Dadaocheng is a historic district in Taipei filled with hidden gems, especially when it comes to food. From traditional Taiwanese snacks to trendy cafes, there’s something for everyone.
As lifelong residents of Taipei, we’ve always been drawn to the charm and history of Dadaocheng. Every year, as the Chinese New Year approaches, this is the go to place for buying and preparing for the upcoming celebration.
We’re excited to share our favorite food spots in Dadaocheng and Dihua street with you. From traditional Taiwanese snacks to trendy cafes, this neighborhood has something to satisfy every palate. Join us as we take you on a culinary adventure through the streets of Dadaocheng.
Dihua Street Nearest MRT

Before we dive into the tasty stuff, let’s get the logistics out of the way. How do you get to Dihua Street via Taipei MRT?
Dihua Street is located between several Taipei Metro Stations.
- Beimen Station (Green Line) is the closest, about a 7-minute walk away.
- Dajiaotou Station (Orange Line) is another option, a 10-minute walk from the street.
- Zhongshan Station (Red/Green Line) is a bit further, around a 13-minute walk.
If you don’t want to walk that far, there are also many buses that will take you from these MRT stations near Dihua Street to your final destination.
Yongle Market: The Dihua Street Market You Shouldn’t Miss

Source: taipei.travel
Yongle Market, located in the vibrant Dadaocheng district, is a historic landmark with a rich history. It is also where many amazing restaurants or food stalls lie! It was once the largest fabric wholesale center in Taiwan, and even today, it remains a popular destination for fabric enthusiasts.
The market is divided into several floors, each with its own unique offerings:
- First Floor: This floor is a traditional market where you can find fresh produce, meat, and other groceries. This is where I come the most often, and I highly recommend you to do so too! Many of our recommendation in this post can be found in Yongle Market.
- Second and Third Floors: These floors are the heart of the market, filled with countless fabric stores offering a wide range of textiles, from cotton to silk. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a beginner, you’re sure to find something to inspire you.
- Fourth Floor: This floor is dedicated to the future of the textile industry. It’s a space for designers, artists, and students to experiment with new ideas and showcase their work.
- Fifth to Seventh Floors: These floors house offices related to the textile industry.
- Eighth and Ninth Floors: These floors are home to the Dadaocheng Theater, where traditional Chinese opera and other cultural performances are held.
The market’s exterior features a charming red brick facade that gives it a nostalgic feel. This place is amazing for food lovers, history lovers and fashion lovers!
Local Favorite Taiwanese Street Food
Old Bamboo Sanfa Bun 老竹子三發包子


Source: Old Bamboo Sanfa Bun FB Page
Old Bamboo Sanfa Bun is a popular bakery located on the first floor of Yongle Market in Dadaocheng. Known for its delicious and affordable treats, this shop is always bustling with customers. From classic flavors like red bean buns and scallion rolls to unique options like chocolate buns, there’s something for everyone. Locals and regular customers often buy these buns in bulk as convenient and tasty breakfast or afternoon snacks for their families.
With over 40 different types of buns made fresh daily, it’s no wonder that many people even order them for delivery. The shop’s signature thousand-layer buns are especially popular, and you can easily find flavors like red bean, custard, and taro for under a hundred dollars. If you’re visiting Yongle Market, be sure to stop by Old Bamboo Sanfa Bun for a delicious and affordable treat.
Lin Liang Bing 林良號潤餅
Note: Google Map reports that the food stall is closed permanently but there haven’t been other sources to confirm that. Reviews about the food stall are pretty recent at the time of writing.


