The list of must-visit tourist destinations in the world in 2027 has been released, and Taiwan is on the list. (File photo, Associated Press)
Where are you going to travel next year? The well-known travel guide "Lonely Planet" announced the "Best Destinations of 2027" list, listing 50 of the world's most worthwhile destinations and experiences. Taiwan is also among them. It has become one of Asia's recommended travel destinations with its rich night markets and food culture. It specifically highlights several must-eat delicacies in Taiwan.
"Lonely Planet" recently announced the "Best in Travel 2027" list, selecting 25 travel destinations worth visiting from around the world, as well as 25 activities and journeys worth experiencing in person. The list covers the vast mountains of Italy's Veneto region, the volcano-shaped coastline of Montserrat in the Caribbean, Australia's Red Center, and the saline marshes of Gujarat, India.
The article introduces Taiwan. There are 16 aboriginal groups, immigrants from China, and 50 years of Japanese rule, which together created Taiwan’s diverse and rich food culture. Coupled with fresh seafood and the terroir that can breed agricultural products such as high mountain tea and sun-loving mangoes, Taiwan's food landscape is further enriched. Taiwan is a small island. Bring a small travel bag and a good appetite, and you are ready to go.
"Lonely Planet" also compiled 15 classic Taiwanese delicacies that tourists should try, and recommended multiple actual tasting places. Among the many delicacies, Taiwanese beef noodles are listed as must-try items. According to "Lonely Planet", beef noodles are made by putting stewed beef and elastic noodles into a slow-cooked soup, and adding Sichuan spices and pickled cabbage flavors. It has become Taiwan's representative national delicacy.
The bubble tea is also highly recommended. This drink that went global from Taiwan has a classic recipe consisting of tea, milk, ice cubes, sugar and tapioca pearls. Nowadays, it has developed different versions such as fruit, taro puree, sweet potato balls and even cheese.
In addition to single cuisine, "Lonely Planet" also regards Taiwan's night markets as an important place to explore food culture. After nightfall, a large number of family-run food stalls gather in night markets across the country, offering a wide range of choices from soups, sausages, squid skewers, desserts to stinky tofu.
Among them, stinky tofu, oyster omelette, crispy salted chicken and shaved ice are all listed as street foods worth trying. The report recommended tourists to go to Keelung Miaokou Night Market to experience the food culture of Taiwan’s night markets.
In terms of well-known catering brands in Taiwan, Din Tai Fung’s Xiao Long Bao is also among the recommendations. In addition, pineapple cake is also included in Taiwan's representative desserts.
"Lonely Planet" also specially introduces Taiwan's aboriginal cuisine. Taiwan has 16 officially recognized aboriginal groups, and its traditional diet uses a large amount of wild vegetables, seafood and wild ingredients. In more remote areas, tourists may taste wild boar meat, bamboo tube rice, millet wine, catfish and other dishes, and experience a Taiwanese flavor that is different from the Han Chinese food culture.
In addition, scallion pancakes, Hakka cuisine, Weng Kiln chicken, ice cream spring rolls, bean curd, craft beer, sweet and spicy, braised pork rice and salt crispy chicken are also included in the recommended list.
Among them, Hakka cuisine is described as an important part of Taiwan’s food culture. The Hakka population accounts for about 15% to 20% of Taiwan's population. Their diet is salty and rich in flavor. Common ingredients include pork, tofu and soy sauce. Kaohsiung Meinong is recommended as a place to taste Hakka cuisine. You can try Hakka specialties such as Yong Tofu, Noodles, Braised Pig's Knuckles and Lei Cha.
Braised pork rice and salted crispy chicken show the characteristics of Taiwanese people's diet. The Braised Pork Rice is made with slow-cooked pork and white rice. The soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic and slightly sweet flavor allow the meat to permeate into the rice. The Salted Crispy Chicken uses sweet potato powder to wrap the marinated chicken and deep-fry it, then add nine-layer pagoda, five-spice powder and white pepper. It has become a familiar late-night delicacy among Taiwanese.
