Just recently, we packed our bags and jetted off to Taiwan to explore the wonders of this hot travel destination and indulge in some incredible Beef Noodles. Our week-long adventure was a feast for the senses, with a focus on Halal restaurants tailored for Muslim travellers. No more scratching your head over what to eat – here's a taste of our delicious journey!
1. 水料理 (Fresh Cuisine)
On our first evening in Taiwan, we headed straight to 水料理 (Fresh Cuisine) for dinner. This charming Chinese restaurant impressed us with its delectable dishes, including Kung Pao Chicken, Steamed Ginger Fish, Black Pepper Prawns, Mapo Tofu Beef, Chicken Soup, and Omelette, all served with fragrant turmeric rice. It was a fantastic start to our trip, and we are definitely looking forward to trying more of their menu on future visits!
2. Safranbolu Turkish Restaurant
You might wonder why we chose Turkish food in Taiwan, but why not mix it up? At Safranbolu, we enjoyed a delightful array of starters, including their daily soup and a basket of Balloon Lavash, their handmade Turkish bread. For mains, the Chicken Shish Kebab, served on a copper plate with pickled red cabbage, grilled vegetables, and rice, was a delightful surprise and a great way to start our day!
3. Lao Chang Muslim Beef Noodle
Finally, the moment we'd been eagerly anticipating – Taiwanese Beef Noodles! Some of us might have thought it resembled our local Mee Tarik from Kungfu Ramen, but keep that to yourself because this dish was authentic and absolutely delicious!
We enjoyed a bowl of Beef-Braised Noodle Soup, accompanied by Beef Dumplings and Potstickers that were simply superb.
Here's a fun fact: the restaurant has been around for over 74 years. The owner, Mose Chang, shared that his father, a Muslim, came to Taiwan and found limited options. He started cooking for himself and eventually opened this beloved restaurant.
4. Mouna Restaurant
At Mouna Restaurant, we had the pleasure of meeting the incredibly friendly Moroccan owner, Mouna Elayachi. Renowned for having one of the best Halal dining spots in Taiwan, Mouna operates several branches across the country.
We were treated to a buffet-style meal featuring a delightful fusion of Moroccan, Indian, and Arabian cuisine.
The spread was extensive, with everything from Chicken Briyani and Baked Fish to Prawn Omelette. As a special treat, we even sampled a Taiwanese speciality: Pineapple Cake!
5. Tajin Moroccan Cuisine & Tea
We ventured to another Moroccan spot for dinner, where we enjoyed an appetizer of speciality bread with hummus. For mains, we had three mouthwatering options: Tomato Beef with Dates, Tomato Cheese Beef Balls, and Lemon-Marinated Drumsticks.
The latter were particularly memorable, with a light curry flavour, served alongside turmeric rice.
6. Kunming Islamic Restaurant
At Kunming, we felt right at home with its vibrant ambience and dishes that hit the spot for Malaysian taste buds. Founded in 1994 by a Myanmar Muslim, this restaurant has been serving up a mix of international cuisines for nearly 30 years. The atmosphere is both lively and welcoming, with a unique touch: currencies from around the world pressed under the glass of the dining tables, a collection contributed to by patrons from across the globe.
Originally focused on Yunnan cuisine, Kunming now offers a diverse menu that spans Indian, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and more. We enjoyed a hearty Asian feast that included a whole Fried Fish in Hot Sauce with vegetables and aromatics, a fluffy Nanyang Omelette, creamy Coconut Chicken Curry with potatoes, Fried Water Spinach, and their version of Tom Yum.
While their Tom Yum Goong may differ from what you'd find in Thailand or back home, it was a flavourful part of our meal, alongside a stir-fried beef with bell peppers and onions in a rich sauce.
7. Amba Taipei Ximending
Amba Taipei is where trendy meets comfy, and we were lucky enough to crash at one of their cool hotels. Imagine waking up to the iconic Taipei 101 right outside your window! Each room comes with super-fast Wi-Fi and a Nespresso machine–because who doesn't need a good coffee fix?
Their breakfast buffet was a delight! From freshly baked bread to a mix of Western and Asian warm dishes, Dim Sum, an egg station, cereals, yoghurt, and fresh fruit–it was the perfect way to kickstart our day.
We stayed at Amba Taipei Songshan, right next to everything we wanted to explore and super close to Songshan MRT station, all connected by a Sky Bridge from the hotel. Special shoutout to Chief Alignment Officer Jeanie and the staff for their amazing hospitality made our stay extra special.
But the fun didn't stop there. We also had the chance to dine at Amba's Ximending location, where we enjoyed a grand feast. We kicked things off with a salad–followed by Pumpkin Soup.
For the mains, it was a delicious parade of dishes: oyster-style pancake with chives, fried rice, and a show-stopping platter. The highlight? Award-winning Buttermilk Fried Chicken with cherry tomatoes and herbs, juicy medium-rare Fire-Grilled US Ribeye Steak with a dipping sauce, grilled asparagus, Lettuce Wraps with diced vegetables and seafood, and soft pita bread for making mini sandwiches.
Just when we thought we had reached peak indulgence, dessert arrived, and it was a dessert lovers paradise! Presented on a large wooden tray, the dessert featured Oreo crumbs mimicking soil, two scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream with dramatic dry ice fog, pieces of golden and chocolate Madeleine Cakes, Cheesecake squares and colourful Meringue dollops. Miniature decorative elements like edible flowers and tiny ladybugs completed this playful yet elegant presentation.
8. Moiz Ali
Moiz Ali is a cosy spot run by Ali and his wife, and it's a gem for authentic Pakistani and Indian flavours. We tried their version of Nasi Ganja, and it was like a nostalgic trip back home–absolutely spot on! The owners are incredibly friendly and made our lunch experience feel like a warm, welcoming visit.
9. Ali Baba's Indian Kitchen
To cap off our culinary adventure, we headed to Ali Babas Indian Kitchen for a taste of North Indian magic. While the restaurant is Halal-certified, it's worth noting that they do offer beef on the menu, so those who don't consume beef should be aware.
We started with their irresistible Vegetable Pakora–crispy fritters packed with shredded potatoes, onions, fennel, coriander, and chickpea flour. Next up was the sizzling Chicken Tandoori, perfectly marinated in spices and yoghurt, delivering all the flavour and juiciness we craved.
The Mutton Shahi Korma stole the show with its rich blend of lamb, yoghurt, cream, and aromatic masala. We also dug into Chana Masala, a hearty chickpea dish, and the spicy Chicken Vindaloo with potatoes and paired it all with Indian rice and naan.
So there you have it–a guide to Halal dining in Taiwan! If you're planning a trip there, bookmark this list for a tasty adventure.
PS: We flew in and out of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 and found limited Halal options compared to Terminal 2. Many restaurants were closed, so it's best to eat before reaching the airport if you're departing from Terminal 1!
