Types of noodle dishes to try when you visit Taiwan
Three ways to enjoy one of Taiwan’s top comfort foods
When thinking about popular noodle dishes in Taiwan, beef noodle soup will likely spring to mind first.
Often considered something of a national dish, it combines tender chunks of braised beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, spiced broth.
But Taiwan’s noodle scene goes well beyond a single bowl, and there are lots of different ways to get your noodle fix.
From steaming soups and noodles tossed in savory sauces to chilled dishes that are especially refreshing in summer, there are plenty of options worth keeping in mind when deciding what to order.
#1: Soup Noodles
A steaming bowl for the cooler months
When it comes to soup noodles, (湯麵, tāng miàn) beef noodle soup is the obvious place to start.
Another popular choice is yang chun noodles (陽春麵, yáng chūn miàn), also known in English as "plain noodles," which are valued for their simplicity and comfort.
But these are far from the only options.
There is a huge range of choices, containing pork, seafood, wontons, and all sorts of veggies. The broths also vary significantly, from light and clear to spicy and rich.
#2: Dry Noodles
Mix your own sauce for a stodgier bite
Commonly called gan mian (乾麵, gān miàn), "dry noodles" is slightly misleading as a name, as the noodles often come coated in sauce or oil.
The dish also often features minced pork, scallions, or vegetables. Be sure to mix everything together well before you dig in.
At other restaurants, the noodles sometimes arrive plain and you add sauces, seasonings, and oils yourself.
#3: Cold Noodles
A sesame-coated answer to Taiwan’s summer heat
When Taipei gets hot and humid, cold noodles (涼麵, liáng miàn) are a particularly satisfying.
These chilled noodles are typically served with shredded cucumber and a sesame-based sauce, often with garlic and sometimes a little chili.
Cold noodles are easy to find at roadside eateries and make a filling lunch without the heat of a steaming bowl.
Some places also serve them for breakfast, which may sound unusual if you’re visiting, but feels much more reasonable once you’ve experienced a scorching Taiwanese summer morning.