Source: Lin Liang Bing FB Page
Have you ever tried a Taiwanese spring roll? Lin Liang Bing is famous for making some of the best! They make their own spring roll wrappers fresh every day. You can either buy them to take home and make your own, or you can have them make one for you right there. Each spring roll is packed with lots of delicious fillings like bean curd, egg, peanut powder, bean sprouts, cabbage, and braised pork. They also have different flavors like curry, seaweed, spicy, and wasabi. The curry cabbage is especially good! The spring rolls are so big and flavorful, it’s like a party in your mouth!
Dadaocheng Braised Pork Rice 大稻埕魯肉飯

Source: Dadaocheng Lu Rou Fang FB Page
Located in Taipei’s historic Dadaocheng area, Dadaocheng Lu Rou Fan or Braised Port Rice is a family restaurant that has been serving delicious food for three generations. While they are famous for their amazing braised pork rice in Taipei, their pork belly rice and pork knuckle rice are just as popular. The meat is tender and flavorful but not greasy, and comes with tasty pickled vegetables and spicy-sweet cucumbers on the side. Even after moving to a new location, you’ll still see long lines of office workers waiting for lunch here. Regular customers say you must try their dishes with a half-cooked egg on top. Their other classic dishes, like braised cabbage and pork rib soup, are also very tasty.
Lin He Fa Oily Rice Shop 林合發油飯


Source: girlsplan.com
Lin He Fa Oily Rice is a must-try for anyone visiting Taipei and looking for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Located in the bustling Yongle Market within the historic Dadaocheng district, this over-a-century-old establishment has been serving up mouthwatering oil rice to locals and tourists alike.
The secret to its success lies in the freshly made, fragrant oil rice that is cooked to perfection. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the soft, chewy texture of the rice and the rich aroma of sesame oil. The combination of savory ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and lean pork adds depth to the flavor. Beyond its delicious taste, oily rice holds significant cultural importance in Taiwan. It is often served at special events, such as weddings and birthdays, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Yejia Meat Porridge 大稻埕葉家肉粥


Source: jungchin lee, Banbi Hsu
Imagine eating a bowl of warm, comforting porridge under a giant banyan tree. This little food stall, located right in front of the Cisheng Temple, has been a favorite of Taipei locals for generations. Their meat porridge is simply delicious! The broth is made with sweet white radish and the meat is tender and flavorful. The rice is cooked just right, so it’s soft but still has a little bit of a bite. And the toppings, like fried pork liver and oysters, add a nice crunch. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good from the first spoonful. If you’re looking for a taste of old-school Taipei, this is the place to go.
Yonle Danzai Mian 永樂担仔麵

Source: MENU美食誌
Dan Zai Mian, or “担仔面,” is a popular Taiwanese noodle dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that typically consists of rice noodles, a savory meat broth, and toppings like pork belly or shrimp. The dish is often served in a small bowl, and it’s a great way to experience authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Think of it as the noodle version of braised pork rice.
The Yongle Danzai Mian restaurant mentioned in the Japanese TV show “Solitary Gourmet” is a famous spot for this dish. It’s so popular that many Japanese tourists visit it after seeing it on the show. The “Gorou Set” is a special meal inspired by the show, featuring a delicious chicken rice bento box.
Beimen Shrimp Fried Rice & Soup 北門蝦仁飯.煲湯

Source: Beimen Shrimp Fried Rice & Soup FB Page
Have you ever tried shrimp fried rice with a super special sauce? At “Beimen – Shrimp Fried Rice & Soup,” located just a short 10-minute walk from Dihua Street, you can! Their shrimp paste sauce is made by simmering shrimp oil and shrimp paste for a whopping 8 hours! To make the fried rice extra tasty, they use a special kind of Thai rice that stays firm even after it’s been cooked. And the best part? You can add a crispy fried egg on top! When you poke the yolk, it will ooze out and mix with the delicious shrimp sauce, making every bite even more flavorful.
But that’s not all! Their soup is also a must-try. Packed with lots of yummy ingredients, each spoonful is full of flavor. The soup is light and refreshing, which makes it the perfect pairing for the rich shrimp fried rice.
Yonle Wheel Pie 永樂車輪餅

