2025 Jiufen taiwan Food Guide》Beyond Taro Balls – A Guide to Must-Eat Delicacies for Food Lovers!

jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods Introduction

Jiufen, a world-renowned tourist spot with stunning attractions, is known for its bustling, famous Jiufen Old Street when it comes to jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods.

Most of the food spots in Jiufen Old Street are concentrated on Jishan Street, Shuqi Road, and Qingbian Road, with Jishan Street being the busiest. We recommend starting from the entrance of Jishan Street to experience the street food and unique restaurants, then continue along the path to explore the scenic spots in jiufen in taiwan.

jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods Restaurant Recommendations

A Mei Teahouse

Located on Shuqi Road in Jiufen, "A Mei Teahouse" is a three-story traditional tea house with Japanese-style architecture and iconic red lanterns, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jiufen.

It was once rumored to be the inspiration for the movie *Spirited Away* by Hayao Miyazaki, making it a popular check-in spot for international tourists and influencers.

Constructed entirely with wooden materials, "A Mei Teahouse" is one of the earliest tea houses in the area, offering a variety of teas, meals, and alcoholic beverages. Guests can enjoy their orders in the indoor seating area on the second floor or the spacious semi-open seating on the third floor, where they can overlook Keelung Islet and the Pacific Ocean. It’s an ideal place to admire Jiufen’s sunset and nightscape.

• Address: No. 20, Shixia Alley, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 10:00-21:30

Jiufen Stardust Restaurant

Image source: Jiufen Stardust Restaurant on Google Business

Known for its mountain views and creative cuisine, "Jiufen Stardust Restaurant" offers a tranquil escape from the lively old street. Here, you can enjoy signature dishes like the crispy-skinned grilled taro pearl chicken, handmade taro balls stuffed with egg yolk and pork floss, and delicately textured salt-grilled Taiwan tilapia – all while gazing out over the beautiful sea views through large windows.

• Address: No. 37-1, Kengwei Alley, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00 (Closed on Wednesdays)

Old Window Sea View Restaurant

Image source: Old Window Sea View Restaurant official website

Located at a high point in Jiufen, "Old Window Sea View Restaurant" doubles as a bed-and-breakfast and a scenic restaurant. With over 200 seats on the second floor, this vintage-style restaurant combines Japanese influences with elements of traditional Taiwanese architecture.

From classic sesame oil chicken drumsticks, grilled mackerel, to egg fried rice, you’ll find a variety of Taiwanese comfort food here. In the evening, the restaurant offers an ideal spot to watch the sunset, especially if you reserve a window seat. With a 270-degree, unobstructed view of Keelung Islet, the Yin-Yang Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy delicious food with breathtaking ocean scenery.

• Address: No. 294-2, Qingbian Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 10:00-22:00

jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods - Popular Cafes

Wugu Tea House

Image source: Wugu Tea House official website

Specializing in Hakka Lei Cha, "Wugu Tea House" was originally a factory with over 30 years of experience in tea production and is known as Taiwan’s leading brand of Hakka Lei Cha.

The building, a three-story structure with an industrial-style facade, features large windows that allow visitors to take in panoramic views of the Jiufen hillside. It’s a particularly great spot for sunset views. On clear days, you can also see Badouzi and Shen’ao fishing ports, as well as Keelung Islet.

Popular dishes include grilled salmon tea rice, Jiufen gold mine pancakes, and a selection of specialty teas such as Lei Cha and oolong tea. Besides food, "Wugu Tea House" also offers tea products and souvenirs for sale.

• Address: No. 166, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 11:00-19:00 (Closed on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays)

Wild Herbs Gallery

Image source: Wild Herbs Gallery on Google Business

Located on Qingbian Road near Jiufen Old Street, "Wild Herbs Gallery" is a pure white building with an art display space and large windows that let in natural light. The seats by the windows offer views of Jiufen’s mountain and sea landscapes.

The most popular item here is the "Egg Cake," which comes in six flavors, each named after historical stories from Jiufen and Jinguashi. Made to order, the egg cake has a crispy crust with a rich egg aroma, and each flavor has its unique fillings, sauces, and toppings. The most popular flavor, "Rainy Day Egg Cake," has an osmanthus custard filling with mint cream, Baoshan tea sauce, and lemon zest for a refreshing taste. Pair it with Wild Milk Tea or kombucha for a perfect experience.

The shop also offers a variety of herbal and floral teas, such as the "Traveler's Protection Blend," made with echinacea, houttuynia, and perilla for respiratory support and immunity boost – a unique twist on herbal teas for everyday enjoyment.

• Address: No. 147, Qingbian Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 11:00-18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

CHLIV

Image source: CHLIV on Google Business

Founded by Chris, the 2016 Tokyo World Latte Art Champion, "CHLIV" has a modern design with a black color scheme, featuring an open bar where customers can watch the latte art creation up close.

Aiming to bring Taiwanese coffee to the international market, Chris focuses on specialty coffee, offering a pure coffee experience. For coffee lovers looking for a refined coffee aroma, "CHLIV" is a must-visit in jiufen in taiwan.

