5-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan

Day 1 – Taipei City

• After flying into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, transferring to the capital, and resting up for a bit in your hotel, we’ll begin our gourmet expedition with an early-ish dinner that represents mainstream culinary traditions: Ultra-fresh ingredients braised, steamed or turned into soups; vegetables wok-fried with garlic; and delicious local fruit for dessert.
• After-dark Taipei is brim-full of distractions. Depending on your preferences, we can take you for a spot of shopping in glitzy Xinyi District, a wander through the far more traditional neighbourhood of Dihua Street, or a look at the gorgeous Baoan Temple. The evening will end with a look (and a sampling of traditional snacks) at one of Taipei’s night markets.

Day 2 – Wulai Scenic District

• Taipei is dominated by Taiwanese of Chinese descent, but just outside the capital there’s a gorgeously scenic district called Wulai. It’s popular with birdwatchers, hot-spring aficionados and hikers. Many of Wulai’s 6,000 residents are members of the Atayal ethnic group, one of the island’s 16 Austronesian indigenous tribes. For a quick introduction to Taiwan’s aboriginal people and their delicious food, we’ll drive you to some of Wulai’s most scenic corners before sitting down for a lunch that’ll include roasted meats and foraged vegetables.
• If you wish we can spend the entire day in Wulai. Alternatively, we can drive to one of the region’s fishing harbors for a seafood feast. As befits one of the world’s great fishing nations (Taiwan’s pelagic fishing fleet ranks no. 1 in the world for Pacific saury, no. 2 for tuna and no. 3 for squid), the Taiwanese have a tremendous appetite for seafood and love to eat at dockside restaurants.

Day 3 – Cooking Class and Yangmingshan National Park

• Today will be a day of markets, cookery classes and mountain views. We’ll make an earlyish start and meet Emily Wu, a famous chef who teaches Taiwanese cooking to the rich and famous. She’ll accompany you to one of the city’s morning markets for a traditional breakfast, then head to a seafood market. At both locations we’ll purchase supplies for your cookery class with Emily at her house, where you’ll prepare and enjoy lunch.
• After 2pm we’ll head out of the city to beautiful Yangmingshan National Park to see the flower blossoms and walk off lunch. At a renovated rice granary converted to a coffee shop, we’ll taste their renowned homemade cakes. Dinner will be at a seafood restaurant in an old fishing village. As we return to the city centre, you can let us know if you’re done for the day and eager to rest – or up for a night market or a bit of nightlife.

Day 4 – Tainan Ancient City

• After breakfast we’ll board a bullet train to Tainan, the city that served as Taiwan’s capital for more than 200 years and remains a bastion of tradition. South Taiwan has its own culinary specialities and we’ll enjoy several of these before your departure.
• Between touring sites of historical, spiritual or artistic importance – like Fort Zeelandia, the stronghold built by the Dutch East India Company in the the early 1630s, the serene Confucius Temple, and atmospheric Shennong Street – we’ll partake of local delicacies like oyster omelettes, danzai mian (peddler’s noodles) and milkfish soup. If you’d like to learn how trade in commodities like tea, rice and sugar impacted Taiwan, we recommend a couple of hours in the National Museum of Taiwan History.

Day 5 – Wrap Up

• Whatever time your flight out, we’ll help you make the most of your final day in Taiwan. Tainan HSR Station (where you’ll board the bullet train to the airport) is southeast of the city centre, we can show you a couple of sights on the way. One is Xinhua Old Street, an authentic merchants’ thoroughfare from the 1920s, behind which there is a thriving traditional morning market. Alternatively, if you tried something the previous day that stunned your palate, we can of course go back for more.

If you feel like this 5-day private food tour of Taiwan isn’t for you, take a quick look at our 3-day private food tour of Taiwan and our 7-day private food tour of Taiwan.

5-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan: A Culinary Adventure Across the Island

Experience the best of Taiwan’s culinary delights on a 5-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan. This extended journey takes you through the island’s most iconic food destinations, blending authentic street eats, traditional dining experiences, and hands-on culinary activities. With private transportation and expert guides, you’ll uncover the flavors, stories, and traditions that define Taiwan’s vibrant food culture.

Perfect for food enthusiasts, this tour is an immersive exploration of Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage, offering the ultimate combination of flavor, culture, and convenience.

Why Choose the 5-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan?

• A Deeper Dive into Taiwanese Cuisine
  Spanning five days, this tour offers more time to savor Taiwan’s diverse food culture. From bustling urban food markets to serene countryside farms, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded exploration of the island’s culinary landscape.
• Tailored to Your Taste
  As a private tour, the experience is entirely customized to your interests. Whether you want to explore Taipei’s gourmet dining scene, learn traditional cooking techniques, or sample rural delicacies, your itinerary is crafted to match your preferences.
• Expert Guidance
  Led by experienced guides, this tour provides insights into Taiwan’s food history, ingredients, and preparation techniques. Discover hidden gems and learn the secrets behind Taiwan’s most beloved dishes.

Highlights of the 5-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan

This tour begins in Taipei, Taiwan’s bustling capital, where the city’s vibrant food culture sets the stage for your culinary journey. Visit iconic spots like traditional markets, renowned tea houses, and the famous night markets, sampling local favorites such as scallion pancakes, beef noodle soup, and oyster omelets.

Explore the rich traditions of Hakka cuisine in charming rural villages, where you’ll meet local farmers and artisans. Try unique dishes like Hakka stir-fry and learn about the preservation techniques that make their cuisine so distinctive.

Discover the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, where you’ll enjoy a tea-pairing experience featuring Taiwan’s finest teas alongside locally inspired dishes. Visit nearby farms to see how ingredients are sourced and participate in a hands-on cooking workshop, gaining a deeper appreciation for the farm-to-table philosophy.

No food tour of Taiwan would be complete without a visit to Tainan, the island’s culinary capital. Wander through historic streets, sampling specialties like danzai noodles, milkfish soup, and shrimp rolls while learning about the evolution of Taiwanese street food. The tour also includes stops at traditional bakeries and dessert shops, offering a sweet ending to your culinary adventure.

The Benefits of a Private Food Tour of Taiwan

• Customized Experiences
  Your tour is personalized to your culinary interests, whether you’re a street food aficionado or looking for upscale dining experiences.
• Seamless Travel
  Private transportation ensures a comfortable, stress-free journey between destinations, allowing you to focus on enjoying the food and scenery.
• Exclusive Access
  Enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences like private tastings, cooking workshops, and interactions with local food artisans, giving you an authentic connection to Taiwan’s culinary world.

Conclusion

Our Private Food Tour of Taiwan offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s dynamic food culture. From the bustling night markets of Taipei to the serene tea plantations of Sun Moon Lake and the historic streets of Tainan, every moment is designed to delight your taste buds and enrich your understanding of Taiwanese cuisine.

Contact us today to start planning your Private Food Tour of Taiwan and embark on an unforgettable journey through the flavors of this culinary paradise.