Taipei: Your First Day Food Tour with Locals & 12+ Tastings

4.9 (189 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

189 reviews

4.9

Taipei: Your First Day Food Tour with Locals & 12+ Tastings — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Taipei: Your First Day Food Tour with Locals & 12+ Tastings, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Just arrived in Taipei or looking to experience it like a local? This small-group food tour is designed as your introduction to Taipei. Think of this as your first local friend in Taiwan, introducing you to the city's food, culture, neighborhoods, and insider tips before you continue your own adventure.

Explore the historic streets of Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, while enjoying 12+ carefully selected tastings, from beloved street snacks to traditional specialties.

Along the way, your guide will share the stories behind the food, introduce Taipei's culture and neighborhoods, and answer the questions every traveler has, from where locals actually eat to how to navigate Taipei MRT like a pro, hidden gems beyond typical guidebook, and personal recommendations worth exploring during your stay.

This is more than just a food tour. We are your local introduction to Taipei, so you leave with a full stomach, greater confidence, and plenty of ideas for the rest of your trip!

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Foodapest Experiences

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Personalized Taipei recommendations and travel tips
Included: Start your Taiwan adventure with practical local insights
Included: Explore historic Dadaocheng and Dihua Street like a local
Included: Small groups for a more personal experience
Included: Ask your guide anything!
Included: Passionate English speaking local guide
Included: Enjoy 12+ authentic local Taiwanese tastings

Not included

Not included: Private transportation: Transportation to and from the meeting point
Not included: Not suitable for celiac and halal dietary restriction due to cross-contamination risk

Itinerary

Dihua Street

one hour

Step into the timeless streets of Dihua, Taipei’s oldest trading district, where red-brick storefronts, fragrant apothecaries, and generations of culinary traditions create a feast for the senses. As we wander through this historic neighborhood, you'll discover how centuries of commerce, migration, and culture have shaped some of Taiwan’s most beloved flavors.

We waste no time diving into the local food scene, beginning with a selection of iconic Taiwanese street snacks. Taste the famous pig’s blood cake (豬血糕), a uniquely Taiwanese treat with a delightfully chewy texture and irresistible sweet-savory flavor. Then savor a steaming bowl of braised pork rice (滷肉飯), the comforting national favorite that has earned its reputation as Taiwan’s ultimate soul food. Along the way, we’ll pause for a refreshing cup of herbal grass tea (青草茶), a traditional drink crafted from medicinal herbs and enjoyed by locals for generations.
Stop 2

30 min

Step inside the historic Yongle Market, the beating heart of Dadaocheng and one of Taipei’s oldest marketplaces. Beneath its beautiful red-brick facade, generations of merchants and food vendors have kept local traditions alive, creating a vibrant snapshot of old Taipei.

As we wander through its bustling corridors of fabric shops, fresh produce, and family-run stalls, we'll sample a few local favorites, such as artisanal baos and some of Taiwan’s famous seasonal fruits.
Taipei Xia Hai City God Temple

15 min Admission included

Just a short walk from the bustling streets of Dihua, we make a quick stop at the Taipei Xia Hai City God Temple, one of the most beloved spiritual sites in the city.

Despite its small size, this temple is known for its powerful blessings, especially for those seeking love, protection, and good fortune. You’ll notice the constant flow of worshippers, the scent of burning incense, and the intricate details packed into every corner of the shrine.
Liangzhou Street

15 min

Before reaching our next destination, the lively food court at Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple, we'll take a short detour down Liangzhou Street, one of the neighborhood's quieter historic lanes. Here, we'll stop for a taste of one of Taiwan's most iconic street foods: gua bao (割包), often nicknamed the "Taiwanese hamburger", known for its soft fluffy steamed bun with slices of tender braised pork in between.
Stop 5

15 min

We then head to the lively food scene surrounding Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple Food Street, a local favorite that most travelers would never find on their own.

Here, we focus on one specialty done right: a freshly made Taiwanese chicken roll (雞肉捲). Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with umami flavor. It’s a humble dish, but one that perfectly captures the essence of Taiwanese comfort food.
Ningxia Nightmarket

30 min

We'll finish our evening culinary journey at Ningxia Night Market, one of Taipei’s most beloved food destinations and a favorite among locals for its dedication to classic Taiwanese flavors.

As evening falls, the market comes alive with glowing signs, sizzling grills, and the irresistible aromas of freshly prepared street food. Strolling through its lively lanes, we'll sample some of Taiwan's most iconic night market snacks, from crispy, flaky scallion pancakes to chewy sweet potato balls fresh from the fryer, a perfect finale to our tour

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet upstairs at Exit 3 of Beimen MRT station (street level), just as you come up from the escalator!

End point

Evening Tour ends at Ningxia Night Market
Morning Tour ends at Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple food court

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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
Not recommended for travelers with celiac and halal dietary restrictions due to cross-contamination risk