The Best Food in Tainan City: My Where to Eat in Tainan Guide 2025

Tainan is basically the culinary capital of Taiwan, at least from what I’ve been told by locals (who are very, very proud of it). And honestly, I totally get it.

I spent around four days in Tainan on my recent Taiwan trip, and eating my way through the city took up a huge chunk of my time (no regrets). Tainan is actually my second favorite city in Taiwan, right behind Taipei, and the food in Tainan was definitely one of the big reasons why.

But even beyond the food, I’d recommend visiting Tainan anyway, it’s such a cultural and historical hotspot, and there’s so much character to the city. I really really enjoyed my time here!

Anyway, in this guide, I’ll break down where to eat in Tainan and what to eat in Tainan, and share tips from my own experience and all my personal favorite restaurants in Tainan as well as best street food spots.

The Best Food in Tainan – My Experience

Before visiting Taiwan, I didn’t really know what to expect from the food. Once I got here, though, I realized pretty quickly that I was in for a treat. Tainan especially turned out to be a total highlight for me.

People say Tainan is the food capital of Taiwan, and after spending a few days there, I can see why. Before I arrived, I marked a bunch of spots on Google Maps, probably too many, and once I got there, my days basically revolved around what I was going to eat next.

One of the dishes I really loved was pork lard mixed rice. It’s exactly what it sounds like: rice with pork fat and an egg yolk on top. It might not sound amazing at first, but it was honestly one of the best things I ate in Tainan. I had it with some chicken skewers and pork meatballs on the side, and honestly it was so simple but I loved it.

Another favorite was the beef noodle soup. I’d already tried it in a few places around Taiwan, but the one I had in Tainan was my favorite so far. The beef was super tender, the broth was full of flavor, and the noodles were spot on. Just a really solid, satisfying meal.

So yea overall, I have to say, the food in Tainan is amazing, and in my opinion it’s the best way to explore the city and get to know the local culture!

My 7 Favorite Foods & Restaurants in Tainan

Alright, let’s get into my little food guide for Tainan. I probably don’t need to say this, but just to be clear, this isn’t some official Michelin guide or a food critic’s list. This is all based on my own experience and what I personally loved eating in Tainan.

I’m sure there are tons of other amazing restaurants in Tainan I didn’t get to try (there’s only so much you can eat in a few days), but these are the places I did make it to and genuinely enjoyed. The kind of places I’d recommend to a friend if they were heading to Tainan.

Btw: There is no cafes or coffee shops on here because I have a separate guide for the best cafes in Tainan!

1. 田麵匠

Opening Hours: Fr+Sat 11am-2:30pm / 5:00pm-8pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

This might actually be my favorite restaurant in Tainan. I went to 田麵匠 on my first night in the city, and I was immediately hooked. The place feels modern but still has a bit of a hipster, laid-back vibe, definitely a cool spot for dinner. Judging by all the locals there, I think I made a good choice.

The menu is super straightforward: different types of dry noodles, dumplings, and a bunch of side dishes you can pick from. We tried both the spicy and non-spicy noodles, and they were both amazing. The dumplings were super juicy, and the chicken katsu (basically a crispy chicken cutlet or schnitzel) was so good.

On top of all that, it’s insanely cheap. We paid around $10 USD total for two people, which is just unreal for how good it was.

One thing to note: the menu is only in Chinese, and most of the staff don’t really speak English. We relied heavily on Google Translate and just went with it, so definitely make sure you have the app (and the photo translate feature) ready to go.

2. Ding Fu Fa

Opening Hours: 10:30am-7:30pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Ding Fu Fa turned out to be a pretty popular spot in Tainan but I had no idea before I went. This is the place I mentioned earlier with the pork lard mixed rice, meatballs, and fish balls. Honestly, it was so good.

We actually went here for breakfast (I know, maybe a bit much for some people in the morning), but you can totally come for lunch instead if that sounds more manageable. We showed up around 10 a.m., and it was already packed. We had to wait about 30 minutes in line, but it was absolutely worth it.

They gave us an English menu right away, which was super helpful. You just mark what you want on a little slip, and then they call your number when it’s ready. Of course, they called our number in Chinese, so I didn’t catch it at all and one of the servers ended up bringing the food over to us, and all the locals had a good laugh about it.

The place itself is super basic: tiny wooden chairs and tables, nothing fancy at all, but packed and buzzing with people. I recommend going for the pork lard mixed rice (trust me!), fish balls or pork balls, and the chicken skewers.

I 100% recommend giving this place a try. It was so much fun, and the food was seriously good.

3. Xin Dao Beef Noodle Restaurant

Opening Hours: 11:30am-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Xin Dao Beef Noodle Restaurant is hands down my favorite spot in Taiwan for beef noodle soup. The place itself is nothing fancy, it’s modern and has a cool, minimal vibe, but there are only about five tables inside. When we went, we were actually the only people there, which felt kind of surprising considering how good it was.

They only serve one thing: beef noodle soup. And honestly, I think that’s a good sign, when a place focuses on one dish, you know they’ve perfected it.

The beef was super tender, the broth was rich and flavorful, and the noodles were handmade and perfectly chewy. It was a little pricier than some other meals in Tainan (from what I remember), but still super affordable compared to what you’d pay in the US or Australia.