Source: TVBS
Have you ever seen a purple sweet potato-flavored Taiwanese wheel pie? Yongle Wheel Pie is a super popular place to get wheel pies. It is similar to Japanese taiyaki, a type of fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings. It’s located near the famous Xiahai City God Temple, so a lot of people buy taiyaki there after they pray.
They have so many different flavors to choose from, like orange cream, red bean, radish, and purple sweet potato. The purple sweet potato one is really popular because it’s so pretty and it has a really nice texture. The orange cream one is also delicious because it has a hint of orange zest. All of the taiyaki are filled with lots of yummy stuff, and they’re only 20 NT dollars each!
Zhen Hao Wei Roast Duck 真好味烤鴨


Source: Zhen Hao Wei Roast Duck FB Page
If you’re ever in Dadaocheng and looking for a delicious roast duck, you have to check out Zhen Hao Wei Roast Duck! Located right across from Pier 5, this restaurant is a local favorite. It’s so popular that there’s always a line of people waiting to try their food, especially on weekends and holidays. Even with all the customers, the staff is super efficient and friendly, so you won’t have to wait too long to order your food.
丸隆生魚行 Wanlong Raw Fish Shop


Source: Wanlong Raw Fish Shop FB Page
If you’re a sushi lover visiting Taipei, you have to check out Wanlong Raw Fish Shop! It is one of the best sushi in Taipei. This popular fish market stall is always packed with people because it’s so good and affordable. One of the best things about this place is that they have a huge pot of miso soup that you can refill as much as you want for free! It’s like a hidden gem. You can order a variety of fresh sashimi, and they even have a grilled option for people who don’t like raw fish. The sashimi is super thick and delicious, and the prices are really reasonable.
Dadaocheng Restaurants and Old Houses
Dadaocheng is a treasure trove of old houses, each with its own unique story. Just like many restaurants in Ximending, any of these historic buildings have been lovingly restored and transformed into stylish and trendy restaurants. Imagine dining in a space that has witnessed generations pass by, with its high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and warm, inviting atmosphere. These restaurants offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern culinary delights. We think it’s a great place for those seeking a quiet moment of reflection or a fun night out with friends. We have listed out onw od our favorite Dadaocheng old houses here.
Jiang Niu Lou 江牛樓


Source: Jiang Niu Lou FB Page
Ever tried Japanese-style beef noodles? Jiang Niu Lou, located near Dadaocheng, is a popular spot for beef noodle lovers. The restaurant has a retro feel, with old-fashioned furniture that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a small place, with only six seats, so you might have to wait a bit to get in. The owner is Japanese, and he’s combined the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine with the hearty taste of the best Taiwanese beef noodles. One of the most unique things about this place is that they encourage you to eat the beef with wasabi! It’s a surprising combination, but it really adds a new dimension of flavor to the traditional dish.
Rice & Shine 稻舍食館

Have you ever eaten in a restaurant that used to be a rice mill? 稻舍食館 Rice & Shine is a special place located in Dihua Street. It’s been turned into a restaurant that serves delicious Taiwanese dishes, all centered around rice. They use a special kind of rice called Wufeng Yiquanxiang 霧峰益全香米, which is known for its chewy texture and sweet potato flavor.

Source: Rice & Shine Website
One of their most popular dishes is the old-fashioned pork lard rice. It’s so simple but so tasty! They top the rice with crispy fried shallots, pork lard, and a bit of soy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food. Besides the rice, they also have other yummy dishes like braised pork belly, black date-glazed chicken, and salted egg yolk shrimp. It’s a great place to try authentic Taiwanese food!
The Carp 鯉魚

Source: Uber Eats
The Carp in Dadaocheng offers a delightful culinary experience that blends traditional flavors with innovative cooking techniques. Their menu features a variety of dishes, from savory appetizers like their signature dried fish roe XO sauce to satisfying main courses like stir-fried rice with dried fish roe.
One of their most popular offerings is their single-person set meals, perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything without feeling overwhelmed. Each set comes with a choice of stir-fried rice (either with dried fish roe or XO sauce), three delectable side dishes, and a comforting miso soup. The chef’s skill is evident in every bite, as the rice is cooked to perfection and the flavors are perfectly balanced. If you’re looking for a lighter option, be sure to check out their afternoon tea set, which features a selection of sweet and savory treats paired with a refreshing beverage.
Cafes and Tea Houses
SENTO 仙島


