Guide to Eating Vegan in Taipei

Taipei’s vibrant vegan scene offers options for every budget and taste. You’ll find traditional favorites like steamed buns and savory soy milk at breakfast spots, while night markets serve up crispy king oyster mushrooms and stinky tofu after dark. Upscale venues like Serenity Veg provide Michelin-starred experiences, but budget-friendly buffets like Minder Vegetarian keep costs around NT$150. From street carts to fusion restaurants, Taipei’s plant-based offerings reveal an exciting culinary adventure ahead.

Key Points

• Traditional breakfast spots and convenience stores offer abundant vegan options like steamed buns, pastries, and savory soy milk soup.
• Night markets across Taipei serve diverse vegan street food, including Michelin-approved stinky tofu and grilled mushroom dishes.
• Pay-by-weight vegan buffets provide budget-friendly meals around NT$120-200, with spots like Minder Vegetarian offering excellent value.
• Upscale vegan dining experiences are available at Michelin-starred Serenity Veg and Yang Shin, featuring innovative plant-based tasting menus.
• International fusion restaurants combine global flavors with local ingredients, creating unique dishes like truffle stinky tofu and pandan desserts.

Traditional Taiwanese Vegan Favorites

Taipei’s traditional breakfast spots offer plenty of naturally vegan options that won’t break the bank. You’ll find green onion cakes served with basil at street carts, while convenience stores stock steamed buns filled with vegetables, red bean paste, or taro.

Most shops will understand if you say “我吃素” when ordering to ensure your meal is truly vegetarian.

For a heartier start, try flaky shao bing pastries stuffed with lettuce or apple slices, often paired with crispy youtiao.

Don’t miss the savory soy milk soup with vinegar curds, a beloved morning staple that pairs perfectly with plain mantou buns.

The humble soy milk soup, curdled with tangy vinegar, finds its soulmate in fluffy mantou buns at Taipei’s breakfast tables.

For protein-rich options, pick up dougan (marinated dried tofu) from grocery stores or Daxi village vendors.

Temple-adjacent shops offer oil rice with shiitake mushrooms and ginger in convenient takeaway boxes, making it easy to grab a filling meal on the go.

Night Market Vegan Adventures

While daytime offers plenty of vegan options, Taipei’s night markets transform into vibrant havens for plant-based street food after sunset.

You’ll find the best vegetarian stinky tofu at Raohe Night Market’s Stinky Boss Branch 2, where they serve Michelin-approved versions without animal products.

Head to Gongguan Night Market near the university for spicy stinky tofu and fried mock meats. University students especially love Lane 108, which features a high vegetarian concentration of food stalls.

At Tonghua, don’t miss the eight treasures glass noodles, while Shilin offers crispy grilled king oyster mushrooms and vegan-friendly QQ sweet potato balls.

For a guided experience, Keelung Night Market’s vegan food tours let you explore with local experts who’ll help you navigate the diverse offerings.

Each market has its specialties, so you can spend multiple evenings sampling different plant-based delicacies.

Upscale Plant-Based Dining

You’ll find Taipei’s most refined vegan cuisine at Serenity Veg, where the city’s only plant-based Michelin star justifies the NT$2,500+ tasting menus featuring truffle-infused delicacies and artful lotus root dumplings.

For a more accessible splurge, Yang Shin Vegetarian Restaurant offers upscale dim sum with vegan xiaolongbao starting at NT$1,200 for group sets, while BaganHood’s innovative Sichuan peppercorn “fried chicken” provides Western-Asian fusion at NT$320-380 per dish.

The city’s high-end vegan scene includes stylish spots like Chao with its LED-lit dining room and About Islander’s minimalist café, where you can expect to spend NT$800-1,200 per meal before drinks. The restaurant’s menu highlights its milk and egg dishes, reflecting its Buddhist cultural influences.

Fine Dining Worth Splurging

Plant-based fine dining in Taipei has evolved beyond simple vegetable dishes into sophisticated culinary experiences that rival traditional upscale restaurants.

For a more traditional Taiwanese experience, Yang Shin offers vegetarian xiaolongbao that elevates the dining experience with their unique take on this classic dish.

You’ll find Michelin-starred establishments like Serenity Veg offering Buddhist-inspired tasting menus, while Silks House at the Regent Hotel presents innovative dishes with premium ingredients like truffle and abalone mushrooms.

1. Plan at least NT$2,000-3,000 per person for a multi-course experience at Serenity Veg.
2. Book Silks House’s private dining room two weeks in advance for special occasions.
3. Visit Yang Shin Vegetarian Restaurant during lunch hours for their business set meals, which offer better value than dinner service.

These upscale venues require reservations and often have dress codes, so call ahead to confirm current pricing and attire requirements.

Hidden Culinary Gems

Beyond the well-known fine dining establishments, Taipei harbors several intimate upscale venues that serve exceptional vegan cuisine without the hefty price tags.

You’ll discover Yang Shin’s refined dim sum experience, where advance reservations secure you a table in their elegantly designed space featuring clearly labeled vegan options.

For creative fusion, head to BaganHood near Taipei City Hall, known for their innovative Sichuan peppercorn-spiced enoki mushroom “chicken” and craft cocktails. For birthday celebrations and special occasions, Soul R. Vegan offers amazing food and an intimate atmosphere perfect for memorable dining experiences.