If you’re going to try beef noodle soup anywhere in Taiwan, this is the spot I’d send you to.

4. 双赫日式拉麵 

Opening Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm / 5:30pm-8:30pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I know we’re in Taiwan and not Japan, but if you ever get a craving for really good ramen, this is the spot. I actually stumbled across this place by accident while wandering around some random back alley in Tainan.

They serve traditional Japanese-style ramen here, which is quite different from the noodle soups you’ll find in Taiwanese restaurants. The inside feels very much like a classic ramen joint in Japan. You sit in these little individual booths (perfect for solo dining), and they serve your food through a small sliding door, very authentic and kind of fun.

If you come late on a weekend, it gets pretty busy, and you’ll probably have to wait in line for a bit. It’s definitely more expensive than your typical Taiwanese spots, but the ramen is super flavorful and totally worth it.

5. Chikan Pharmacy Bar

Opening Hours: 8pm-3am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

This place definitely feels more like a hidden bar you just accidentally discover in a back alley, except it’s actually pretty well known. It has a bit of a speakeasy vibe with its moody lighting and all the vintage decor, and I think it definitely leans more toward a gin and wine bar aesthetic. I loved it but it’s something for special occasions and it also feels a little like a tourist spot. However, I think it’s perfect for a drink and it definitely is one of the best bars in Tainan.

Heads up: there’s a minimum spend of around $20 USD per person, probably to stop people from just coming in to take photos and leave (fair enough). I loved it for a fancy cocktail night, the gin cocktails were great, and overall it’s just a really fun spot if you’re in the mood for a proper drink in a unique setting.

6. 龍鳳早點 

Opening Hours: 5:45am-11am
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

This is a classic local Taiwanese breakfast spot, super simple, super cheap, and really good. We tried a few different things here, like egg crepes, and dim sums, but the highlight for me was definitely the fresh iced soy milk. There’s nothing fancy about this place at all; it’s just good, honest street-side breakfast food. Perfect if you want to start your day like a local without spending a lot of money

7. Tainan Garden Night Market

If you want to try all the classic Taiwanese street food in one go, this is your place. You’ll find everything from peanut roll ice cream to dumplings, grilled squid, and pretty much anything else you can imagine on a stick. It’s busy and chaotic (in the best way), and wandering around here trying different bites was one of my favorite food experiences in Tainan.

Tainan Garden Night Market is a little further away from the center. We ended up taking the bus there from our hotel but decided to walk back. We actually stopped at Chikan Pharmacy Bar on the way home from the night market.

More Food in Tainan That You Should Try

Coffin Bread (棺材板)
A deep-fried, thick bread “box” that’s hollowed out and filled with a creamy, savory stew, kind of like a Taiwanese twist on a pot pie. It’s unique to Tainan and definitely something fun to try.

Danzai Noodles (擔仔麵)
A small bowl of noodles in a light broth, usually topped with minced pork, shrimp, and a boiled egg. It’s one of Tainan’s most famous traditional dishes.

Milkfish Soup (虱目魚湯)
Milkfish is a big deal in Tainan but I actually never tried it. You’ll find it served in soup, congee, or even grilled.

Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎)
A classic night market dish all over Taiwan, but Tainan is especially known for doing it well. It’s a mix of eggs, fresh oysters, and a slightly chewy batter, topped with a sweet-salty sauce.

Shrimp Rolls (蝦捲)
Crispy deep-fried rolls stuffed with seasoned shrimp and pork, often served with sweet sauce and wasabi. A great snack or side dish.

FAQs About Where to Eat in Tainan

What is the best restaurant in Tainan?

Well, I haven’t tried them all (obviously!), but I loved Ding Fu Fa for a super local breakfast or lunch. Definitely one of my highlights.

What is Tainan famous for?

Definitely its food and culture. While Taipei feels modern and fast-paced, Tainan feels much more traditional, from the architecture to the vibe on the streets.

What is the best Tainan food street?

That’s a tough one, but I really liked Yongle Market. It’s a daytime market with loads of food stalls, perfect for sampling different things without spending much.

Do you recommend doing a Tainan food tour?

I usually skip food tours and just wander around on my own but I’ll admit I probably miss out on a ton of good local snacks that way. So if you’re up for it and don’t mind spending a bit, a food tour is actually a great way to try all the popular dishes without the guesswork.

Final Thoughts on the Best Food in Tainan

I loved the food in Tainan. Full stop.

Yes, I also loved eating in Taipei, but Tainan just felt more authentic, from the night markets to the tiny local restaurants. Maybe that’s because Tainan is older and has more of that “old town” charm (it was the former capital, after all).

There were so many good things I tried here, and I can only recommend checking out at least a few of the restaurants I mentioned, but don’t be afraid to explore on your own too. I bet there are hundreds of other amazing spots I didn’t get to try.

I hope this little guide on the best food in Tainan helps you out (and gets you hungry!). Just make sure to be adventurous and try all the local dishes, it’s totally worth it.

Check Out My Other Tainan Travel Guides

Is Tainan Worth Visiting?: My Honest Review

Food in Tainan: My Where to Eat in Tainan Travel Guide

Cafes in Tainan: My Top Coffee Shops & Cafes in Tainan