From Night Markets to Michelin Stars: Filipino Foodies Reveal Their Favourite Taiwanese Food!

A Taiwanese restaurant in Manila just made it to the first-ever Michelin Guide Philippines! How did this home-style eatery win Filipino hearts and Michelin’s nod at the same time?

Filipinos love Taiwanese food so much that Fong Wei Wu, run by Taiwanese chef Linda in Quezon City, has become a local favourite. From beef noodle soup to braised pork rice, the dishes are comforting yet much lighter than the heavy and greasy meals we usually eat back home.

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And for those craving the real deal straight from Taiwan, a trip to Taipei’s night markets is easier than ever. With China Airlines flying direct from Manila, authentic Taiwanese street food is just a few hours away.

Filipino-favourite Taiwanese food

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Many Filipinos already love Taiwanese food without realising it, mostly because we tend to group every dumpling or noodle dish as simply Chinese. Now, let’s clear things up and list the Taiwanese dishes Filipinos already love or would like to try!

Boba tea

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Katseye is right. Boba tea is GNARLY!

When you think of Taiwanese food, the first thing that comes to mind is boba tea. And let’s be honest, Filipinos love boba that it has been part of our lives too. Most students buy boba tea with their friends after school, while office workers queue for it during lunch breaks, and even families grab it as an afternoon treat.

But Taiwan isn’t just about chewy pearls in sweet tea. Its street food is something Filipinos should try because it’s much healthier than our oily, grilled, and deep-fried ones.

Oyster Omelet

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Take the oyster omelet, for example. Most Filipinos who travel to Taiwan get to try this along with authentic Taiwanese boba teas, and it never fails to impress them, even Michelin inspectors. Whenever I see Taiwan vlogs on TikTok, oyster omelet is always featured and is the most-vlogged Taiwanese street food by Filipino content creators.

Yuan Huan Pien in Ningxia Night Market has been serving its famous oyster omelet from Tainan, drizzled in homemade sweet-hot sauce, since 1965. You could say it’s like a Filipino tortang talong with oysters instead of eggplant, but juicier and slightly sweet with a tangy kick.

Scallion pancake

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Then there’s the scallion pancake, a snack that Filipinos can compare to fluffy pancakes, but instead of being sweet, it has an oniony taste of scallions. Crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, it’s perfect with a touch of honey mustard for a hint of sweetness. Hsiung Chi in Gongguan Night Market has been serving these Bib Gourmand pancakes for over 30 years, and it’s definitely worth the queue.

Xiao long bao

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Beyond street food, Filipinos are obsessed with xiao long bao. Din Tai Fung, located on Xinyi Road in Taipei, is where it all began. These juicy and soup-filled dumplings are served with sweet and sour pork, bitter melon pork rib soup, and steamed taro buns. Some Din Tai Fung branches abroad, such as those in Hong Kong, have received Michelin stars, but the Taipei spot is the OG. Filipinos love these dumplings so much that families often visit Din Tai Fung on Sundays or family days just to devour trays of xiao long bao!

Aside from the food, Filipinos love to visit Taiwan because it's not expensive, safe, and easy to explore. The country feels familiar because Taiwanese people are warm, friendly, and welcoming, just like us. Both cultures value freedom, community, and looking out for one another, which makes Taiwan feel comfortable even if it is your first time.

Most solo-travellers choose Taiwan as their first country to visit alone. Add the easy visa process, budget-friendly transport, and unique experiences like themed cafés, city night views, and peaceful nature spots, and it is easy to see why Taiwan is becoming a Filipino favourite. And with China Airlines offering direct Manila to Taipei flights, getting there is much easier!

China Airlines is your hassle-free and foodie gateway to Taiwan

Image credit: China Airlines

If you want to travel to Taiwan without any hassle, China Airlines is your ultimate gateway. Their flights connect Manila and Cebu directly to Taipei and Kaohsiung, allowing Filipino food lovers can quickly get to the heart of Taiwan’s culinary scene.

Planning your trip to Taiwan has never been easier! Economy fares from Manila to Taipei start at just USD 125, excluding taxes. This affordable option is perfect for practical travellers who prefer not to splurge on flights.

Even before you land, the journey becomes part of the experience. If you’re a bougie traveller, Business Class is perfect for you! The cabin feels luxurious, welcoming, with calming lighting, a modern interior, and of course, the most important of all… spacious seats. You can lie back, relax, and enjoy a flight that preps you for eating your way through Taiwan.

And the food? Totally next-level. If you’re someone who splurges on food, flying with China Airlines is a smart move. China Airlines elevates your foodie journey even before landing. They’ve teamed up with Michelin‑recognised restaurants like MoonMoon Food (Bib Gourmand) and MIPON (1‑star Michelin), letting travellers enjoy signature dishes right in the air. For plant-based options, there’s a menu crafted with Michelin Green Star restaurant Yang Ming Spring. Select routes even feature in‑flight breads made with ingredients like sweet potato and tea!

Image credit: China Airlines

Comfort doesn’t stop at the seat. Business Class includes lie-flat options, active noise-cancelling headphones, and even Wi‑Fi on select flights, so you arrive refreshed and ready to explore night markets, dine at Michelin-rated restaurants, or hunt down all the must-try street food. China Airlines makes the whole flight into the first stop of your foodie journey.

Image credit: China Airlines

Let’s get this straight. Most China Airlines flights use the trusty Airbus A330-300, featuring angled-flat seats in business class. They’re comfy, the meals are top-notch, but these seats don’t fully lie flat.

Image credit: China Airlines

Now here’s the cool part: on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, Flight CI710 flies with the sleek Airbus A321neo, offering fully lie-flat seats for that next-level premium vibe!

Honestly, I’m not fussed about seat types because I’d be too busy enjoying Michelin-worthy meals on board. But no worries, the seats are comfortable, and I rested well enough to be fully recharged. Because let’s be real, how else can you conquer a Taiwanese food crawl if you’re half asleep? China Airlines Business Class lets you eat, chill, and snooze like royalty, so you land ready to munch, sip, and snack your way through Taipei.

Discover Taiwan’s culinary heritage

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Even before landing, your foodie adventure can start in the air. China Airlines’ Business Class makes the flight relaxing, so you arrive ready to explore Taiwan’s rich food scene.

If you have ever been to Ugbo, Tondo, I know how much you hate it when a place is overhyped by content creators, only to find the food is actually mid. In Taiwan, you will not regret visiting their night markets as they serve good food at an affordable price!

Once on the ground, you’ll see why Taiwan is a must-visit for Filipino food lovers. Night markets are the heartbeat of Taiwanese food culture, where classic dishes like pepper buns, deep-fried chicken fillets, and Taiwanese sausages meet trendy, experimental fusions. Each market has its own specialty that draws locals and tourists alike.

In case you don’t know, Taiwan is considered Asia’s culinary melting pot. It blends Fujianese, Hakka, Indigenous, and Japanese influences into one rich, flavorful identity. You’ll find Hakka braised pork, Fujian-style pork rice, and Indigenous staples flavored with wild herbs and millet. Dishes can get creative too, like cuttlefish geng soup and leafy herb-filled rice dumplings called chháu-á-kóe.

Fun fact! Tainan’s milkfish congee comes from coastal traditions, and wild boar BBQ is deeply rooted in Indigenous tribal cuisine. Even the Hakka use pickling and preservation techniques that have been passed down in mountain villages.

This mix of cultures makes Taiwan one of Asia’s most exciting culinary destinations. And that’s why if you’re a real foodie, you must include Taiwan in your travel bucket list!