Source: Sento Kampo Tea FB Page
SENTO is a unique tea house that’s been transformed from an old house into a beautiful and relaxing space. It’s decorated with natural colors and traditional Asian elements, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. They have a lot of interesting drinks with fun names, and you can even create your own custom tea! One of their most popular drinks is the “Ginger Goddess Tea.” It’s made with green tea and comes with special toppings like crystal jelly, snow fungus, and ginger. It’s a really unique and delicious drink that you won’t find anywhere else.
Grassland 草原派対


Source: Grassland FB Page
Ever wanted to eat in a cozy cafe that feels like a secret garden? 草原派対 is the place for you! Located in Dihua Street, this cafe is a hidden gem. With its beautiful plants, wooden furniture, and old-fashioned wooden doors, it’s like stepping into a peaceful forest. The cafe is small and cozy, making it the perfect place to relax and read a book.
The owner loves collecting old things, so you’ll find lots of interesting antiques around the cafe. Even the tables and chairs are made from recycled wood! One of their most popular dishes is the bento box lunch. It’s a colorful and healthy meal that comes in a cute little box. And guess what? There’s even a friendly cat that lives in the cafe! It’s a British Shorthair and loves to hang out with the customers.
If you love nature, you would want to check out the best trails in Taiwan.
AKA café


Source: AKA Cafe Website
Ever wanted to drink coffee in a historic mansion? AKA café is a hidden gem located in Dihua Street. This beautiful building used to be the home of a wealthy businessman, Guo Wulong. It’s like stepping back in time! The cafe is surrounded by old buildings and has a really special atmosphere. Besides the beautiful space, the coffee is also amazing. A famous coffee expert from Tokyo makes the coffee here. One of their most popular drinks is called “Dadaocheng,” which is a special blend of coffee beans. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while imagining what life was like in the past.
If you love coffee, you might not want to miss Alishan’s amazing food and drinks.
ASW TEA HOUSE

Source: tttifa.com
Ever wanted to feel like you’re in a magical tea shop? ASW TEA HOUSE is located on the second floor of Taiwan’s first Western-style pharmacy, a historic building with a lot of character. Inside, you’ll find old bookshelves filled with books, wooden tables and chairs, and warm lamps that create a cozy and mysterious atmosphere. It’s like stepping into a secret library from a fantasy story!
As the name suggests, ASW TEA HOUSE focuses on tea. They serve a variety of high-quality Taiwanese black teas and oolong teas. Each tea has its own unique flavor and comes from a different part of Taiwan. You can even learn about where the tea comes from and how it’s made by reading the menu.
COFE喫茶咖啡


Source: COFE FB Page
Ever wanted to visit a cozy cafe in an old house? COFE喫茶咖啡 is the perfect place to go! Located on the second floor of another popular fabric store, this cafe has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The wooden furniture and natural light create a relaxing space where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The people who started the cafe wanted to create a place where people could experience the beauty of Taiwan. One of their most popular items is their chocolate. They make the chocolate using different types of Taiwanese tea, and it’s so delicious! It’s like eating a piece of Taiwan. You can find more unique Taiwanese Cafes in Maokong, Taipei.
Dessert and Bubble Tea
Showa Ice Cream 昭和浪漫洗濯屋


Source: Showa Ice Cream FB Page
Have you ever had ice cream at a historic laundromat? Showa Ice Cream is a super cute ice cream shop in Dadaocheng that used to be an old laundry shop. The whole place has a really cool retro Japanese vibe, and it’s the perfect spot to take some Instagram pictures. They have a lot of different flavors of ice cream, but the pink strawberry one is a must-try, especially in the winter. It’s made with big, juicy strawberries and a creamy strawberry milk base. They also add some strawberry granola and cheese to make it extra delicious!
Bopomoo 波波畝

