See the True Taiwan: an insiders guide

There is a definite glut of recommended food types to take in during your time in Taiwan, and the longer you stay the more you could eat. This insiders guide wants to put readers on the path to new(er) finds with a more local clientele than some of the more celebrated places found in guidebooks. Taiwan's 麻油雞 culture is well worth a full investigation for any intrepid food tourist. It should be right up there with dumplings, beef noodles, and fried chicken as a Taiwanese must eat. 麻油, or black sesame oil makes up the base of a soup stock which is then used to concoct some tasty, (relatively) cheap, and filling meals. There seem to be a few famous stores which have mayouji in every city, so asking at your hotel, school, or work will help you get to a great one. For the closest fix, copy and paste 麻油雞 into a map app and you'll find something nearby. Expect the place to be busy, because this stuff is very popular and locals won't support a place that serves up a sub-par...

Foods to Write Home About For foreign visitors and ex-pat residents alike there are some foods which instill suspicious, fear, nausea, etc. When talking with Taiwanese locals it is not unusual to hear people ask if you "dare" to try some of the more local food items. While intrepid, seasoned, or do-it-once-so-you-can-say-you-did types are likely to have tried the following things, most Taiwanese correctly assume that foreigners wont eat most of it. For those who do, its always the kind of experience you write home about. Stinky Tofu 臭豆腐   This is arguably the most famous contribution that Taiwan has made to food. In its common form this fried or boiled tofu is fermented before cooking. The deliciously bathroom-like smell of it cooking will fill your nose as you walk the streets, beckoning you from afar and boldly wafting deep into your long-term memory. The taste and texture is similar to strong blue cheese. Fried stinky tofu has more tofu flavor than its boiled brot...