Taiwan has been relatively off the radar in our western world despite its major ties with the US government and its reputation among the expat community. In 2016, Taiwan was the 10th largest trade partner with the US, despite having 1/50 the population of the 9th largest trade partner (India). Additionally, Taiwan was rated the number one travel spot in the InterNations Expat Insider Survey. Even if you were not aware of these facts, you have probably heard about the infamous conversation between President Cai and President Trump in recent news. Taiwan has a lot to offer this world that a lot of western countries have yet to discover. One that I hold dear to my heart has nothing to do with US Relations and everything to do with the relationship I have with my stomach.

Taiwan knows food. This small island may not seem like much on the map but the country is teeming with rich culture, incomparable beauty, and the best food you can find. My mouth is still watering from the memories, six months after leaving my home of two years. Whether you are enjoying a ten-course family style feast, getting your morning fix at one of the ubiquitous corner breakfast joints, or tooth-picking your way through a bag of freshly fried goodness, you won’t be disappointed. Especially if you seek out my top 5 favorite Taiwanese street foods.

1. 臺灣麵綫 Mian Xian (Taiwan Noodles)

Taiwan Noodles are the perfect dish to enjoy on a crisp autumn evening. The noodles are so thin that they practically melt in your mouth from simmering in the flavorful soup. A dash of spicy vinegar and garlic is added to the soup when served to provide a tangy kick to this thick, noodle-filled delight. Mian Xian traditionally is served with oysters or pig intestines. I recommend the pig intestines to add extra juiciness to this dish.

2. 挂包 Gua Bao (Chinese Hamburger)

The Gua Bao is not like your basic Mcdonald’s Hamburger. A Gua Bao bun is colorless and puffy. This bun, while lacking distinct flavor, is simply a cloud-like vessel holding the heavenly contents. Gently nestled between the yeasty pillow is a mixture of pickled mustard greens, peanut powder, cilantro, and pork belly. Trying to stay healthy? You can order this delectable delicacy with half pork belly and half pork meat or no pork belly at all. I always choose the half-and-half Gua Bao because the tenderness of the pork belly is the gem of this dish.

3. 蛋餅 Dan Bing (Egg Pancake)

The Dan Bing is like the crepe of Taiwan. The light, flaky dough peppered with green onions will leave you drooling for more. But the added egg, cheese, and sauces are what makes this dish a favorite among locals and foreigners alike. While the pancake is crisping on the grill, the chef cracks an egg, brushes the pastry with sweet and spicy sauce, and adds a layer of cheese to turn this pancake into a breakfast dream. The best part about the Egg Pancake is that there are endless options to satisfy your individualistic needs. My favorite combo: Egg Pancake, cheese, and Ji Pai. Speaking of Ji Pai –

4. 鷄排 Ji Pai (Fried Chicken Steak)

Do you love fried chicken? Do you live for fried chicken? Well, you have not lived until you have tried Taiwanese Style Fried Chicken. Taiwan has perfected the deep fried experience. That’s right, America, Taiwan is better at deep frying food than us. In Taiwan, there are a countless number of food stands with a smorgasbord of fresh vegetables and tender pieces of meat. You are eventually guaranteed to find your favorite combination of meat and greens, but you must start with the quintessential Fried Chicken Steak. The Ji Pai is a massive, juicy, slab of chicken breast crusted with the tastiest damn breading you’ll ever have. If you’re a flavor pro, you will ask for the salt and pepper and add some cayenne pepper to kick this simple, yet incomparable delight into high gear. Do not be intimidated by its size. By the end, you will certainly wish you had more.

5. 包子 Bao Zi (Steamed Bun)

I would never have expected to become addicted to steamy dough balls filled with meat. But to understand a steamed bun, you must eat one every day for a month. It is then you will realize that the moment of synergy comes from the joining of the inside with the outside. The contents and the bun alone are not enough to bring about such enlightenment. The union of the Steamed Bun’s saucy substance with the hot fluffy pouch is what transports you to a new level of satisfaction. Whether it is Pork Bun, Red Bean Bun, Black Sesame Bun, or Cabbage Bun, there is no wrong way to enjoy a steamed bun.