Sure, opposite to in style perception, Taipei has a very good number of Taiwanese meals that’s Halal — and it’s not simply kebabs!
When travelling in a non-Muslim nation, I normally prepare dinner or eat bread.
And if eating outdoors, Halal choices are normally restricted to Indian and Center Japanese meals. Don’t get me incorrect, these cuisines SLAP. However I didn’t journey all the best way simply to have kebabs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On a current solo journey to Taipei, I used to be stunned to seek out that this non-muslim nation is extraordinarily conscious of what it entails to be Muslim. It was simple to seek out prayer rooms, bogs with bidets and Halal licensed snacks all through the town. I even had locals advising me on whether or not or not their meals was alright for me to devour!
Should you’re muslim (or travelling with Muslim mates), right here’s our information to Halal meals in Taipei, together with MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Beef Noodles, genuine Taiwanese Breakfast, and snacks!
1) 馬叔餅舖 Uncle Ma’s/清真風懷舊北京小點
Halal standing: Halal licensed by the Taipei Grand Mosque and Muslim-Owned
Run by a Taiwanese Muslim, Uncle Ma’s is the one place on this listing that sells Halal Shao Bing and freshly made conventional Taiwanese candy pastries.
I observed many locals ordering takeaways of the Beef Shao Bing (NT$65, ~S$2.90) — and I can perceive why. The pastry’s texture was in-between flaky and bread-y, layered with Chinese language five-spice or beef marinade — very flavourful.
The chilly beef slices had been tender and straightforward to chew. I ordered it to-go (with the meat separated) and had it for breakfast the subsequent day — nonetheless scrumptious!
Photograph credit score: 馬叔餅舖
Uncle Ma’s additionally serves Beijing-style snacks and Taiwanese staples like beef noodles and dumplings.
Although these Beef Soup Dumplings (NT$150, ~S$6.70) had a pores and skin that was not as QQ as I’d hoped, the meat filling was generously portioned with the occasional crunch from the chives. The broth was delicate — a very good start line for these unfamiliar to the natural notes of Chinese language delicacies.
Their location is barely out of the best way from the town centre however is as native because it will get! Uncle Ma’s is tucked on the finish of a neighborhood market in Linyi Avenue at Dongmen MRT Station. I extremely advocate stopping by for those who’re within the space.
*Professional-tip: Many of the employees don’t perceive English however an English menu is out there. Use Google Translate when you’ve got particular requests.
馬叔餅舖 Uncle Ma’s/清真風懷舊北京小點
Value: From NT$40 – 200 (~S$1.80 – 8.90)
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM (opens 7.30AM on Sat & Solar, closed on Fri)
Handle: No. 67之2號, Linyi St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100
get there: Exit 1 at Dongmen Station. Flip left into Linyi road and also you’ll enter an alley of retailers. Simply hold strolling straight.
2) Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant
Halal standing: Licensed Muslim Pleasant by Central Asia Bell Worldwide Commonplace Verification Co.
I’ll lower to the chase — this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant takes the crown for the perfect broth of the journey.
Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant has quite a lot of clear soups and dry noodles — however I ordered the Braised Beef Noodle with Tendon (NT$230, ~S$10.15) as a result of it had slightly crown on it hehe.
The noodle itself was alright however it’s a must to eat it rapidly because it goes from al dente to comfortable quick. The meat had a bit extra chew than I hoped for and the tendons had been buttery comfortable.
The broth was spectacular and throughout flavour-town — natural, naturally meaty, and never too greasy. Parts served listed below are massive and though I couldn’t end the noodles, I inhaled each drop of that broth.
All through the meal, free-flow scorching barley tea was served. The roasty and earthy flavour was nice at slicing by means of the richness of the noodle soup.
Photograph credit score: Kuliner Halal Taiwan through Fb
The restaurant additionally serves different facet dishes — I observed many tables ordering the Chinese language northeast handmade pancake with beef stir fry.
Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant has an OG outlet in Da’an however I visited the one in Xinyi District — the fancier facet of city. With all this Muslim-friendly meals to expertise in Taipei at an affordable value, it’s no marvel the restaurant is awarded the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Award.
