Eating Out

Eating out in Taiwan is both convenient and affordable, with a wide variety of options typically within walking distance of most MRT stations. The densely packed streets and discerning local foot traffic drive intense competition in both prices and flavors. This dynamic makes dining out an appealing alternative to cooking at home. Especially if you rely on rare or imported ingredients, eating out may even be cost-competitive with your grocery bills and effort in the kitchen.

Restuarant Dining

The atmosphere in Taiwanese restaurants can vary significantly. In casual eateries or street food stalls, service is typically laid-back, with diners ordering and paying at the counter with very little in the way of service. In more upscale restaurants, you can expect attentive service and pleasantries in a more formal ambiance.

Making Reservations

Densely populated Taiwanese cities makes it essential to make reservations, especially on weekends and holidays. For the phone-shy, popular apps such as iPeen (愛評網) and OpenTable allow easy online booking. For restaurants that don't accept reservations, arrive early or be prepared for longer wait times, particularly during peak dining hours. Taiwanese are patently patient when it comes to waiting for popular venues; so hour-long wait times are common.

When booking a reservation, it's typical to provide your name (English names are acceptable), phone number, number of guests, and time of arrival. Be sure to include special requests such as a seat by the window or a high chair.

While waiting, an approaching waiter may ask if you're okay with "bìng zuò" (并坐), which means sitting next to other strangers at the same table. A reply of "kě yǐ" (可以) lets you skip the line and take a chance with strangers, while a "bù yào" (不要) is apt when you prefer the comfort of privacy.

Ordering Food

Brushing up on food-related vocabulary will be beneficial for those staying long-term. Menus with pictures can also be very helpful, allowing you to simply point to what you'd like to order. If all else fails, consider using the translation feature in Google Lens to decipher menu items.

Paying the Bill

In Taiwan, tipping is not customary as it is in many Western countries, and service charges are typically included in the bill. To show appreciation for exceptional service, look around for a tip jar. In majority of cases, a polite nod and saying "xièxiè" (謝謝) to the staff will suffice.

Cash is widely accepted in Taiwan, but credit cards—especially international ones—may not always be an option. It's a good idea to confirm with the server whether your credit card is accepted before taking a seat. Mobile payment options like Line Pay and Apple Pay are becoming increasingly popular and are often preferred by locals, though they should not be relied on exclusively.

If you're dining in a group, be prepared for the "group payment" culture. Typically, one person will pay the entire bill, and the others will reimburse them. It's common to send a quick message or discuss this beforehand to avoid confusion when settling the check.

Treating

Don't be surprised if a dining companion pays for your meal when the bill arrives. This practice, known as qǐng kè (請客), involves treating others to a meal as a way to express generosity, gratitude, or to strengthen bonds of friendship and camaraderie. It often happens with long-distance friends, family members, or in-laws.

Measured reciprocity holds great importance in Chinese culture. When invited to a meal, returning the gesture by hosting the next one is seen as a sign of respect and appreciation. It is advisable to select a restaurant within a similar price range or make up the difference in another thoughtful way, such as paying for dessert at another location. At the heart of these exchanges is the principle of fairness and solidarity.

Hosting

In Taiwanese culture, hosting, or zuò dōng (作東), is more than covering the cost of a meal—it reflects a deep commitment to hospitality, social harmony, and honoring of traditions. A host carefully selects the venue, often choosing a restaurant or teahouse known for its quality or symbolic significance. The host may consult guests about dietary preferences while still taking charge of planning the menu to ensure a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Hosting is particularly common during festivals, family reunions, business gatherings, or special occasions like weddings and anniversaries, where the emphasis is on building and strengthening relationships.

Hosting also plays a significant role in professional settings. For example, a boss may host a meal for employees as a way to express appreciation or celebrate a successful project. Similarly, senior figures in a company might host a dinner to show respect for their juniors or to create a more personal atmosphere for business discussions. In these contexts, hosting symbolizes authority, generosity, and a desire to maintain a harmonious relationship between colleagues.

Unlike treating, which focuses on interpersonal generosity, hosting in Taiwan embodies the cultural values of lǐ mào (禮貌, politeness) and rénqíng (人情, human connection) in a group dynamic. The host ensures everyone feels included and comfortable, often serving or toasting the guests as a gesture of respect. Guests are expected to reciprocate, not necessarily by paying but by showing gratitude and perhaps hosting a similar event in the future. Hosting in Taiwan often includes small but thoughtful touches, such as presenting fruit platters or local specialties, which reflect the host's attention to detail and care for their guests. These practices highlight the Taiwanese emphasis on fostering goodwill and maintaining strong social bonds within an organization or family unit.

Dietary Restrictions

You may have specific dietary needs, whether due to allergies, cultural preferences, or lifestyle choices. Most restaurants are accommodating, but it's important to inform them ahead of time, especially if you have severe allergies. Dietary-specific restaurants, such as vegetarian or halal options, are common in Taiwan's larger cities.

If you require something more specific (such as gluten-free or dairy-free options), it's best to confirm with the restaurant before making a reservation. Many restaurants may have limited options but will do their best to accommodate if notified in advance.