Sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the family Annonaceae, as well as the name of its fruit. The fruit is named ""Shakato"" (literally ""Buddha’s head"") in Japanese because its surface resembles the head of a Buddha statue. It is widely cultivated and distributed in warm regions around the world, including Taiwan, southern China, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. The sugar apple is known for its distinctive appearance and unique sweetness, and it is enjoyed in various forms such as eaten fresh, in juices, and as desserts. In Taiwan, it is called ""Shijia fruit"" and is considered a national fruit, particularly produced in areas such as Taitung.
Stinky tofu is a traditional food originating from East Asia, made from fermented tofu and distinguished by its strong, pungent odor. It is widely consumed in Chinese communities throughout China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, and is especially popular as a staple dish at night markets in Taiwan. The dish is commonly prepared in a variety of ways, including deep-frying, steaming, and stewing, and is beloved both as a symbol of local food culture and as a source of nostalgia.
Niushé bǐng, also known as niu she bing, is one of Taiwan's representative traditional baked pastries. The name comes from its oval and elongated shape, which resembles a cow's tongue. It is mainly made from ingredients such as wheat flour, sugar, and fats. Characterized by its thin, crispy texture and gentle sweetness, niushé bǐng is widely enjoyed at night markets and markets throughout Taiwan. It is especially popular in Yilan County, its place of origin, as well as at major night markets in Taipei City, such as the famous Shilin Night Market, where it is a signature product for both tourists and local residents.
Kong Rou Fan is one of Taiwan's representative rice dishes, featuring thick slices of pork belly simmered with soy sauce, sugar, and various spices, and served atop steamed rice. It is highly popular at eateries and night markets throughout Taiwan, especially at places like Taipei's Shilin Night Market. The dish is characterized by the tenderness of the meat, the sweet and savory sauce, and its combination with rice. It is commonly served with a variety of side dishes.
Aiyu jelly is a traditional dessert originating from Taiwan, commonly found at night markets and eateries throughout the country, including the famous Shilin Night Market in Taipei. It is made from the seeds of the aiyu plant (scientific name: Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) and is characterized by its unique texture and refreshing taste. Served as a chilled jelly, it is especially popular during the hot seasons and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
Halo-halo is a dessert originating from the Philippines, consisting of crushed ice topped with a variety of ingredients such as sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies, and often finished with condensed milk or ice cream. Its name comes from the Tagalog word meaning ""to mix,"" reflecting the colorful assortment of ingredients and the mixture of textures and flavors that characterize the dish. While halo-halo is especially popular in its birthplace, the Philippines, it is also enjoyed worldwide in Filipino restaurants, often with regional variations. Notably, it is served at ""Maya Bistro"" in Taipei, Taiwan, where the dish features local ingredients and preferences reflected in unique adaptations.
Inasal is a grilled chicken dish that originated in the Negros region of the Philippines. It is characterized by marinating the meat in a mixture of aromatic vegetables, citrus, vinegar, and annatto oil, then grilling it over charcoal, resulting in a vibrant color and distinctive aroma. The dish has been traditionally enjoyed mainly in the Western Visayas region, particularly around Bacolod City, and in recent years has become widely available in Filipino immigrant communities and local restaurants abroad. It is also popular at establishments such as ""WOW LITSON MANOK & INASAL"" in Taipei, Taiwan.
Sisig B Set is a meal menu featuring sisig, a representative dish of Filipino cuisine, as the main course, accompanied by side dishes such as garlic rice. Sisig is a dish made by finely chopping and sautéing pork, liver, onions, and chili peppers, seasoned with sour and savory flavors. It originates from the Pampanga region in central Philippines and is known as a traditional home-cooked dish. In multicultural Asian cities such as Taipei, restaurants like Cres-Art Philippine Cuisine serve authentic sisig, attracting a wide range of customers, including the local Filipino community.
Fried rice is a rice dish prepared by stir-frying rice with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and eggs in oil. Though it is believed to have originated in China, its variations have spread throughout the world, especially across Asia including Taiwan, and it is widely enjoyed as both a home-cooked meal and a popular restaurant dish. In Taiwan, fried rice is characterized by local adaptations in seasoning and ingredients depending on the region or establishment, and unique versions are served in places with diverse culinary backgrounds, such as ""Shuku Kigirō"" in the tourist destination of Jiufen.
The Gin, Guava, and Taiwan Beer Cocktail is a type of craft cocktail originating in Taiwan, combining gin, guava, and locally brewed Taiwanese beer into an original drink. This cocktail is served at bars such as ""Golden Bar (Yicha Jiu Shi)"" located in Jiufen, a popular tourist destination in Taiwan. It is characterized by its fruity and refreshing taste, as well as a recipe that highlights the unique qualities of local ingredients.
