Taipei is a city that pulses with flavor: steaming street stalls, fragrant markets, and a food scene that reflects its blend of tradition and modernity. For those who love to explore a city through its food, Taipei offers some exceptional options. We’re particularly fond of the Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Taipei: The 10 Tastings for its personalized approach and authentic bites, and the Taipei Hidden Eats, Market & Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings for its lively exploration of markets and hidden spots. These tours provide a genuine taste of Taipei’s culinary heart, with guides who are passionate and knowledgeable.
Whether you prefer a private experience, a bustling market adventure, or even a hands-on cooking class, Taipei caters to every interest and budget. And with a city so full of great food, it’s worth planning ahead—these tours tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Here’s a full rundown of the best food tours in Taipei to help you discover your next favorite dish.
1. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Taipei: The 10 Tastings
For around $85, this private walking tour takes you through the atmospheric Zhongzheng District, including Dongmen Market. Your local guide will escort you to up to 10 street food dishes and Taiwanese specialties, such as braised pork or scallion pancakes, with detailed explanations of ingredients. The tour is personalized, with flexible departure times, making it ideal for travelers who want an intimate, tailored experience.
The highlight is the carefully selected tastings, designed to showcase Taipei’s most authentic bites. Visitors rave about the guide’s local knowledge—”June carefully handpicked each stop”—and the chance to learn about the city’s history and food traditions while enjoying delicious dishes. It’s a perfect choice if you prefer a private, relaxed experience with plenty of tasty bites.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for a personalized, comprehensive introduction to Taipei’s street food scene—ideal for food lovers craving an in-depth, authentic experience.
2. Taipei Hidden Eats, Market & Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings
At just $55, this 3.5-hour tour is a fantastic way to explore both traditional markets and trendy food neighborhoods. Starting at Taipower Building metro station, you’ll visit Shida Road and the lively Shida Night Market, sampling dishes like tofu skin, Spring Onion bacon roll, and crispy Taiwanese Fried Chicken. Later, stroll through Yongkang Street, a foodie haven famous for bubble teas and local snacks.
This tour stands out because it balances historic markets with modern street food culture, giving you a well-rounded taste of Taipei. Guides like Julie earn perfect reviews for their enthusiasm and deep local knowledge—“I now know what I was missing” sums up the experience for many. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a taste of everything in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Bottom line: A smart pick for those who want a broad but manageable food exploration, blending history, culture, and excellent eats without breaking the bank.
3. Yansan Night Market Food Tour
For $61.54 and just two hours, this small-group tour (max four people) offers an intimate way to enjoy one of Taipei’s most authentic night markets. You’ll sample up to eight Taiwanese street foods at Yansan Night Market, a hotspot renowned for its local flavor.
Highlights include trying classic dishes like oyster omelets and regional specialties, all with the benefit of a dedicated guide. With glowing reviews, many mention how this tour allows for a genuine, low-key experience—”Mike’s time at the market was wonderful”—and it’s ideal for travelers who want an up-close, personal food adventure.
Bottom line: Limited to just four people, this tour ensures personal attention and a true local experience, making it perfect for foodies seeking authenticity.
4. Traditional Old School Taiwanese Food Tour
At $85, this 3.5-hour tour takes you through Dadaocheng, one of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods. Here, you’ll dine at family-owned restaurants with influences from Dutch and Japanese cooking, and visit two local temples for cultural context.
The focus is on historic eateries that have been around since the early 20th century, offering dishes that reflect Taiwan’s culinary evolution. The tour includes beverages and bottled water, adding value to the experience. Reviewers appreciate the mix of history and food: “You’ll sample foods at small mom & pop shops where travelers seldom go.”
Bottom line: This tour offers a deeper understanding of Taipei’s culinary past, making it perfect for history and food buffs alike.
5. Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei: Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea
For $75, this hands-on 2-hour cooking class is ideal if you want to learn how to make classic Taiwanese street foods. Under guidance, you’ll craft dishes like Gua Bao (braised pork belly in steamed bun), Boba Tea, and spring onion bacon roll.
This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to go home with new skills and recipes. The instructor Angela gets rave reviews for her friendly approach, and many say they now feel confident making these dishes at home. It’s a fun, engaging way to deepen your appreciation for Taiwan’s culinary traditions.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for hands-on learners who want practical skills along with delicious food.
6. Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store (Food Included)
At $39.99, this 2-hour tour is great for budget travelers wanting an authentic night market experience. Visit Wanhua’s Meng Jia Night Market and Huaxi Street Night Market, sampling signature dishes like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and Michelin-rated street food.
Bilingual guides help navigate language barriers, making it easier to try harder-to-find items. Many reviews praise the tour as fun and insightful—“the food options are epic”—and it’s particularly suited for first-time visitors or those short on time.
Bottom line: Excellent value, especially if you want a quick but comprehensive introduction to Taipei’s night market food scene.
7. Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class
Priced at $130 for about 4.5 hours, this small group class offers a deeper dive into Taiwanese cuisine and culture. You’ll learn to cook a variety of dishes, with recipes in multiple languages. The cozy studio environment makes for a memorable, social experience.
Guides like Chef Wayne bring over 25 years of experience, making it an engaging, educational journey. Many participants leave with new skills and a better understanding of Taiwan’s culinary landscape, saying “the food came out amazing” and “a great way to spend time in Taipei.”
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in a thorough, hands-on culinary experience combined with cultural insights.
