Must-Try Foods In Chiayi (Taiwan) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Chiayi, Taiwan

Chiayi, a city in southwestern Taiwan, has a rich food history deeply connected to its cultural and traditional background. Historically, Chiayi has been influenced by various cultures, including Aboriginal, Hakka, and Hokkien, each adding layers to its food palate. Rice farming and fishing have strongly shaped the local cuisine, given its proximity to the fertile Jianan Plain and the coastal areas. The city is particularly famed for its night markets and the iconic dish of Turkey rice, a simple yet flavorful offering that reflects the city's love for poultry-based dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Chiayi, Taiwan

1. Turkey Rice (Non-Veg): A delectable mix of shredded turkey meat and flavorful rice often served with pickled daikon and soy sauce.
2. Fried Chicken (Non-Veg): A popular street snack, Taiwanese fried chicken is known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, spiced with local flavors.
3. Milkfish Congee (Non-Veg): A comforting porridge made with milkfish, a common catch in Chiayi, served with ginger, scallions, and youtiao (fried dough sticks).
4. Taro Balls (Veg): Soft and chewy taro balls, often served in a sweet soup or topped with sweet mung bean, peanut, and barley.
5. Stinky Tofu (Veg): Fermented tofu famous for its strong odor, deep-fried to a crisp and served with pickled vegetables and a spicy sauce.
6. Rice Cake (Veg): A sweet or savory glutinous rice cake, with different fillings like red bean or mushrooms and ground meat.
7. Oyster Omelette (Non-Veg): A savory omelette made with eggs, small oysters, and starch to give it a chewy texture, topped with a sweet and spicy sauce.
8. Danzi Noodles (Non-Veg): Thin noodles served in a light broth with meat and sometimes shrimp, a simple yet satisfying dish.
9. Bubble Tea (Veg): The famous Taiwanese drink combining tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls—originally from nearby regions but widely beloved across Chiayi.
10. Aiyu Jelly Dessert (Veg): A cool, refreshing jelly dessert made from the seeds of a local fig, often served with lemon juice and honey.

Top Famous Restaurants in Chiayi, Taiwan

Name	Address	Famous Food	Type
Turkey Rice King	No. 179, Zhongshan Rd, West District, Chiayi City	Turkey Rice	Non-Veg
Chiayi Lan Tan Taro Balls	No. 20, Gongming Rd, East District, Chiayi City	Taro Balls	Veg
Fong Da Fried Chicken	No. 376, Zhongsheng Rd, West District, Chiayi City	Fried Chicken	Non-Veg
Lai Ji Oyster Omelette	No. 178, Yibin Rd, West District, Chiayi City	Oyster Omelette	Non-Veg
Shun Tian Tang Bubble Tea Shop	No. 223, Wenya Rd, West District, Chiayi City	Bubble Tea	Veg
Wenhua Road Night Market	Wenhua Rd, East District, Chiayi City	Various Snacks and Dishes	Veg/Non-Veg