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The Bib Gourmand is one of the best ways to explore Taiwan’s culinary scene. It highlights delicious and high-quality meals at budget-friendly prices—not just for international travelers wanting a taste of Taiwan, but also for locals who love discovering great food. To be selected, restaurants must offer three quality dishes under NT$1,000. The 2024 Bib Gourmand list includes 126 restaurants across Taiwan, with 16 new additions this year. Today, ReadyGo spotlights the latest must-eats in Taipei and Taichung. Let’s dig in and see who made the cut!

Bib Gourmand New Additions 【Taipei】

Huang Ji Braised Pork Rice

A beloved spot in the Qingguang Market area, Huang Ji has been serving locals for over 30 years. Known for its unbeatable value, this old-school shop always draws long lines. Their signature braised pork rice has a rich, gelatinous sauce with perfectly fatty but not greasy pork. Don’t miss the braised pork belly and pork knuckles, both tender and flavorful. A true comfort combo: a bowl of braised pork rice, a side of pork knuckles, some stewed cabbage, and a rich fish floss soup with hints of bonito and satay.

Address: No. 28, Lane 183, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2595-8396
Hours: 11:30–20:20 (Closed on Mondays)

Mian Pu – Taro Rice Vermicelli

Tucked away in a quiet alley, this shop has been around since 2007 and is famous for its traditional taro rice vermicelli. The broth, simmered for hours, is full of shallot aroma, and the thick, chewy vermicelli absorbs the flavors beautifully. The highlight? A large piece of soft, fluffy taro. Add a touch of white pepper, and this simple local dish becomes something truly special. Be sure to arrive early—seating is limited and the crowds come fast!

Address: No. 75, Lane 232, Hulin Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2759-8727
Hours: 06:30–14:00

Pàng Taco

Pàng is the first and only Mexican restaurant ever to be featured in the Taiwan Michelin Guide. Using all local ingredients and traditional Mexican methods, they make their own corn tortillas fresh daily. The menu features dishes like classic minced beef tacos, roast pork, lamb, beef cheek, and pig’s tongue, all spiced to perfection. Popular picks include the achiote pulled pork and spicy braised beef quesadilla. Netizens call it the “best taco in town.” Bold Latin flavors with a Taiwanese touch—worth every bite!

Address: 1F, No. 181, Wenchang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Hours: Tue–Thu 15:00–21:00 / Fri–Sat 12:00–21:00

Xin Chao Bistro

A creative collaboration between Yong Shin Phoenix Tea and the renowned Old New Taiwanese Cuisine from Kaohsiung, the name “Xin Chao” plays on the word for “New Fried Rice Restaurant.” This place puts an upscale twist on classic Taiwanese dishes, especially fried rice. From crispy pork chop fried rice and tuna truffle fried rice to seared scallop with mullet roe fried rice, their inventive and refined approach is redefining comfort food. The interior blends glam and retro—think green velvet sofas, marble tables, and mosaic tiles. With a wide range of alcoholic drinks, it’s a perfect night out.

Address: 2F, No. 68, Section 5, Zhongxiao East Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2723-9976
Hours: 11:00–21:30

Soft Power

Founded in 2017 and now nestled near Xingtian Temple, Soft Power specializes in southern Taiwan-style soft crepe egg rolls. The crispy outer layer and juicy fillings make each bite satisfying, with over 13 flavor options, including handmade pork chop, Sichuan spicy sausage, and the classic double egg roll. Drizzle with house soy paste, and it hits just right. They also serve rice balls and the creative mantou burgers, where brown sugar steamed buns replace the usual burger buns. Traditional yet playful.

Address: No. 21, Alley 30, Lane 135, Section 2, Minquan East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2502-9543
Hours: 07:00–14:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Xiao Pin Ya Chu

As the warm yellow lights spill out onto the street, Xiao Pin Ya Chu welcomes Taipei’s night owls. This no-frills eatery has been running for over 30 years and stays open from evening till dawn. With over 20 home-style Taiwanese dishes daily, most are cold side dishes perfect with porridge or rice. The portions are simple, but the flavors are deep. Must-tries: braised pork knuckle, dry-braised eggplant, pickled long beans, stewed cabbage, and shiitake pork.

Address: No. 130, Zhongyuan Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2592-9924
Hours: 18:00–05:00

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Bib Gourmand New Additions 【Taichung】

Ajisai (Hydrangea)

Formerly known as Ri Zi Chu Shi in Beitun, Ajisai now resides in a beautifully renovated 30-year-old home. Think wooden window frames, stained glass, and minimalist gray walls—a cozy blend of nostalgia and simplicity. The restaurant specializes in Jiangzhe and Sichuan-style noodles with over a dozen daily seasonal side dishes. Recommended bites include the braised bitter melon with rock sugar, four happiness wheat gluten, and the signature Ajisai small plates. Everything is NT$50—a steal, and regulars swear by every dish!

Address: No. 102, Zhongxing Street, West District, Taichung City
Phone: 0975-892-139
Hours: 11:00–14:30 / 17:00–20:30 (Fri–Sun only)

Li Xiao Lou

Tucked away near Feng Chia, Li Xiao Lou is a quaint Chinese eatery known for its cozy wooden bar and open kitchen. With limited seating on the first floor, reservations are highly recommended. Specialties include the Kinmen Kaoliang wine sausage (thin casing, fragrant liquor aroma), salt-baked corn-fed chicken thigh (tender meat, perfect with house dipping sauce), and the braised pork rice with pickled melon. Pro tip: add a soft-boiled egg—mix the rich yolk into the rice for an extra layer of flavor.

Address: No. 50, Lane 293, Section 2, Xitun Road, Xitun District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-2452-5657
Hours: 11:30–14:30 / 17:30–20:30 (Closed on Sun & Mon)

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