Eating My Way Through Taiwan: Bao zi

One of the things I have enjoyed most about being in Taiwan is the food. I love to eat food. I am game for just about anything. No limits…at least so far there hasn’t been anything I wouldn’t try. I’m not saying I like everything I eat, but I’ll try almost anything. So I have decided to do a short series I’m calling Eating my way through Taiwan.

I’m going to take you with me to the little food carts and shops throughout Taoyuan and show you what I’m eating. There are a number of things that will surprise you; and others will seem familiar.

Food in Taiwan is very similar to Chinese Food. If you live near Riverside, California and want to taste authentic Taiwanese food try the University Café on University and Iowa Avenues. That place serves authentic Taiwanese food. Including Pearl Tea. Pearl Tea has small balls of Tapioca that slip interestingly up your straw. In Taiwan it is Pearl Tea The University Café calls it Boba Milk Tea. (This shameless plug was not paid for in any way…YET.)



Bao zi

Today I’m going to focus on Bao zi. (Steamed Buns) This is a delicious breakfast meal. You can get Meat (Rou Bao) or Vegetable (Cai Bao). Generally, you will find them frozen in supermarkets. But there are many little shops (bao dian) where they are sold.


What they are is seasoned pork inside a bun made of bread. Steam them for 15 minutes and they are ready to eat. They’re one of my favorite foods in Taiwan. But you have to be careful with these bad boys, if you eat too many of them you’ll look like a Bao zi.

If you want these in the US you will have to look in Chinatown. I searched all over Riverside and never found them there.


Other posts you may be interested in:

Eating My Way Through Taiwan:  Japanese Barbeque
Eating My Way Through Taiwan:  A Traditional Restaurant
Eating My Way Through Taiwan:  Hot Pot
Eating My Way Through Taiwan:  Hei Tong Cuo Bing
Taiwan Travelogue:  The Traditional Market