New TaipeiEat Recommendations

Ye Jia Herbal Rib Soup is a popular late-night snack spot in Banqiao District, New Taipei City, renowned for its herbal rib soup, herbal spare ribs, and angelica lamb soup. The broth is simmered with traditional Chinese herbs like angelica, ligusticum, and goji berries — rich in flavor yet not overly salty or greasy. A Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation, this beloved local favorite often has long queues. Dine-in guests enjoy unlimited free soup refills, making it ideal for travelers wanting to experience authentic Taiwanese herbal cuisine and midnight dining culture.

A Cheng Goose Meat is a time-honored goose specialty shop in Tucheng District, New Taipei City, with over 30 years of history. The restaurant uses freshly slaughtered 90-day Yunlin geese, offering both boiled and smoked preparations paired with house-made sweet goose sauce and chili goose oil. Known for consistent quality and tender meat, it has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for consecutive years and accumulated over 6,000 Google reviews. Expect queues, but it's a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking top-quality goose dishes.

A Zhong Beef Noodle Soup is located at No. 82, Min'an West Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, and has been a local favorite for over 30 years. The shop specializes in braised and clear-broth beef noodle soups, with broth simmered for hours from pure beef bones, featuring generous, melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks. Their handmade dumplings are also beloved. Known for large portions and great value, expect queues during peak hours. Open daily 11:00–22:00 (until 21:00 on Sundays), closed Tuesdays. Phone: 02-8201-9898 for takeout orders.

A Ba's Taro Balls is a must-visit taro dessert shop located in Lehua Night Market, Yonghe District, New Taipei City. The signature 'Taro Meets Sugarcane Ice' combines crispy sugarcane ice chips, creamy taro paste, and chewy taro balls with toppings like red bean and barley, creating rich layers of texture and flavor. Recognized by Michelin Bib Gourmand, this popular stall often has queues, though waits are typically short — perfect for travelers eager to try creative local ice desserts.

Yin Ju Izakaya is tucked away in an alley next to Fuzhong MRT station at No. 30-1, Dongmen Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City. Despite its low profile, this Japanese-style pub is wildly popular, serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes and skewers including crispy chicken cartilage, peeled chili beef skewers, sashimi, and an extensive sake selection at affordable prices averaging around NT$500 per person. With a cozy Japanese atmosphere and friendly service, it boasts over 4.8 Google stars and is often fully seated — ideal for gatherings and after-work drinks.

Hei Dian (Black Shop) Rice Store, formerly known as Black Shop Pork Rice, is a Tamsui landmark with over 50 years of history, specializing in nostalgic old-school pork chop rice with sides like pickled mustard greens and braised snacks. The original shop is near Fisherman's Wharf, and the Right Bank branch is close to Tamsui MRT Exit 1. Both are famous for their queues and high ratings. Signature dishes include bone-in pork chops, braised platters, and cabbage fried rice, served in a vintage red-brick heritage setting — perfect for travelers wanting to experience Tamsui's local flavors and nostalgic atmosphere.