*Observe: This restaurant expenses service cost.
Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant (Xinyi District)
Value: From NT$150 – 265 (~S$6.70 – 11.70)
Opening hours: 11AM – 9.30PM (closes 10PM on Fri & Sat)
Handle: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place A8, 110, Taiwan, Taipei Metropolis, Xinyi District, Songgao Rd, 12號新光三越B2
3) Chang’s Beef Noodles Store (張家清真黃牛肉麵館)
Halal standing: Halal licensed by the Chinese language Muslim Affiliation and Muslim-Owned
Nearer to the town, you’ll discover Chang’s Beef Noodles Store. Run by a Taiwanese-Muslim woman, this tasty and inexpensive Niu Rou Mian (Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup) spot is situated in a quiet road simply an eight minute stroll from Ximending Strolling Avenue.
Dou Jiang (soy milk) is typical in a Taiwanese breakfast so ordering one is non-negotiable on this restaurant.
I attempted it each heat and chilly and located that the latter was the tastiest. It was easy and had a pleasing, outstanding bean flavour with a pure sweetness — considerably completely different from what I’ve tried in Singapore. If there’s just one factor to order at Chang’s Beef Noodles, it’s a chilly Dou Jiang (NT$20, ~S$0.90)!
Apart from Niu Rou Mian, different meatless noodles like Shacha Sauce (Chinese language barbeque sauce) Noodles and Sesame Oil Noodles can be found too. Don’t overlook to choose a facet dish (non-obligatory) — like pickled greens or wooden ear mushrooms — to finish your noodle meal!
The Scallion Pancake with Beef and Eggs (NT$100, ~S$4.50) can be value a attempt. The meat is brushed with a barely salty and umami sauce. The pancake’s texture is much like on the spot prata in Singapore however the softness is certainly a distinct expertise!
It’s a filling snack you’ll be able to have on-the-go. A meatless model (NT$40, ~S$1.80) with egg and sauce on the facet can be obtainable.
Noodles are prepared at 10AM whereas different dishes like pot stickers (beef or leek) and dumplings can be found from 11AM onwards — take into account having brunch right here!
On the time of go to, there have been solely Chinese language menus however the proprietor understood English and would clarify the dishes once I pointed to issues. There’s additionally a nook with prayer mats obtainable to carry out your prayers.
Chang’s Beef Noodles Store 張家清真黃牛肉麵館
Value: From NT$9 – 220 (~S$0.35 – 9.70)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7.30PM
Handle: No. 21, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100 (Exit 6 Ximen Station)
4) Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home
Halal standing: Halal licensed by the Chinese language Muslim Affiliation and Muslim-Owned
Proper subsequent to Chang’s is Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home. They’ve been within the enterprise for 70 years however are extra low-key than their next-door neighbour — very underrated.
Their generously-portioned beef noodle soup is available in a braised (spicy) or unique flavour. The meat is served in slices, shredded, or in rib fingers.
The Braised Rib Fingers Soup (NT$200, ~S$8.90) had the phrase pedas (spicy), however the spice stage was delicate and manageable. The broth is made with greater than ten sorts of spices and apparently, its recipe has been handed down from ancestors.
Its aroma jogged my memory of Chinese language drugs with out being too natural. However the spotlight of the dish for me could be the noodles which had been al dente with a QQ-bounce and chew.
Photograph credit score: 清真黃牛肉麵館
Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home additionally serves meatless choices (NT$90, ~S$4) — Sesame Sauce Noodles Scorching and Bitter Noodles, and Dry Noodles with BBQ Sauce. However for those who’ve had one too many bowls of noodles, the store presents different carbs like vermicelli and bread to have in your soup.
Photograph credit score: 清真黃牛肉麵館
The employees of this Muslim-owned retailer is quick and pleasant. Although they shut at 7.30PM, I observed they fortunately accepted clients who got here at closing time.
Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home
Value: From NT$9 – 230 (~S$0.35 – 10.20)
Opening hours: 11AM – 7.30PM (closed on Mon)
Handle: No. 23號, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100
5) Taipei Grand Mosque
Halal standing: Muslim-Owned
An sudden Halal Avenue Meals discover is the Taipei Grand Mosque’s Friday meals gross sales. Widespread to mosques around the globe, Taipei Grand Mosque has meals gross sales each Friday.
The meals bought right here is made by the Muslim group in Taipei. You’ll be within the peak of the bustle earlier than Zohor (about 11AM), with freshly stocked meals to serve folks from all around the metropolis streaming in for Friday Prayers.
You possibly can anticipate finding home-cooked meals of assorted cuisines right here — Center Japanese, Indonesian, Myanmar, and Taiwanese!
Some genuine meals made by Taiwanese Muslims bought had been dumplings, scallion pancakes and braised hen ft.
This Braised Tofu (NT$50, ~S$2.20) was natural and properly seasoned.
I used to be a tad upset the Taiwanese-Muslim woman gave me a tiny little bit of chili oil — however rapidly realised it was all I wanted. It was so spicy, however I couldn’t cease consuming this tofu.
This steamed peanut bun (NT$30, ~S$1.40) — made by a Muslim woman from Myanmar who has lived in Taiwan for 30 years — was an ideal, candy palette cleanser after the very spicy tofu. It had massive chunks of chopped peanuts and granules of sugar — a enjoyable texture!
Apart from cooked, ready-to-eat meals, Halal frozen meats like hen and beef are bought on Fridays too. Should you’re somebody who cooks on abroad journeys, catch the truck after Friday prayers to replenish in your meats. Many of the meats are sourced from New Zealand so you’ll be able to relaxation assured that you simply’re getting high quality cuts — albeit from a barely shady truck.
Taipei Grand Mosque
Value: From NT$30 (~S$1.40)
Opening hours: Each Friday earlier than Zohor prayers
Handle: No. 62號, Part 2, Xinsheng S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 10650
6) Fried Hen Grasp
Halal standing: Licensed Muslim Pleasant by The Chinese language Muslim Affiliation
Photograph credit score: Fried Hen Grasp through Fb
A visit to Taiwan with out making an attempt Taiwanese Fried Hen is a wasted journey — and Fried Hen Grasp is a well-liked and Halal meals possibility in Taipei.
Photograph credit score: Fried Hen Grasp
Their hen bought in shops are recent, by no means frozen and seasoned with Taiwanese spices. The consequence — a golden, crunchy and juicy piece of fried hen.
A ji pai (fried hen steak) in both a boneless fried hen breast (NT$49, ~S$2.20), fried hen breast (NT$75, ~S$3.40) or boneless fried hen thigh (NT$75, ~S$3.40) is a typical order.
Photograph credit score: Fried Hen Grasp
Vegetarian choices like fried king oyster mushroom (NT$69, ~S$3.10), fried inexperienced beans (NT$49, ~S$2.20) and candy potato (NT$39, ~S$1.80) are bought too!
Photograph credit score: Fried Hen Grasp
Fried hen grasp additionally has frozen merchandise licensed by the Islamic Business Growth that may be discovered at some 7-11s and supermarkets.
Fried Hen Grasp
Value: From NT$39 (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 11.30AM – 10.30PM
Handle: No. 3, Lane 316, Part 3, Luosifu Street, Zhongzheng District and Nanggang
7) 水料理穆斯林友善 MUSLIM FRIENDLY 溫體牛咖哩飯
Halal standing: Licensed Muslim Pleasant by BellCERT however sells alcohol
Photograph credit score: Kuliner Halal Taiwan through Fb
Apart from beef curry rice, because the title suggests, 水料理穆斯林友善 MUSLIM FRIENDLY 溫體牛咖哩飯 sells different dishes like braised tofu, kung pao hen and dumplings. The restaurant additionally presents recent seafood nevertheless it’s not on the menu so it’s a must to ask.
As most dishes are zi char-style, this restaurant is nice for teams.
Photograph credit score: Zack Lee through Google Evaluations
The Guang Bing or Qiguang desserts (Chinese language bagel) with both braised beef or oyster eggs are a must-purchase. The cake has a crusty exterior and comfortable, chewy inside.
