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Taichung Restaurants

I’ve lived in 台中 since 2000, I’m a food maniac, and I love to discover new places to eat all the time! On this page I’d like to introduce you to my favorite restaurants in Taichung. I also have another post about my favorite cafes in Taichung.

taichung somm spirited wine bar
Enjoying a good glass of Syrah @ Somm Spirited (unfortunately closed!)

Table of Contents

  • Chinese & Taiwanese Food
    • Shandong Dumplings 山東餃子館
    • Fu Kuei Ting 富貴亭
    • Traditional Beef Noodle 小眷村
    • Roasted Goose at Ba Ping Fang 品八方燒鵝
    • Ding Wang Hotpot 鼎王麻辣鍋
    • Jin Yue Xuan (Cantonese)
    • Gubami 
    • BBQ Place 酒香一弄
    • Drunken Duck
  • Southeast Asian Cuisine
    • Yabi Kitchen
    • 安南 An Nan Vietnamese Restaurant
    • Dynasty Bangkok 曼谷皇朝
  • Western Restaurants
    • California Grill 
    • Pizza Rock
  • Japanese Restaurants
    • Zili BBQ Place 自立商店燒烤居酒屋
    • Wú liú shǒu 吳留手
  • Indian Restaurants
    • Spice Shop 香料屋印度料理
  • Night Snacks 宵夜
    • 御青方  Ma La Stinky Tofu Soup / Hot Pot
  • Taichung Restaurants Map
    • More Info About Taichung

Chinese & Taiwanese Food

Shandong Dumplings 山東餃子館

Dumplings and beef noodles are in the top-five classic national dishes in Taiwan and Shandong is the best spot in Taichung to enjoy them. This place is always packed, it’s right by the Green Belt, near People’s Park. Really affordable for the quality. My wife and I always bring first-time visitors here. Grab some cold appetizers from the counter before being seated. The cold cucumbers and shredded tofu are the best! A cold Jing Pai beer 經牌啤酒 is always a great match for dumplings.

Address: 96 Gongyi Rd, West District, Taichung
Hours: 11am to 8:30pm

shandong restaurant taichung
Ruby and some friends at Shandong Restaurant

Fu Kuei Ting 富貴亭

This old neighborhood shop is 60 years old and is run by the 3rd generation of the family. Featured in the Michelin restaurant guide in 2020, this place is only gaining in popularity – with good reasons. The smoked goose is of olympic level, and surely the most affordable for this level of quality.  It’s juicy, salty, and springy. Supposedly the duck is equally delicious. I’m not into sticky rice, but theirs is the bomb.  Very lively place in the old part of Taichung. Definitely a must-try restaurant!

Fu kuei ting taichung
chinese bamboo dish
Chinese Pig's brain soup
富貴亭台中
Taichung Michelin restaurant
Smoked Goose
Bamboo
Pig's Brain Soup
Kitchen
Dining Room
320NT$ for this meal
3rd Generation Business
My Foodie Partner
Address
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Smoked Goose
Bamboo
Pig's Brain Soup
Kitchen
Dining Room
320NT$ for this meal
3rd Generation Business
My Foodie Partner
Address
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Shadow
Address: 31, Lane 18, Section 2, Sanmin Road, Central District
Phone: +886 4 2227 3001
Facebook

Traditional Beef Noodle 小眷村

This little beef noodle restaurant serves great value and delicious noodles, soup, veggies, and tofu. The place is themed after the traditional army dorms that were very common in most cities in Taiwan few decades ago. It’s downtown, walking distance from People’s Park.

noodle restaurant taichung
Spicy Wonton
Exterior is decorated like old army dorm
Beef Noodle Soup
Colorful Interior
Flags and Window
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Spicy Wonton
Exterior is decorated like old army dorm
Beef Noodle Soup
Colorful Interior
Flags and Window
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Shadow

Address: #14, Lane 164, Section 1, Meicun Road, West District
Phone: 0968865968
Hours: 11am-3pm, 5pm-8pm


Roasted Goose at Ba Ping Fang 品八方燒鵝

There is no short supply of roasted goose in Taichung, but THIS is the best place! The goose is just so tender ever time, the skin is crispy and tasty that it’s almost impossible to eat goose anywhere else now. From 1 to 10, the goose here is a solid 10! I’ve brought at least 5 friends here, and they ALL said it’s the best goose they’ve ever had. It’s THAT good! Other dishes we usually order are the green beans with pork, and deep fried tofu in cubes. 

