Taiwan is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine, offering a wide array of flavors and dishes that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
However, it might not be the first destination that comes to mind for Malaysians, especially those seeking halal options as it might raise concerns about the availability of Muslim-friendly food choices in a non-Muslim majority country like Taiwan.
Surprisingly, Taiwan defies expectations by ranking as the third most Muslim-friendly country among non-OIC nations. In Taiwan, various facilities and food options that cater to our Muslim friends from Malaysia can be found easily.
With that in mind, I set off on a culinary adventure with a group of Muslim friends to uncover the best halal eats Taiwan has to offer. Here are my top five picks:
5. Pork-free fast food
While halal fast food isn’t as widespread as it is in Malaysia, you can still find a lot of pork-free fast food options in Taiwan.
It’s incredibly convenient and maintains a high standard of taste. We especially loved the local fried chicken – crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Restaurant name: Fried Chicken Master （炸鸡大师）
Location: Fast food chain found across Taipei and Taoyuan
Halal status: Halal
Furthermore, it’s all packed into portable plastic containers, making it easy to have a meal while on the go.
4. Vegan delights
Taiwan’s vegan food scene is incredibly well-developed and, most importantly for Malaysian tourists, largely Muslim-friendly.
The variety of vegan food found in Taiwan is nothing short of impressive, where the locations are convenient and menus offer different kinds of dishes to suit every palate.
The meal I chose was creamy the Hokkaido milk base soup, packed with fresh vegetables, tofu, and a variety of mushrooms, creating a comforting and flavorful experience.
Restaurant name: Chen’s Veg （澄石享自在）
Location: 406, Taiwan, Taichung City, Beitun District, 東山路二段民興巷207-5號
Halal status: Vegan (pork-free)
Another memorable experience was at a restaurant in a mushroom farm where we got to pluck our own mushrooms and toss them into a bubbling soup – a fun and interactive way to enjoy our meal.
Restaurant name: Magical Mushroom Tribe （魔菇部落）
Location: No. 829號, Liuqiao E Rd, Puxin Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 513
Halal status: Vegan (pork-free)
3. Chinese stir-fry
In Taichung, we discovered a restaurant that provided special pork-free version of Chinese stir-fried dishes.
The portions were generous and the flavors were fantastic. There was also a wide variety of dishes to choose from, ensuring that everyone found something they loved.
This spot was a highlight of our trip, offering a unique twist on classic Taiwanese cuisine.
Restaurant name: Asia Pacific Resort Lukang （亞太鹿港渡假村 ）
Location: No. 588號, Jhongjheng Rd, Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 505
Halal status: Pork-free
We especially love their seafood soup, which was filled with a savory and aromatic broth filled with a mix of fresh seafood such as shrimp, fish, and scallops, complemented by vegetables. It helps to whet the appetite and refresh the palate among other dishes.
2. Special Chef’s Platter
At one of the hotels that we stayed at named AMBA hotel, we were personally served a halal platter by the manager, who also happened to be a chef too.
The platter consisted of piping hot fried chicken chops and beef, along with salad and our favorite roti!
The platter was beautifully presented and accompanied with delicious desserts, adding a personal touch to the meal and making us feel experience the warmth and hospitality Taiwan had to offer.
Restaurant name: amba Taipei Ximending
Location: No. 77, Section 2, Wuchang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10843
Halal status: Pork-free
This is a specially arranged meal. Please contact the restaurant for availability.
1. Beef Noodle Soup
Of course, what is a trip to Taiwan without trying out beef noodle soup?
The crown jewel of our food adventure was this indubitably famous dish, where it’s a staple choice for the Taiwanese people and thankfully, can be prepared the halal way.
There are numerous halal beef noodle restaurants across the island, each serving up rich, flavorful bowls of noodle soup that left us craving for more. It’s no wonder that this dish is one of Taiwan’s most beloved dishes to date.
We were all blown away by how tender and flavorful the beef was, practically melting in my mouth!
The noodles were perfectly chewy, soaking up the rich and aromatic broth that had been simmered to perfection with the beef and the soup.
We also tried the beef tripe, and it was very good. The tripe was tender yet slightly chewy, adding an interesting texture to the dish.
Restaurant name: HALAL Chinese beef noodle restaurant （清真中國牛肉麵食館）
Location: 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Songgao Rd, 12號新光三越B2
Halal status: Halal
We also hit up a beef dumpling restaurant, and it was a game-changer! The dumplings were juicy and packed with flavor, wrapped in delicate, handmade dough.
The meatballs were tender and perfectly seasoned. Hands down, the best dumplings and meatballs of our trip!
Restaurant name: Halal Ende yuan Dumpling House （清真恩德元餃子館)
Location: No. 200號, Section 1, Wenxin Rd, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 408
Halal status: Halal
Conclusion
All in all, Taiwan really surprised me with its huge variety of Muslim-friendly food, ranging from fast food, to vegan dishes and traditional Chinese cooking.
In recent years, the country has also been actively making efforts to accommodate Muslim tourists from all over the world.
So, if you’re a foodie with a halal diet, don’t hesitate to explore Taiwan’s culinary landscape. With a bit of research and a sense of adventure, you’ll find plenty of delicious and halal-friendly options to enjoy. Happy food hunting!