This can be a newly Muslim-friendly restaurant so menus are in Chinese language.
水料理穆斯林友善 MUSLIM FRIENDLY 溫體牛咖哩飯
Value: NT$60 – 260 (S$2.65 – 7.10)
Opening hours: 11.30AM – 2PM, 5.30PM – 8.30PM (closed on Solar)
Handle: No. 17號, Lane 155, Dunhua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 105 (Taipei Enviornment Exit 1)
8) 陳達雅F260176130 halal food-0916249739ar9/ 麵疙瘩halal meals _台北市中山區農安街70號一樓
Halal standing: Muslim-owned
Photograph credit score: @chen_taya through Instagram
This retailer goes by many names I can not pronounce. It’s finest to search for ‘麵疙瘩halal meals _台北市中山區農安街70號一樓‘ or ‘陳達雅F260176130 halal food-0916249739ar9‘ on Google Maps for those who’re making an attempt to navigate to it.
Photograph credit score: 陳達雅F260176130 halal food-0916249739ar9 through Google Evaluations
The shop’s principal dish is Beef Gnocchi soup however snacks and sides like wooden ear mushroom salad, century eggs, braised egg and braised tofu are bought too.
Value: NT$20 – 130 (~S$0.90 – 5.80)
Opening hours: 11.30AM – 9PM
Handle: 號一樓, No. 70, Nong’an St, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 10491
9) Dependancy Aquatic Growth
Halal Standing: Pescatarian-friendly
Photograph credit score: @tutor_mint through Instagram
Dependancy Aquatic Growth is the place you’ll discover the freshest seafood at affordable costs in Taipei. Reside seafood merchandise and cooked ready-to-eat meals are bought all through 10 completely different sections.
Photograph credit score: Aumjumma วาไรตี้..ชีวิตป้า through Fb
Head to Contemporary Meals Grocery store (part 6) for sashimi (NT$385/tray, ~S$17), the Seafood Bar (part 3) for oysters or Charcoal Grilled Seafood Barbeque (part 5) for cooked grilled seafood like prawns and scallops.
Dependancy Aquatic Growth is an alternate from the standard halal meals in taipei that entails pink meat.
Observe: Sauces and different substances haven’t been checked for its Halal standing. Dine at your individual discretion.
Dependancy Aquatic Growth
Opening hours: 7AM – 10.30PM
Handle: No. 18號, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 10491
10) Gongming Avenue in Tamsui
Halal standing: Vegetarian-friendly
A substitute for night time markets for muslim-friendly meals could be Gongming Avenue, situated within the seaside district in New Taipei Metropolis. Retailers and road meals carts line this road.
Most road meals carts bought vegetarian-friendly drinks and candy road snacks like nougat, wheel desserts and roasted corn. Distributors right here understood my dietary necessities/restrictions and warranted me that their substances had been okay for me to devour.
A vendor from a fried durian snack stall even mentioned “You Muslim okay 👍”. His stall bought durian fritters in unique, taro and yam flavour for NT$40/piece (~S$1.80) or NT$100/3pieces (~S$4.50). The creamy and mildly candy durian and yam or taro is encased in a crispy rice flour primarily based wrapper.
Go to Gongming Avenue for those who’re in Tamsui. There are not any crowds, it’s simple to navigate and retailers are properly spaced out — lowering the danger of cross-contamination with non-permissible objects.
Gongming Avenue
Opening hours: 10AM 9PM
Handle: Gongming St, Tamsui District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 251
11) HU WEI JIE 滬尾街商號（手信店)
Halal standing: Chosen vegetarian pleasant and Halal licensed snacks by varied Halal certification our bodies
This memento snack retailer in Gongming Avenue was an unintentional discover of Halal-certified Taiwanese snacks.
HU WEI JIE 滬尾街商號（手信店) has the quintessential Taiwanese memento snacks — pineapple cake, crammed mochi, bamboo shoot biscuits, and fruit jellies.
Most of those Halal-certified snacks may also be discovered within the airport memento retailers on the identical costs. Nonetheless, I couldn’t discover this individually-wrapped mochi from Royal Household wherever else so I counsel getting it everytime you see.