• Address: No. 59-1, Qingbian Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 10:00-18:40

San San Bu Café

Image source: San San Bu Café on Facebook

"San San Bu," renovated by the owner Martin, was originally an old house and has been transformed into a nostalgic café. It retains its original wooden floors, Japanese-style window frames, and vintage furniture, with many historical items such as vinyl records, old cabinets, and antique fans, creating a retro feel.

The café is unmarked, making it a unique spot on Qitang Old Street, and has become a popular check-in spot for social media influencers.

The shop offers hand-brewed coffee, various Japanese plum wines, fruit wines, and whiskeys, aiming to provide a pleasant experience to guests and travelers alike. Martin also runs another dining spot named "Lost Path" just 100 meters away, which is a great place to find food.

• Address: No. 172, Qitang Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 13:00-18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Twilight Café

Image source: Twilight Café on Facebook

Not far from Jiufen Old Street, "Twilight Café" is another popular spot for artistic coffee lovers in jiufen in taiwan. As the name suggests, "Twilight" refers to the hours between 5 and 7 p.m., during which you can enjoy beautiful sunset views. The café has an outdoor seating area on the second floor with a view of the sea, and there’s a viewing platform opposite the café, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

Designed with large glass windows, the café is well-lit, offering a full view of the beautiful sea from the entrance. The interior décor is mainly made of wood, complemented by pendant lights with an exotic vacation style, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty under the twilight glow.

The café’s popular drinks include specialty coffee and non-caffeinated beverages like Mountain City Signature, Salted Sea, and Cocoa Au Lait. Signature desserts such as Caramel Earl Grey Pudding and Basque Cheesecake are also highly recommended. At "Twilight Café," you can savor a delightful experience for both your taste buds and eyes.

• Address: No. 61, Qingbian Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 11:00–19:00

jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods Must-Try Snacks

A Gan Yi Taro Balls

Founded in 1960, "A Gan Yi Taro Balls" is the original taro ball shop in Jiufen, with over 60 years of history. Known for its stunning views, you can enjoy a bowl of taro balls while admiring Jiufen’s beautiful mountain and sea scenery – a must-eat treat for many visitors to Jiufen.

The shop insists on handmade taro balls without any additives, resulting in a chewy and satisfying texture. There are many toppings to choose from, such as red beans, mung beans, and speckled kidney beans. The sweetness is moderate, making both the hot and cold versions delicious. With such a strong reputation, "A Gan Yi Taro Balls" remains the top choice for taro balls in Jiufen. They also offer raw taro balls for purchase, which you can cook at home or give as gifts.

• Address: No. 5, Shuqi Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 09:00-22:00

Lai Ah Po Taro Balls

Another well-known taro ball shop in Jiufen, "Lai Ah Po Taro Balls" may lack a scenic seating area like A Gan Yi Taro Balls, but its central location on the old street and nostalgic décor have made it a local icon with over 30 years of history.

"Lai Ah Po Taro Balls" offers five unique flavors, including taro, sweet potato, matcha, purple sweet potato, and sesame taro balls, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. Toppings such as red beans, mung beans, and speckled kidney beans are available, and the chewy texture of the taro balls, combined with a moderate sweetness, has won over many loyal fans who won’t go anywhere else for taro balls.

• Address: No. 143, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 08:00-20:00

A Lan Caozaiguo

If you’re looking for something savory to balance out all the sweets, "A Lan Caozaiguo," a famous Jiufen Old Street snack and popular souvenir, is a must-try jiufen taiwan food.

Now operated by the third generation, "A Lan Caozaiguo" are still made fresh daily using traditional methods and are prepared with mugwort instead of wormwood to reduce bloating.

Available in a variety of flavors, both sweet and savory, the cakes include classics like pickled radish, savory mung bean, and sweet red bean. The most popular option, however, is the taro rice cake, featuring whole pieces of taro and a soft, chewy texture with a hint of shallot oil. It’s best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal flavor.

• Address: No. 90, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 09:00-19:00 (Extended to 20:30 on Saturdays and Sundays)

Jinzhi Red Yeast Rice Meatballs

Image source: New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department

Currently operated by the second generation, "Jinzhi Red Yeast Rice Meatballs" are known for their family recipe for red yeast that has been passed down through generations. The filling, made with pork marinated in red yeast for 3-4 days, and the precise ratio of starch in the dough, give these meatballs a translucent appearance and a bouncy texture. Adding bamboo shoots to the filling, Jinzhi Red Yeast Rice Meatballs have become a Jiufen staple.

There are two locations: the main store offers meat versions, while a second location at No. 63, Jishan Street serves fully vegetarian meatballs. Be sure to go to the correct store for your preference!

• Address: No. 112, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City (Main store)
• Business hours: 10:00-20:00

Jiufen Old Noodles

Image source: Jiufen Old Noodles on Facebook

Founded by a former miner, "Jiufen Old Noodles" has been serving traditional Taiwanese noodles in Jiufen for over 50 years. Their signature dishes include dry noodles and braised beef noodle soup, retaining the authentic, unpretentious flavors of Taiwanese cuisine.