Vege Creek offers a unique DIY luwei experience in an upscale setting, while Space Bao elevates traditional dumplings in their contemporary mall location.

Don’t miss About Islander’s cozy café atmosphere, serving gluten-free options and their signature neko manma dish in a tranquil setting away from the city center.

Budget-Friendly Vegan Buffets

While dining out in Taipei can be expensive, the city’s numerous vegan buffets offer exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers.

You’ll find pay-by-weight options like National Vegetarian Buffet and Sunlike, where you can enjoy generous portions for around NT$120. These local spots include unlimited rice, soup, and a rotating selection of traditional dishes. For an upscale buffet experience, Fruitful Food serves an extensive selection with clear vegan labeling.

For the best budget-friendly vegan experiences, keep these tips in mind:

1. Visit Minder Vegetarian during lunch hours for the best value, with meals averaging NT$150-200.
2. Head to Three To Vegetarian near Taipei Main Station for free unlimited rice and basic soup.
3. Try Sunlike’s 50+ dish selection at Wuchang Street, where you can sample local specialties like stinky tofu and fried root vegetables.

International Vegan Fusion Spots

You’ll find Taipei’s vegan fusion spots brilliantly merging global cuisines, from BaganHood’s Sichuan peppercorn-spiced enoki mushroom “chicken” to Foldie Bistro’s truffle-infused stinky tofu French toast.

The city’s creative East-West combinations extend to casual eateries like Ooh Cha Cha, where Californian-Taiwanese influences shape plant-based bowls and sandwiches, while upscale venues like Serenity Veg blend Buddhist vegetarian traditions with European plating techniques. Drawing from his New York restaurant experience, Chef Andy brings innovative vegetarian interpretations of international dishes to Foldie’s menu.

These fusion restaurants showcase innovative ingredient pairings, such as taro croquettes dusted with oolong powder and mille-feuille layered with pandan cream, offering you a unique perspective on Taipei’s evolving vegan culinary scene.

Global Flavors Meet Local

As Taipei’s food scene evolves, innovative vegan fusion restaurants have transformed traditional dishes into creative plant-based delights. You’ll find everything from Japanese-style tonkatsu made with soy protein to French-inspired mille-feuille layered with taro cream.

These fusion spots offer affordable ways to explore global cuisines while staying true to local ingredients. Many restaurants like Yang Shin offer unique fusion takes on traditional dishes while clearly marking items containing milk, eggs, or honey.

For the best value and most unique combinations, try these standout fusion options:

1. Truffle-flavored stinky tofu French toast combines familiar comfort food with local flair
2. Plant-based burgers featuring crispy lotus root patties and tangy goji berry aioli
3. Falafel bao buns stuffed with pickled mustard greens, offering a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and Taiwanese flavors

These innovative dishes typically range from NT$150-300, making them accessible for budget-conscious diners seeking creative vegan options.

East-West Fusion Hotspots

Taipei’s international vegan fusion spots offer exciting culinary mashups that won’t break the bank.

At Foldie near Zhongxiao Dunhua Station, you’ll find creative dishes like tomato wontons in creamy chili dressing and truffle-infused stinky tofu that bridge Taiwanese and European flavors.

For all-you-can-eat options, head to Fruitful Food where NT$600-700 gets you access to over 50 dishes including stir-fried lion’s mane mushrooms and vegan sushi.

BaganHood, while pricier, serves innovative plates like Sichuan peppercorn fried chicken made from enoki mushrooms and mezze maniche rigate pasta with vegan cheese. Many restaurants like these are willing to accommodate special vegan requests to ensure a satisfying dining experience.

Don’t miss their retail section for take-home pantry items.

For quick bites, Vege Creek’s luwei shops let you customize noodle bowls with fresh vegetables and broths.

Sweet Treats and Dessert Destinations

Finding plant-based desserts in Taipei has become increasingly effortless, with dedicated vegan bakeries and cafés popping up across the city.

Ice Monster offers unique treats including their signature Unicorn sensation dessert that’s become a must-try for both locals and travelers alike.

You’ll discover traditional favorites like pineapple buns at Flourish in Da’an District and innovative creations like raw cashew cheesecakes at Ooh Cha Cha near Guting Station.

For the best vegan dessert experiences, check out these spots:

1. Vegan Heaven near Taipei 101 for artisanal cakes and seasonal treats, including special mooncakes during festivals
2. Fresh Bakery by Kunyang Station for daily-made soy milk pouches with rotating flavors
3. Yiihotang Bakery for veganized versions of traditional Taiwanese pastries, including pineapple cakes

Night markets also offer budget-friendly options, featuring vegan-friendly shaved ice and traditional sweet snacks that won’t break the bank.

The Wrap Up

Taipei’s vegan scene offers incredible value, with over 1,500 vegetarian/vegan restaurants citywide – more per capita than any other Asian city. You’ll find everything from $5 night market treats to $30 fine dining experiences. Whether you’re craving traditional Buddhist fare or modern plant-based fusion, you can eat well without breaking the bank. Take advantage of lunch specials and buffet pricing to maximize your dining budget.