8. Best E-bike Cycling Tour in Taipei – Includes Local Food & Drinks
For $110, this 5-hour guided e-bike tour blends sightseeing with food tasting. You’ll start with Taiwanese breakfast, then cruise through neighborhoods, visiting markets, temples, and cafes. The tour includes sampling coffee, snacks at Hulin Market, and other local specialties.
Tommy, the guide, is praised for his personal approach and deep knowledge of the city. The combination of cycling and tasting makes it an active, fun way to experience Taipei beyond just walking.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want a comprehensive, interactive exploration of Taipei’s food and neighborhoods.
9. WoknRoll Taipei Walking and Historical Food Tour
At $85, this 2-3 hour tour combines local history with food samplings around Dihua Street and nearby alleys. It’s for those interested in both Taipei’s past and its culinary scene. You’ll visit markets, temples, and sample traditional street foods that have been around for over a century.
Reviewers commend the tour for its cultural insights and delicious stops, especially noting how the guide shares stories that bring the food to life. It’s suited for travelers wanting a balanced mix of history and bites.
Bottom line: For history and food lovers, this tour offers a meaningful, tasty experience.
10. Night Market Food Tour in Keelung
At $300 per group (up to four people), this 3-hour tour ventures outside Taipei to Keelung, known for its seafood and coastal flavors. You’ll explore the maritime plaza, fish market, and indoor markets, sampling dishes with stories tied to their origins.
Many reviews emphasize the cultural richness of Keelung’s cuisine. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a more regional experience, with plenty of fresh seafood and local specialties. The small group size allows for personalized attention.
Bottom line: A unique opportunity to taste Taiwan’s coastal culinary traditions, perfect if you want more than just Taipei’s street eats.
11. Taste Taipei: Private 6H Food Tour from Keelung Shore Excursion
Priced at $189, this private tour includes pickup from Keelung Port and explores Taipei’s culinary scenes including Dongmen Market and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It lasts around 6 hours, making it a full-day experience.
Guests love the personalized attention and the variety of flavors, from street snacks to cultural sites. Guides help you navigate the city’s food landscape comfortably, making it a good choice for cruise travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Taipei.
Bottom line: Best suited for cruise visitors or those who want an extensive, flexible culinary day in Taipei.
12. Taipei Street Food & Night Market Tour with a Local: Private & Custom
At $142.16 per person, this private, custom tour focuses on authentic night market experiences. You’ll visit Yansan Night Market, sampling up to eight dishes, from fried chicken to herbal drinks, with a guide tailoring the experience to your preferences.
Reviews highlight how this tour offers a true local flavor—“the guide’s passion for her culture shines through”—and it’s perfect for travelers who want a personalized night market adventure.
Bottom line: Highly recommended for those wanting a flexible, immersive night market food tour with a personal touch.
13. Local Favorites: Taiwan Night Market Food Tour in 2 hours
For a quick, authentic taste of Taipei, this 2-hour tour at $49 focuses on Ningxia Night Market. You’ll sample iconic snacks like oyster omelets and shrimp balls, learning about local culinary customs from your guide.
Reviews praise its personable guide and delicious samples, making it a good choice for travelers short on time or seeking a casual introduction to Taiwanese street food.
Bottom line: Perfect for a concise, flavorful exploration of Taipei’s street snacks.
14. Taipei Foodie and History Walking Tour
At $115, this 2-hour tour offers a mix of street food and history, exploring MRT Beimen Station and Ximending. It’s ideal for those interested in learning about Taipei’s evolution alongside tasting local foods.
While brief, the guide shares stories that contextualize the food, making it suitable for history buffs who want a quick cultural fix plus some bites.
Bottom line: Good for history and culture enthusiasts who want a quick but meaningful taste of Taipei’s culinary culture.
15. Private Walking Food Tour in Taipei
This private tour at $220 lasts about 3.5 hours, covering Shida Night Market, Yongkang Street, and more. It includes sampling popular dishes like braised pork, tofu skin, and bubble tea, with a focus on a personalized experience.
Reviewers mention the guide’s detailed knowledge and the variety of foods sampled, making it ideal for travelers wanting an extensive, flexible discovery. The tour’s length allows for multiple neighborhoods, giving a fuller picture of Taipei’s food scene.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a comprehensive, private experience with diverse Taipei flavors.
$220.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Taipei
When selecting your foodie adventure, consider your budget, your interests, and how active you want to be. For example, if you’re eager to learn how to make authentic dishes, the Street Food Cooking Class might suit you best. If you prefer a more relaxed, private experience, then the Award-Winning Private Food Tour offers personalized tastings with flexibility.
For those on a budget wanting to see Taipei’s night markets, the Night Market & Convenience Store Tour provides a quick yet authentic snapshot. Active travelers should consider the E-bike Cycling Tour, blending exercise with food.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or small-group tours, as they fill quickly during peak travel seasons. Think about your pace—are you after a deep dive into history, a casual walk-through markets, or a hands-on cooking experience? Each tour offers something specific, so read through carefully to match your interests.
In summary, Taipei offers a wide array of food tours, from private tastings and market explorations to interactive cooking classes. For a personalized journey, the Award-Winning Private Food Tour and the Taipei Foodie & History Walking Tour stand out. If you want to learn how to cook Taiwanese dishes yourself, the Street Food Cooking Class is a wonderful choice.
No matter your style, Taipei’s culinary scene is ready to surprise you. Just remember to book early, bring your appetite, and be prepared for flavors that might just become your new favorites.