Taipei Craft Beer Guide
Taiwan's craft beer scene is booming. From traditional lagers to innovative tea-infused brews.
Breweries
Taiwan Head Brewers
One of Taiwan's first craft breweries
Must-try: Taiwanese fruit sours
Redpoint Brewing
Taproom and brewery tours
Must-try: Taiwanese tea beer
Zhang Men Brewing
Multiple locations, restaurant attached
Must-try: Belgian wit, IPA
Mikkeller Taipei
Famous Copenhagen brand, stylish bar
Must-try: Rotating taps, rare imports
Beer and Cheese
Cozy, knowledgeable staff
Must-try: International imports, cheese pairing
Craft Beer Base
Student-friendly, good prices
Must-try: Local and international taps
Local Brews
| Beer | Type | ABV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Beer (Original) | Pale Lager | 4.5% | The classic, available everywhere, crisp and light |
| Taiwan Beer 18 Day | Draft Lager | 5.0% | Fresh draft version, smoother, creamier |
| Taiwan Beer Fruit Series | Fruit Beer | 2.5% | Grape, mango, pineapple — sweet and refreshing |
| Taiwan Beer Gold Medal | Premium Lager | 5.0% | Slightly stronger, fuller flavor |
| Craft IPA | IPA | 6.0-7.5% | Hoppy, bitter, aromatic — craft brewery staple |
| Tea Beer | Specialty | 5.0-6.0% | Brewed with Taiwanese tea — unique local twist |
Best Craft Beer Bars
Draft Land
Casual, fast, group-friendly
Mikkeller Bar
Stylish, design-focused, beer geeks
Zhang Men Xinyi
Lively, dinner and drinks
Redpoint Taproom
Industrial, tours available
Beer and Cheese
Intimate, cozy, couples
23 Public
Young, lively, student area
Beer Tips
- Taiwan Beer is everywhere — convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants
- Craft beer is more expensive — NT$250-400 per pint
- Many bars have happy hours — usually 5-8 PM
- Brewery tours are available at Redpoint and Taiwan Head Brewers
- Taiwan Beer Fruit Series is great for non-beer drinkers
- Some bars are bottle shops too — buy to take away
- Beer festivals happen in summer — check local listings
- Drink responsibly — public drunkenness is frowned upon
More Food Experiences
Night Market Culture
Taipei's night markets are the heart of its food culture. Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia offer the most famous street food experiences. Each market has its own specialties and atmosphere.
Breakfast Culture
Taiwanese breakfast is a unique experience. Soy milk, youtiao (fried dough), dan bing (egg crepes), and fan tuan (rice rolls) are essential morning foods found at dedicated breakfast shops.
Tea Culture
Taiwan is famous for its oolong tea. Traditional tea houses offer gongfu tea ceremonies. High mountain oolong from Alishan and Dong Ding from Nantou are world-renowned.
Dining Etiquette
Sharing food is common in Taiwan. Don't be surprised if locals push food onto your plate — it's a sign of hospitality. Slurping noodles is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged.
Seasonal Specialties
Summer brings mango shaved ice and cold bubble tea. Winter is perfect for hot pot and beef noodle soup. Mooncakes appear during Mid-Autumn Festival, and tangyuan during Lantern Festival.
Food Souvenirs
Bring home pineapple cakes, sun cakes, tea, beef jerky, and instant noodles. These make excellent gifts and let you enjoy Taiwanese flavors after your trip.
Food Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best food in Taipei?
Night markets are the best places to try authentic Taiwanese street food at affordable prices. Yongkang Street and Ximending are also excellent food destinations.
Is street food safe to eat in Taipei?
Yes, Taipei's street food is generally very safe. Look for stalls with high turnover, fresh ingredients, and clean preparation areas. The city has strict food safety standards.
How much does food cost in Taipei?
Street food ranges from NT$50-150 per item, while restaurant meals cost NT$200-500 per person. High-end dining can reach NT$1,000+ per person.
Are there vegetarian options in Taipei?
Taiwan has excellent vegetarian food with one of the highest vegetarian rates in the world. Look for Buddhist restaurants and ask for "su" (vegetarian) dishes anywhere.
What should I drink with Taiwanese food?
Bubble tea is the most popular choice. Taiwan Beer pairs well with fried foods. For tea, try high mountain oolong or Dong Ding from traditional tea houses.
Can I eat late at night in Taipei?
Yes, many night markets and restaurants are open until midnight or later. Some districts like Ximending have 24-hour food options. Convenience stores always have hot food.
What are the must-try dishes for first-time visitors?
Don't miss beef noodle soup, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), stinky tofu, oyster omelets, bubble tea, and mango shaved ice. These represent the core of Taiwanese cuisine.
Do I need to make reservations at popular restaurants?
Yes, for famous spots like Din Tai Fung and high-end restaurants, reservations are recommended. For street food and night markets, no reservations are needed.