The braised soup is made with a blend of Chinese herbs, resulting in a clear, non-greasy broth. The beef noodles, featuring a mix of tendon and meat for a balanced texture, are a must-try, along with wonton noodles and house-made side dishes such as beef tripe, beef shank, and pickled cucumbers, all highly recommended by visitors.

• Address: No. 45, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 11:30-18:00

Uncle Fish Balls

With over 60 years of history, "Uncle Fish Balls" offers a simple menu with just three items: handmade fish ball soup, tofu skin rolls, and dry glass noodles. Despite the limited selection, the fresh ingredients and affordable prices make these dishes a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The fish ball soup has a light, refreshing broth, and the fish balls themselves are bouncy. Another must-try item is the tofu skin roll filled with ground pork, similar to the popular Tamsui-style "ah-gei." Many visitors enjoy the "three-in-one combo," which includes fish ball soup, dry glass noodles, and a tofu skin roll for a complete meal.

• Address: No. 17, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 10:00–19:00 (Extended to 21:00 on Saturdays and Sundays; Closed on Mondays)

Zhang’s Traditional Fish Balls

"Zhang’s Traditional Fish Balls" is another renowned fish ball shop in Jiufen Old Street, offering a wider variety than Uncle Fish Balls. In addition to handmade Fuzhou fish balls, cuttlefish balls, and mushroom balls in a mixed fish ball soup, they also serve special dry noodles, braised pork rice, and various side dishes, making it an ideal choice for group dining.

• Address: No. 25, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
• Business hours: 10:30–19:30 (Extended to 20:00 on Saturdays and Sundays; Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Post Office Fried Shallot Mochi

"Post Office Fried Shallot Mochi" is a popular local snack with a single item on the menu. With a history of nearly 25 years, this glutinous rice and shallot snack has a soft, slightly crispy texture and is a staple for many Jiufen locals.

• Address: No. 79, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City (Located near the old street entrance and A Lan Caozaiguo)
• Business hours: 10:30–17:00 (Weekdays); 10:30–18:00 (Weekends)

jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods Suggested Itineraries and Tips

Morning Itinerary

• Arrive between 9:30-10:00 a.m. (Most shops start opening around this time)
• Avoid peak dining hours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• We recommend starting from the Jishan Street entrance

Afternoon Itinerary

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. is an ideal time (fewer crowds)
• Finish dining before 5:00 p.m. (Most shops start closing around 6:00 p.m.)

One-Day Food Tour Recommendations

Morning

• A Gan Yi Taro Balls
• Zhang’s Traditional Fish Balls
• Jinzhi Red Yeast Rice Meatballs
• A Lan Caozaiguo

Midday

• Choose a restaurant with seating for lunch
• Consider reserving a table at a scenic restaurant

Afternoon

• After 2:00 p.m., old street crowds are lighter
• Complete major shopping and snacks before 5:00 p.m.

Friendly reminder: Try to avoid weekends and early evenings to enjoy a less crowded experience and better food access.

Transportation Recommendations for Jiufen

Private Car Service

Are you worried about Jiufen’s narrow mountain roads or congested traffic? If you want to explore Jiufen's food scene without the hassle of multiple bus transfers, or if parking feels overwhelming, a private car service might be ideal. Skip the exhaustion and crowds—our professional drivers will take you directly to the best food spots, allowing you to plan a flexible schedule and focus solely on enjoying the food. Experience the full pleasure of Jiufen’s cuisine without the usual hassles!

Book a Tripool private car now to bid farewell to crowds and enjoy a smooth jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods tour!

By Train

• Take the Taiwan Railways train → get off at Ruifang Station → turn left and walk about 5 minutes to the Civic Plaza bus stop → take bus 825 or 788 to Jinguashi.
• Or take the High-Speed Rail or Taiwan Railways to Taipei Main Station → transfer to Taipei MRT and get off at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station → transfer to Keelung Bus 1062 (bound for Jinguashi) and get off at Jiufen Old Street stop.

By MRT

Take the Taipei MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station → transfer to Keelung Bus 1062 (bound for Jinguashi) → get off at Jiufen Old Street stop.

By Bus

• Take Keelung Bus 1062: Taipei City → Zhongshan Expressway → New Taipei City Ruifang District → Jinguashi.
• Take Taipei Bus 965: Banqiao → Jiufen → Jinguashi.

By Car

Take National Highway No. 1 (Zhongshan Highway) → Dahua System Interchange → Provincial Highway 62 → exit at Ruifang Interchange → follow City Route 102.

Common Questions on jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods from Dcard and PTT Users

Q: What is the price range for jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods?

Q: Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Jiufen?

Q: What are the must-buy souvenirs in Jiufen?

Q: Which shops offer delivery services?

Q: When is the best time to visit Jiufen Old Street for jiufen taiwan | famous taiwan foods?

Q: What is the best season to visit Jiufen?

Q: Are there any family-friendly restaurants in Jiufen?