Source: Bopomoo FB Page
If you’re looking for a cute and quirky place to grab a snack in Dadaocheng, you have to check out Bopomoo! This trendy cafe is known for its adorable chicken cakes and handmade crafts. Their most popular item is the “confession chicken cake,” which is shaped like the Chinese characters for “I love you.” They are spelled with bopomo, which is a unique mandarin transliteration system for Taiwanese. It’s the perfect way to show someone you care! You can customize your chicken cake with different toppings like strawberry cream cheese or honey butter. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they’re almost too cute to eat!
“DadaoChen” Bubble Tea 大盜陳

DadaoChen 大盜陳 is a fun and unique bubble tea shop in Taipei. The name is a play on words that refers to the area where the shop is located, Dadaocheng.

Source: DadaoChen FB Page
They’re most famous for their “Yue Lao Milk Tea,” which is named after the Chinese matchmaker god. It’s a delicious tea with a sweet and fragrant flavor. But what really makes this shop stand out is their “Flying Fish Roe Milk Tea.” That’s right, they put real fish eggs on top! Flying fish roe is a famous ingredient in Taipei, and this drink is a fun way to pay tribute to the city’s history. It might sound weird, but the salty fish eggs and creamy milk tea actually go really well together.
Chun Zhen Dou Hua 純真豆花


Source: Chun Zhen Dou Hua FB Page
This cute little soy pudding and ice cream shop is located near Yongle Market in Dadaocheng. They have all kinds of delicious desserts, like handmade soybean curd and hand-washed aiyu jelly. But the taro boat ice is the real star of the show. It’s a mountain of creamy taro paste poured over shaved ice, with sweet potato balls on the side. The taro is so smooth and flavorful, and it comes with a scoop of creamy milk pudding. It’s a total dream for taro lovers! I personally love their bubble tea shaved ice. Come choose your favorite!
Bars
Isaiah


Source: Isaiah FB Page
Have you ever been to a cafe that feels like a time machine? Isaiah, located on Dihua Street, is a unique place where you can step back in time and feel like you’re in a biblical story. The name “Isaiah” comes from the Bible, and the cafe is filled with antique furniture and colorful paintings that give it a religious feel.
During the day, it’s a cozy cafe, but at night, it transforms into a stylish bar. Each of the three floors is designed with a different theme, making you feel like you’re in a different time and place. The menu has a variety of options, including sandwiches, pasta, and homemade desserts. One of their most popular dishes is the “Maqaw Salted Pork Sausage Rice.” Maqaw is a special kind of spice that gives the dish a unique and flavorful kick.
Mikkeller Beer Bar Taipei 米凱樂啤酒吧


Source: Mikkeller Beer Bar Taipei FB Page
Craving some beer? Mikkeller Beer Bar is a great place to do just that! Hidden on the second floor of an old house, this bar has a bright and colorful atmosphere with cute illustrations on the walls. It’s a fun and relaxed place to hang out with friends. They have a huge selection of craft beers from Denmark, and each one has a unique flavor and a funny name. Some of the beers are called things like “Don’t Disturb the Orange,” “Big Guy’s Playground,” and “Hello! I’m a Berliner.” It’s like drinking a piece of art!
Dadaocheng is more than just a place to eat; it’s a journey through time. As you wander through the historic streets, you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of old and new. The district’s rich history and unique culture are evident in its architecture, its people, and of course, its food. So next time you’re in Taipei, be sure to explore Dadaocheng and discover the magic of this historic neighborhood. It’s a world away from the bustling modern districts like Xinyi, offering a more authentic and nostalgic experience.
If you like our food recommendations, check out more on our other food posts about how to eat like a local!
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