Roasted Goose
Tofu
Green Beans with Pork
Interior
Ba Ping Fang
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Roasted Goose
Tofu
Green Beans with Pork
Interior
Ba Ping Fang
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Address: #69, Wuquan West 4th Street, West District
403台中市西區五權西四街69號

Tel: (04) 2375-5548


Ding Wang Hotpot 鼎王麻辣鍋

Ding Wang is the most popular hotpot restaurant in Taichung. I’m lucky because I live right next to it, like two buildings next door. It’s a bit pricy, but the food is high-quality, service is top-notch, and the ambiance and decor is classical Chinese style. Great dining option for a birthday meal or a date.

ding wang hot pot

You can’t go wrong if you invite a Taiwanese person to Ding Wang. Always a good idea to book in advance. Bring a warm sweater, it’s like 15 degree inside, even in summer.

Address: 42, Gongyi Rd, Section 2, Xitun District
Phone: 04 2329 6828
Hours: Open every day from 11:30am to 2:30am


Jin Yue Xuan (Cantonese)

I am not a huge Dim Sum fan, but my wife is, and she insisted on bringing me to Jin Yue Xuan, which is a stone’s throw from my Taichung house. Absolute love at first bite!

Cantonese restaurant taichung
Roasted pork and Beijing duck

It’s a pretty elegant / fancy place, and prices are not cheap, so skip it if you’re on a budget or just backpacking your way through the city. Do go if you’ve got the extra cash to splurge on AMAZING Beijing duck, roasted pork, finger-licking dim sum such as rolled rice noodles, shrimp dumplings… Service is not the best, but the food is hard to beat. My personal favorite Cantonese restaurant in Taichung City.

dim sum taichung
Dim Sum at Jin Yue Xuan

Address: 213, Section 2, Gongyi Rd, Nantun District
Phone: +886 4 2255 7942


Gubami 

Gourmet beef noodle soup and tasty side dishes is what you get at this Michelin-featured restaurant. This is not your typical traditional Taiwanese restaurant. A lot of people rave about Gubami’s wagyu beef noodle soup and even claim it’s the best, most delicious, most refined and intricate bowl they’ve ever had. Still, others don’t agree that the soup is worth the elevated price. The debate goes on.
Read my review about Gubami.

gubami beef noodle
Red-braised beef noodle soup made with Canadian short ribs

BBQ Place 酒香一弄

My go to place for BBQ and beer. You choose your meat and veggies from the fridge by the front door, hand it to the cook, and he’ll bring it to you at your table. Very friendly service. Beerhouse / local Izakaya atmosphere.

barbecue in taichung
Great place to have a few beers, some meat on a stick, and chat with friends.

The whole front of the restaurant is opened, so you kinda feel like you’re outside. It’s a great spot to feel the energy of the city, any night of the week. Food is always good, beer is always icy cold, and prices are reasonable.

taichung bbq restaurant
The food at 酒香一弄 is always fresh.

Address: 91, Jing Cheng Road, West District
Phone: 04-2320-7221
Hours: Closes around 2am


Drunken Duck

Drunken Duck is a very (maybe the most) popular open-air beer house in Taichung. It’s somehow really popular with business travelers who visit factories around the city. The vibe here is always festive, any day of the week. The food is kuài chǎo “fast fry” style, lots of fresh veggies sautéed with nothing more than garlic and salt, three-cups chicken or squid, seafood, and of course HUGE glasses of cold beer on tap. It’s best to go with a bunch of friends to share dishes (and the bill)! I’ve been to this place soooooo many times, as I love the warm atmosphere, and it’s right by my house. Two thumbs up for Drunken Duck! Don’t miss it if you’re in the area.

