7-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.

Day 3 – Cooking Class and Yangmingshan National Park

• Today will be a day of markets, cookery classes and mountain views. We’ll make an early-ish 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 – Miaoli

• Whether it’s shopping, visiting a century-old seller of local teas in Dadaocheng, or taking in a conventional tourist sight like a temple or a museum, just let us know how you’d like to spend the morning.
• Before or just after lunch, we’ll set off for the Hakka heartland of the northwest. The Hakka people account for around one seventh of the island’s population, speak their own language, and have distinctive culinary traditions. Famous Hakka delicacies include pigeon peas and ribs, mountain bitter gourd, and thick rice-flour noodles, and you’ll have a chance to sample some of these. In the past, many Hakka dishes were regarded as oily and salty; in line with modern preferences for healthy fare, innovative chefs have updated the cuisine, while retaining its characteristic pork and pickle flavours.

Day 5 – Sun Moon Lake

• There’s no need to make an early start because driving from Miaoli to Sun Moon Lake is around two and a quarter hours. If time allow, however, we can make at least one halt en route, perhaps in the vicinity of the woodcarving centre of Sanyi to visit Shengxing Railway Station and Longteng Broken Bridge. The former is a gorgeous Japanese-era wooden building at the heart of a picturesque village. The latter is what remains of a railway bridge built in 1909, damaged beyond repair in a terrible earthquake in 1935, then further wrecked in another big quake in 1999.
• We’ll reach the lake in time for a delightful afternoon boat cruise. Once you’ve had your fill of views of this shimmering body of water and the mountains that surround it, we’ll bring you to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Day 6 – Tainan Ancient City

• Almost everyone agrees that just after daybreak, as the sun climbs up over the nearby peaks, is a splendid moment to appreciate the beauty of Sun Moon Lake – but of course it’s up to you whether you want to sleep in or not. After breakfast and a brief tour of lakeside attractions like Cien Pagoda (built on the orders of Chiang Kai-shek to honour his late mother) we’ll proceed south to Tainan. The city 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 recommended a couple of hours in the National Museum of Taiwan History.

Day 7 – 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 find that this 7-day private food tour of Taiwan isn’t for you, explore and find out more about out 5-day private food tour of Taiwan and out 3-day private food tour of Taiwan.

7-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan: A Gourmet Journey Across the Island

Indulge in a week-long culinary adventure with our Private Food Tours of Taiwan, where food and culture come together to create an unforgettable experience. Explore Taiwan’s diverse culinary heritage, from bustling night markets and refined tea pairings to traditional cooking techniques and farm-to-table dining. With private transportation and expert local guides, enjoy a seamless journey that takes you through Taiwan’s culinary highlights and hidden gems.

Perfect for food enthusiasts and curious travelers, this extended tour offers a deep dive into Taiwan’s vibrant food culture and its stunning landscapes.

Why Choose the 7-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan?

• Comprehensive Culinary Exploration
  Over seven days, experience the full spectrum of Taiwan’s food culture. From the street food of Taipei to the refined flavors of Alishan, this tour provides an in-depth exploration of the island’s gastronomic treasures.
• Personalized for You
  As a private tour, your itinerary is fully customized to suit your palate and interests. Spend more time savoring night market bites, exploring rural food traditions, or indulging in gourmet dining—the choice is yours.
• Insider Access
  With experienced guides by your side, uncover the stories behind Taiwan’s iconic dishes, meet passionate local chefs, and gain exclusive access to cooking workshops and private tastings.

Highlights of the 7-Day Private Food Tour of Taiwan

Your journey begins in Taipei, where you’ll explore bustling night markets and enjoy a guided tasting tour of classic dishes like stinky tofu, gua bao, and bubble tea. Visit traditional markets and upscale restaurants that showcase the innovative spirit of modern Taiwanese cuisine.

Head to Pinglin and Maokong to discover Taiwan’s tea culture. Learn about the intricate process of tea cultivation and pair exquisite teas with locally inspired delicacies while enjoying breathtaking views of lush tea plantations.

In central Taiwan, visit Sun Moon Lake, where culinary traditions are paired with scenic beauty. Participate in a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A tea-pairing experience highlights the region’s black teas, renowned for their rich and complex flavors.

Explore the misty mountains of Alishan, home to Taiwan’s famous high-mountain oolong tea and indigenous food traditions. Enjoy hearty, seasonal meals inspired by the region’s natural bounty and learn about the unique flavors cultivated in this high-altitude environment.

In Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, experience its renowned street food scene and sample iconic dishes like coffin bread, milkfish porridge, and shrimp rolls. Stroll through historic streets lined with traditional food stalls and learn about the city’s role as Taiwan’s culinary capital.

End your tour in Kaohsiung, where a vibrant mix of cultural influences shines through in its cuisine. Enjoy a seafood feast by the harbor, sample innovative fusion dishes, and explore local specialties like papaya milk and taro ice.

The Benefits of a Private Food Tour of Taiwan

• Customized Itinerary
  Your tour is tailored to your interests, whether you prefer street food, tea culture, or refined dining experiences.
• Comfortable and Hassle-Free Travel
  Travel in style and comfort with private transportation, ensuring a seamless journey between each culinary destination.
• Authentic Connections
  Get behind-the-scenes access to local markets, family-run restaurants, and tea plantations. Meet the artisans, chefs, and farmers who bring Taiwan’s culinary traditions to life.

Conclusion

Our Private Food Tours of Taiwan are the ultimate gourmet experience, offering a rich blend of culinary exploration and cultural discovery. From Taipei’s bustling food markets to the serene tea fields of Alishan and the vibrant flavors of Tainan, this tour is a celebration of Taiwan’s diverse and delicious heritage.

Ready to embark on a flavorful adventure? Contact us today to plan your Private Food Tour of Taiwan and savor every bite of this unforgettable journey.