Local Eats in Zhongshan
There are many things that make travel memorable, but nothing elevates a trip quite like the food.
During my recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan, I stumbled upon a few local gems in the vibrant Zhongshan District, Taipei that delivered unforgettable flavors. While everyone's taste buds are a bit different, these spot-on local eateries blew me away.
If you want to skip the tourist traps and experience what real Taipei locals eat for lunch, dinner, or late-night snacks, put these three spots on your Zhongshan itinerary!
Wu Shi Da Zhong Restaurant (吳師大眾飯店): Authentic Stir-Fry & Cold Beer
If you are looking for an energetic, unpretentious Taiwanese stir-fry spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, this is the place to be.
- The Vibe: Walking in, the staff might look like tough, rugged uncles straight out of a classic Mob movie—intimidating and stoic at first glance. But don't let their stern looks fool you!
Their culinary skills are top-notch, and the food comes out fast, piping hot, and full of incredible smoky wok aroma. - What to Order: We ended up ordering way more than we intended!
Highlights included the stir-fried pork intestines with seafood and vegetables, stir-fried beef noodles, local Taiwan Beer, and Fresh 19 Days Draft Beer. Everything tasted so good that we genuinely regretted not discovering this place on our first day in Taipei.
- Local Tip: You'll notice plenty of local Taiwanese grabbing takeout here. If you want to enjoy a feast in the comfort of your hotel room, ordering to-go is a great option.
- 💰Price Range: Approximately NT100-NT300 per dish (~3 to $10 USD). Expect to spend around NT$300 - NT500 per person (~$10 to $16USD) for a full meal with drinks.
Liutiao Family Eatery (六條家庭小吃): Cozy Home-Style Cooking
Located right across the street from Wu Shi Da Zhong, this cozy eatery is significantly smaller, seating only about 6 to 7 people at a time. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in home-cooked flavor.
- What to Order: We ordered a spread of five dishes, including Egg Fried Rice, SUn Clam Soup, Braised Oysters with Soft Tofu, Stir-Fried Beef with Water Spinach, and Stir-Fried Luffa Squash with Clams.
- The Highlights: The egg fried rice was incredibly fragrant and offered exceptional value—far cheaper and better seasoned than similar dishes back home. The braised oysters with soft tofu were cooked in a rich, savory style that paired effortlessly with white rice.
- 💰Price Range: Very budget-friendly! Dishes from NT60 - NT180 (~2 to $6 USD) each. A satisfying meal runs around NT$150 - NT250 per person (~$5 to $8 USD)
Hao Ji Hui - Linsen Branch (好雞匯 林森店): The Ultimate Late-Night Beer Snack
This last spot isn't a sit-down restaurant—it's a popular local street stall designed exclusively for takeaway. If you're a beer lover who likes to wind down the night a drink and a bite in your hotel room, this is a must-do experience in Taipei.
- How It Works: They specialize in Salted Cold Chicken, served completely boneless. You choose your base chicken, and then pick from an array of fresh ingredients displayed at the counter—including fresh vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and braised snacks. The vendor chops everything up and tossed it in their signature savory-garlic herb seasoning.
- The Experience: Picking up a custom bowl of salted chicken and pairing with a chilled Taiwan Beer back at the hotel ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip.
- 💰Price Range: Individual vegetable or tofu add-ons cost around NT25 - NT34 (~1 USD) each. Combo sets (boneless chicken plus 4-7 side ingredients) range around 200 - NT$350 (~$6 to $11 USD), making it a high-value late-night feast.