drunken duck restaurant taichung
With Ruby and some friends at Drunken Duck

Address: No. 266號, Section 2, Gongyi Rd, Nantun District
Phone: +886 4 2251 3966


Southeast Asian Cuisine

Yabi Kitchen

Thai food lovers, save this one on your Google map! Yabi Kitchen is my #1 pick for Thai food and other Southeast Asian dishes. Yabi is set in a vast, beautiful building by the Green Belt, 3 minutes away from People’s Park on foot. The food is of fine dining quality, portions are huge, and the presentation is very creative. Service is top, design is modern, bright, and slick. A meal for two will set you back around 1500NT.

yabi kitchen taichung
I love the design @ Yabi Kitchen! High ceiling, loads of natural light, good balance of modern elements with natural materials.

Yabi’s menu is quite extensive. You’ll find dishes from no less than six countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and even India! So you can literally travel around Asia in one sitting at Yabi! It’s not cheap, but it’s a truly unique experience in Taichung City! Highly recommended!

yabi taichung
Asian fusion at its best!

Address: 100-5, Xiangshang North Rd, West District
Phone: +886 4 2302 5258


安南 An Nan Vietnamese Restaurant

This small but popular Vietnamese restaurant sells some truly amazing dishes. The Pho 130NT$ (pronounced “Fe” in Chinese) is my favorite in town. It is served the proper way you would get it in Ho Chi Minh City – with basil, sliced red chilli, and lemon on the side. The fried thick noodles are also a steal, considering it’s only 100NT$ for a huge portion.

vietnamese pho taichung
Pho

Address: 41-5, Section 2, Xitun Rd, Xitun District
Phone: +886423164156


Dynasty Bangkok 曼谷皇朝

Dynasty Bangkok Thai restaurant is located in Taichung’s busy west district, on Xiang Shang Road. I wouldn’t say it’s 100% authentic Thai, but every dish is still delicious and prices are very reasonable. The interior is clean and cozy, and the service is always attentive and friendly. You can’t go wrong with the cold seafood salad, and the steamed lemon fish. 

dynasty bangkok taichung thai restaurant
Seafood salad at Dynasty Bangkok Thai Restaurant

Address: #400 Xiang Shang Road, West District
Phone: 0918-026654


Western Restaurants

California Grill 

Opened in October 2020, California Grill has already established a solid reputation as the place to have the best burrito in Taichung. Quite a claim I know. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is seriously, really good. And yes, it’s hard to find a better burrito in TC. Definitely on par with Bemo’s. I can highly recommend the beef burrito, and my wife seems to really enjoy the Bowl with beef and guacamole.

Eat Good Feel Good!
Eat Good Feel Good!
Interior
Interior
California grill taichung
Bowl with Beef and Guacamole
Bowl with Beef and Guacamole
Made in front of you!
Made in front of you!
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Address: 375,  Dajin Street, Nantun District
Phone: 04 2320 2366
Hours: 11:30-9pm every day

Pizza Rock

This is my own chain of restaurants, which my wife and I started in 2011. At our pizzeria, we serve thin-crust, stone-baked pizza, Italian paninis, baked pasta, salads, beer, wine, desserts, and coffee. At this moment, we have 8 locations around Taichung City, with a total of 30 shops around Taiwan. Check out our story!

pizza rock taichung 2020

Find us on Facebook | Official Website


Japanese Restaurants

Zili BBQ Place 自立商店燒烤居酒屋

Zili is a very popular Japanese-style BBQ (kushiyaki) restaurant on Zhongmei Street 中美街, in the heart of the zone – the unofficial food district of Taichung City. The original building was a traditional grocery store. The new owners kept the previous name and signage, which is branding genius in my opinion. Hands down the most savory place to eat on Zhongmei Street. The barbecued skewers are tasty and affordable, they serve draft Orion beer, and small pots of sake (hot or cold) for less than 150NT$. Try the kimchi pork, it’s out of this world!

