3 Mins Read
Famed for being a plant-based paradise, Taipei has no shortage of excellent vegetarian dining options. With a penchant for innovative culinary prowess, fresh vegetables and a strong Buddhist tradition, the city of Azaleas (that’s their national flower, FYI) is proof that a thriving vegan dining scene can be a serious touristic draw.
The Taiwanese capital makes meat-free indulging a breeze and below, we’ve plated up our favorite spots.
1. Hoshina (Vegan-Friendly)
One of our absolute favorite spots for noodles, Hoshina serves up all the best Japanese udon, soba and ramen in Da’an. Supremely popular amongst locals and visitors alike, your Taiwan vacay is not complete without a trip to this famed diner, complete with a zen garden. Read our review on what to order!
Number 3, Alley 27, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City, +02 2778 3737; Open Monday to Thursday from 11:30AM – 2:00PM and 5:30PM to 11:00PM, Friday to Sunday from 11.30AM to 9PM
2. Vege Creek (Vegan-Friendly)
Taiwan’s second largest vegan restaurant chain (after Loving Hut), Vege Creek is a popular build-your-own noodle cafe with seven outlets across the city – though we’ve been told their flagship branch is the best (address listed below). Choose all your ingredients up front and the staff will cook everything all together in a delicious clean and simple broth brew of Chinese medicinal herbs, salt and pepper. There’s no MSG, no fat, no oil – just pure bliss.
Number 2, Lane 129, Yanji Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, +02 2778 1967; Open daily from 12:00PM – 2:00PM and 5:00PM – 9:00PM; cash only
3. Mianto (Vegan-Friendly)
A quaint vegan haven that hits all the herbivore marks, Mianto is an award-winning international eatery with strong western and Italian influence that sources the best natural non-GMO ingredients. Serving lunch, dinner, afternoon and some of the best imported organic soy milk for your latte, be sure to order a cup with some vegan waffles and ice cream.
Number 6, Alley 26, Lane 123, Section 3, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, +02 2711 8473; Open Tuesday to Friday from 11:30AM – 3:00PM and 5:30PM to 9:00PM, Saturday and Sunday from 11.30AM to 9:00PM
4. Plants (Vegan-Friendly)
Taipei has some good vegan options, but Plants – with its gorgeous cafe and instagrammable offerings – really raises the bar with delicious and nourishing foods. Serving American-style fare with tons of plant-based, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free options, we’ve heard some pretty spectacular things about their moon cheese!
Number 10, Lane 253, Section 1, Fuxing South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, +02 2784 5677; Open Tuesday – Thursday from 11:30AM – 9:30PM, Friday – Sunday from 10:00AM – 9:30PM
Images courtesy of Hoshina, Vege Creek, Mianto, Plants (lead), and DeliSoys.