Where to Find the Best Vietnamese Cuisine in Taiwan

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To say that Taiwan is a good place for great food would be a massive understatement. From the hawker stalls at the Shilin Night Market to the many dedicated restaurants in the cities, Taiwan is home to its fair share of places where you can sample authentic and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.

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​The fact that there are so many authentic places for Vietnamese cuisine in Taiwan is not surprising either. Although separated by oceans, there’s a relatively short distance between the two countries. And in terms of food culture, there are many similarities between them as well. In a guide to Vietnam by Expatbets, the site discusses how the country is very welcoming of not just foreigners but their respective cultures as well. Much like Taiwan, Vietnam is home to many expats and the culinary ingredients and recipes that they take with them abroad. And both countries are home to many places for sampling foreign cuisine.

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​Mu Viet restaurant in Taipei is one such location. In a guide to Mu Viet by TPEats, the restaurant review site notes how the place is home to moderately priced classic Vietnamese fare, including fresh spring rolls, sugarcane shrimp, fried soft-shell crab in tamarind sauce, and classic ice-drip coffee. Complimented by its vintage Indochinese decor, you might be surprised to find out that this authentic Vietnamese restaurant is actually not a mom-and-pop operation but part of a corporate restaurant chain. It’s arguably proof that even when it comes to ‘fast food,’ chefs that specialize in Vietnamese cuisine always mean business.

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​If you’re more a fan of classic Vietnamese pho, look no futher than Hong Gong Gong Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup. With their seven types of broth, obsession for the freshest ingredients, and penchant for contemporary experimentation, Hong Gong Gong is a casual dining experience whose authentic pho is far from casual. From refreshing clear broths to more flavorful, ramen-like contemporary takes on pho soups, this place is a must-visit for lovers of fresh vegetables, tender meats, al dente noodles, and Asian herbs and spices. A similar experience can be found in the über trendy Corner 21, a trendier pho restaurant with a focus on modern fusion.

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Meanwhile, if your interests in Vietnamese food are centered around its iconic banh mi sandwich, you’re going to want to visit Lò Bánh Mì Pasteur. Ran by Vietnamese baker and chef Nuong, Lò Bánh Mì Pasteur’s mission is to recreate the perfect banh mi with local Taiwanese ingredients, leading to both subtle and overt differences in flavor. Using ancestral recipes for Vietnamese sandwich bread, pickles, and even ham – but recreated using locally sourced ingredients – Nuong’s banh mi represents the truest fusion of Vietnamese and Taiwanese cuisine.

This is just a handful of the many places in Taiwan where you can experience authentic Vietnamese fare. Whether you’re a local or a foreigner who’s curious about what Taiwan has to offer, any of these restaurants can offer you a taste of the best Vietnamese food in the East Asian region.

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