 

自立商店 燒烤居酒屋
自立商店 燒烤居酒屋
Kushiyaki place in Taichung
Kushiyaki place in Taichung
Bamboo shoot
Bamboo shoot
Scallop
Scallop
Kimchi Pork
Kimchi Pork
Indoor Seating
Indoor Seating
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Address: No. 426, Zhongmei Street, West District
台中市西區中美街426號
Phone: +886423102038
Hours: Every day 5:30PM–1AM


Wú liú shǒu 吳留手

If you want to be transported to Japan in an instant, without leaving Taichung, then visiting Wú liú shǒu Japanese restaurant is what you have to do. As soon as you enter, you’ll feel like Taiwan is far behind, and you’ve entered a typical Tokyo Izakaya. 

taichung japanese restaurant 2022
Wu Liu Shou Japanese restaurant, near People’s Park and the Green Belt

The menu is not super big, but everything is delicious, although a bit more expensive than at other Izakaya in the city. My wife and I usually order the barbecued squid (huge!), shrimp, beef skewer (niú xiǎo pái), and the spinach sushi roll with sesame dressing. Orion beer on tap is always cold and with just the right amount and thickness of foam. For some, Wu Liu Shou is overpriced. I tend to agree, but when you consider that it can “transport” you to Japan, I think it’s worth the extra NT$.

izakaya taichung
Grilled squid and chicken at Wu Liu Shou restaurant

Address: 111, Zhongxing Street, West District, Taichung, 台中市西區中興街111號
Phone: 0423028611
Facebook


Indian Restaurants

Spice Shop 香料屋印度料理

Indian is my favorite cuisine in the world, and the Spice Shop is my favorite Indian restaurant not just in Taichung, but in all of Taiwan. I have been ordering the exact same meal for the past 20 years and it’s consistently excellent and fresh at all times!

spice shop taichung
Chicken tikka masala

My order is always: garlic naan, samosa, papadam, chicken tikka masala, aloo gobi, palak paneer, rice, King Fisher beer, and chai masala tea to finish the meal. That’s for two people. Check it out if you’re in the mood for Indian tonight!

indian restaurant taichung
Veg Samosa

Address: 1066, Jianxing Rd, West District, Taichung
Hours: 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 9:30pm


Night Snacks 宵夜

Stinky tofu is a highly popular night snack among Taiwanese. It’s also popular with ME! I love stinky tofu! Westerners usually stay away from this dish because of the pungent smell which emanates from the deep-frier where it is prepared. The name probably doesn’t help either… It’s surely not for everybody. I took some friends to my favorite place in Taichung lately and they simply couldn’t even swallow a single bite.

stinky tofu in taichung taiwan

My wife and I could eat that every single day – it’s really delicious, and it does NOT taste like it smells. The best place in Taichung (and Taiwan) for stinky tofu is Liang Po Po.

Address: 312 Meitsun Rd, Sect. 1, West Dist., Taichung


御青方  Ma La Stinky Tofu Soup / Hot Pot

A new favorite of mine for my stinky tofu fix is on Xiang Shang Road. The soup is packed with flavors, the tofu is soft and does not have a pungent taste. You can either order the soup 80NT$, or the hot pot option at 130NT$. They close at midnight. Highly recommended!

mala stinky tofu taichung
Ma La stinky tofu 麻辣臭豆腐,80NT$

Address: 422, Section 1, Xiangshang Rd, West District
Phone: 0908 869 632


Taichung Restaurants Map

For the most comprehensive listing of Taichung restaurants + restaurant maps, make sure to get a copy of Compass Magazine as soon as you arrive in the city! This indispensable mag lists more than a hundred places to dine in the city.


More Info About Taichung

  • Taichung Attractions / Things to Do
  • Taichung Nightlife
  • Travel from Taichung to Hualien City
  • Taichung Shopping Guide
  • Hiking in Dakeng

Filed Under: Taichung Tagged With: Restaurant

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Hello, I’m Ugo

ugo taiwanese secrets websiteI’m the weirdo behind this site. I’ve been living in Taiwan since 2000, so basically I’ve spent half my life here. I have a big passion for everything Formosa and I’ve been working on this website since 2008 to share the beauty of Taiwan with the world! Read more about me.

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