Culture
Customs
Welcoming to foreigners? Yes LGBTQ friendly? Taiwan is considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly nations in Asia.
Etiquette tips
It's polite to bring a present when you're invited to someone's home. A bouquet of flowers (not white in color) or a box of chocolates. Always remember to take off your shoes before entering.
How to great people
With a handshake! Most often opposite genders will provide a slight nod when meeting and avoid touching the other person. “Hello” is 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) “Thank you” is 謝謝 (Xièxiè)
Tipping norms
Although tipping is not required in restaurants they may add a 10-15% service charge to your bill.
You can give a 7% tip to a tour guide, but it is not expected or required. Spa & hairdressers can be given a 10% tip if you are happy with the service. Tipping taxi drivers is not very common.
Food
A lot of restaurants will only have signs and menus in Chinese. Try Google Translate app - you can take a photo of the menu and it will give you a direct translation.
National dish
Taiwanese beef noodle soup (Táiwān niúròu miàn) — stewed or braised beef, beef broth, vegetables and thick noodles.
Must try local food
Soft, flaky pancake with layers filled with scallions and daikon (radish).
If you love pork, this is the dish for you!
You'll see this delicious drink sold everywhere in Taipei.
You'll see this bread-like bun filled with pork sold in most food markets.
Soft, flaky pancake with layers filled with scallions and daikon (radish).
If you love pork, this is the dish for you!
You'll see this delicious drink sold everywhere in Taipei.
You'll see this bread-like bun filled with pork sold in most food markets.
Soft, flaky pancake with layers filled with scallions and daikon (radish).
If you love pork, this is the dish for you!
You'll see this delicious drink sold everywhere in Taipei.
You'll see this bread-like bun filled with pork sold in most food markets.
Restaurants to try
Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and authentic food.
An amazing spot to go for Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings).
You'll see a lot of locals in this restaurant famous for its boiled or smoked goose meat sourced from Yunlin County.
An amazing spot to go for Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings).
You'll see a lot of locals in this restaurant famous for its boiled or smoked goose meat sourced from Yunlin County.
An amazing spot to go for Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings).
You'll see a lot of locals in this restaurant famous for its boiled or smoked goose meat sourced from Yunlin County.
Food festivals & markets
Food delivery apps
Art & music
Where to listen to live music
Check out this playlist if you want to explore Taiwanese artists during your trip.
Nightlife
Theatre & film
Visual art
