why We Like This Tour
Led by a local and knowledgeable guide, guests will receive personalized recommendations for after the tour.
In addition to delicious food, the tour will provide guests with views of stunning temples and other Taipei sights.
The tour includes over 10 different food tastings. Check Rates For This Taipei Backstreets Food Tour
Full-Day Taipei Private Food Tour
Explore the wonders and tastes of Taipei on your very own Taipei private tour with a highly knowledgeable local guide.
From visiting the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall to taking selfies at Taipei 101, your private guide will escort your group around Taiwan’s capital highlighting the city’s many must-see sights.
In between stunning sights, taste a variety of traditional Taiwanese snacks and dishes. Enjoy local favorites from beef noodle soup and dumplings to bubble milk tea and many other local dishes.
The pricing for the tour begins at $310. The private tour begins promptly at 9 am with a pick-up at your local hotel.
Lasting eight hours, the tour includes a full lunch in addition to sampling snacks throughout the day.
Vegetarian options are available for guests with dietary restrictions. Notification at the time of booking is requested. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Book this tour here.
Why We Like This Tour
As this is a private tour, customization to the itinerary can be made. We like private tours because they can be customized.
They are a great way to explore the city if you are traveling in a group with family or friends. This full-day Taipei city tour is also a great way to make the most of your time in the city. Check Rates For This Taipei Private Tour Here
TAIPEI COOKING CLASSES
Xao Long Bao Cooking Class
One of the iconic dishes of Taiwan, Xiao Long Bao or ‘soup dumplings’ are at the top of everyone’s must-eat list in Taipei.
During this three-and-a-half-hour cooking class, guests will learn to make traditional Xiao Long Bao from scratch and enjoy them in a sit-down lunch.
This experience begins with a quick trip to the historic Kuang Fu market. Led by your chef and instructor, you’ll explore one of Taipei’s many fresh markets, shopping for fresh spices and ingredients.
After finding your ingredients, return to the kitchen and roll up your sleeves, because it’s time to cook. In addition to making the famous Xiao Long Bao, guests will also learn the secret to making delicious Braised Beef Noodle Soup, and Bubble Milk Tea.
Dumpling Cooking Class In Taipei
Pricing for the market tour and cooking class begins at $87. The tour is suitable for all levels of culinary experience and is suitable for ages 12 and above.
Morning and afternoon classes are available. If you have any food allergies substitutions can be made with advanced notification. The cooking class is conveniently located near public transportation.
Book this cooking class here.
Why We Like This Tour
Amber loves here xao long bao. It’s one of her favorite things to eat in the world. And it is one of the most famous dishes to eat in Taiwan.
With a maximum number of 10 guests, each participant will receive hands-on guidance from the local chef.
After all the dishes are made, sit down with the group to enjoy your feast while hearing stories about Taiwan’s incredible cuisine. Check Rates For This Taipei Xao Long Bao Cooking Class Here
Taiwanese Cooking Class And Market Tour
Discover what makes Taiwanese cuisine one of the best in the world from an expert local chef during a private cooking session.
This four-hour market tour and cooking class begins a visit to Dongmen Market to shop for fresh ingredients. Learn about different Taiwanese produce and discover how locals shop for delicious ingredients.
After shopping, it’s back to the professional kitchen to begin cooking. Guests can choose from one of two set menus, each featuring traditional Taiwanese dishes. Choices range from chicken with sesame or delicious braised pork.
During the cooking class, each guest will receive hands-on lessons in a variety of Taiwanese cooking methods.
With a maximum of eight guests in class, the local expert chef will provide personalized help in preparing braised beef noodle soup and other signature Taiwanese signature dishes from scratch.
After all the dishes are ready, it’s time to savor them and learn more about Taiwanese cuisine.
Taiwanese Cooking Class Details
Pricing for the cooking class begins at $130 and includes round-trip transport by taxi from Dongmen MRT Station. The tour and cooking classes are not wheelchair accessible. A minimum of two guests is required for the experience.
Guests with dietary requirements are welcome to participate. Substitutions to the menu are available with advance notice at the time of booking.
Book this cooking class here.
Why We Like This Tour
Learning how to cook local specialties is a great way to learn about a new culture. Plus, the tour starts with a local Taipei market tour. Exploring a local fresh produce market is another great way to experience a city. Check Rates For This Taipei Cooking Class Here
TAIPEI DRINKS EXPERIENCES
Taipei Tea Tour And Experience
Taiwan is world-renowned for its tea. During this small-group tour and tea tasting, guests will leave the noise of Taipei behind to see the tranquil natural beauty of Taiwan.
An eight-hour experience, guests are picked up at their hotels to set out by minivan to the green hills of the Bagua Tea Plantation.
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola to reach the plantation, you’ll meet highly skilled local tea experts who will teach you how to steep the perfect pot of tea. The tea experts will provide the small group with insight into the history of tea cultivation in Taiwan.
Depending on the season, guests might have the opportunity to handpick tea leaves.
Regardless of the time of the year, guests will participate in a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony with the tea expert. After your tea lesson, stop at a lookout point above Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake) and soak in Taiwan’s natural beauty.
Tea Tour Details
The pricing for the tour begins at $100 and can accommodate a maximum of six travelers. A minimum of four guests is required for the tour. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are advised not to participate.
Book this tour here.
Why We Like This Tour
We love drinking tea but are always looking for ways to learn more about tea drinking culture in Asia. This Taipei tea tour is a great way to spend a day. It’s also one of the more unique day tours from Taipei. Check Rates For This Taipei Tea Tour Here
FAQS – HOW TO BOOK A TAIPEI FOOD TOUR
Comfortable shoes! Many food tours involve a lot of walking. Also, be prepared for bad weather. Just because it’s rainy doesn’t mean the tour will be canceled. The same goes for the summer when temperatures can soar. Just be prepared.
Some people look at the cost of the individual items eaten on a food tour to determine whether they’ve gotten their money’s worth. A quality culinary tour, though, is more than the food served. It’s the value of the guide, the history learned, and the overall experience. And, it is almost always worth it!
In addition to booking a one day tour in Taipei that focuses on food, definitely consider heading out to the Keelung night market and Beitou hot springs. Both of these spots are easily visited from Taipei.
Yes. Like all cuisines, Chinese food is regionalized. In Taiwan, the food is generally mild compared to Sichuan. The food has been been shaped by outside influences for centuries. It’s most similar to Cantonese Chinese food or Hong Kong Chinese food.