A majority of the Halal-certified objects on this retailer are by Yuki & Love however at all times verify for the Halal signal as not all objects by the model are licensed.
You can even look out for ‘Ovo-Vegetarian’ tags, however buy at your individual discretion as these is probably not ready in response to Islamic dietary legal guidelines.
HU WEI JIE 滬尾街商號（手信店)
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM
Handle: No. 9號, Gongming St, Tamsui District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 251
12) Vigor Kobo
Halal standing: Chosen Halal licensed snacks by Taiwan Halal Integrity Growth Affiliation
Vigor Kobo is a confectionary promoting Taiwanese pastries and desserts — nevertheless it’s fancier than those at common memento retailers. They’re chosen as one of many prime ten memento retailers in Taipei.
Halal-certified merchandise from the bakery embody:
– Pineapple Cake
– Milk Solar Cake
– Taro Milk Solar Cake
– Chestnut Roast
– Mandarin Duck Mung Bean Cake
The Pineapple Cake filling will not be as tangy as a Kuih Tart from Singapore however the mildness of it makes an ideal palette cleanser. The Milk Solar Cake is malty and candy — an actual deal with!
The closest Vigor Kobo outlet in Taipei is in New Taipei Metropolis — 50 minutes by public transport from Taipei Foremost Station.
Should you can’t make the journey, order it on-line and have it delivered proper to your lodging. It took three days for my order to reach at my resort — inclusive of weekends!
Vigor Kobo
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Handle: No. 93, Part 1, Chengtai Rd, Wugu District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 248
13) KUO ZANG Mini Scorching Pot
Halal standing: Halal licensed and Muslim-owned
Photograph credit score: 鍋棧精緻養生鍋-泰山店 through Fb
Should you’ve determined to make the journey to New Taipei Metropolis, you might as properly take a look at KUO ZANG Mini Scorching Pot. It’s run by an Indian and Taiwanese Muslim couple — so you realize you’re getting genuine flavours.
Photograph credit score: @icdhalal through Instagram
The soup choices are intensive. There are the standard suspects like Spicy and Tom Yum however KUO ZANG has wild playing cards like Pumpkin Milk Scorching Pot and Pungent Scorching Pot.
Photograph credit score: 鍋棧精緻養生鍋-泰山店 through Fb
You can even order Pungent Tofu (fermented tofu with a powerful odor) right here as a facet dish — a Halal various to the polarising road meals normally bought at night time markets.
The restaurant additionally serves free stream ice-cream and popcorn — as a result of there’s at all times room for dessert.
KUO ZANG Mini Scorching Pot
Value: NT$10 – 190 (~S$0.50 – 8.40)
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM
Handle: 243, Taiwan, New Taipei Metropolis, Taishan District, 107縣道44號
Issues to do in Taiwan aside from consuming
I by no means thought Taiwan could be such a Muslim-Pleasant. It’s clear from the efforts of the tourism board and the actions of locals that they do attempt to accommodate everybody. They’re in-tuned with the Muslim group’s wants. I by no means ran out of Halal meals choices in Taipei.
Listed here are some apps and web sites that can assist you out throughout your journey to Taiwan:
– Taiwan Halal Centre — Completely different Halal certification our bodies and Mosques in Taiwan
– Kuliner Halal Taiwan — Evaluations of Taiwan’s Halal meals
– Record of prayer rooms and bogs with bidet
– Islam Taiwan — Halal eating places and groceries in Taiwan
– Halalin
– Taiwan Halal: Tour, Restaurant (Android solely)
– Halal Taiwan (Android solely)
Should you’re able to make your method to Taiwan, take a look at our itineraries:
– Muslim-Pleasant 4D3N Taipei Itinerary — A Solo Traveller’s First Time in Taiwan
– 8D Japanese Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Finest Adventures (Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)
– 21 Thrilling Issues To Do In Taipei: Should-See Points of interest Each First-Timer Must Expertise
Subsequent time somebody tries to inform you that it’s laborious to seek out Halal meals in Taipei, ship them this text!
Did we miss out on any hidden native Halal meals in Taipei? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
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