TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's culinary landscape gained further international recognition Tuesday (Aug. 12) as the Michelin Bib Gourmand list honored 144 restaurants across the island. The prestigious selection celebrated the nation's diverse food culture while expanding beyond traditional strongholds. Newcomers New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City joined established culinary destinations Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung for the first time.
New Taipei City celebrated multiple recognitions including Yonghe's A-ba's Taro Balls (阿爸の芋圓), Sanchong's Dian Xiao Er braised pork rice (店小二滷肉飯), and Zhonghe's Tsai Chia Beef Noodles (蔡家牛肉麵). The beef noodle establishment particularly captured attention for its extremely limited operating schedule, serving customers only three days weekly for under three hours before selling out completely. The Michelin recognition has intensified public curiosity about whether securing a bowl will become even more difficult.
Hsinchu, traditionally dismissed as a culinary desert, dramatically overturned stereotypes by securing 15 spots on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Featured establishments showcase Hakka home-style cuisine, particularly celebrated for their signature Polygonum chicken soup preparations. Additional standouts include braised pork rice topped with hand-cut Matsusaka pork and soft-boiled eggs, plus ingredient-rich seafood and taro vermicelli soups that highlight the region's culinary depth.
The 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand list illuminated Taiwan's extensive local delicacies while demonstrating the island's diverse culinary heritage. This year's expanded selections have significantly broadened Taiwan's gastronomic landscape. The recognition encourages both domestic food enthusiasts and international tourists to discover new flavors across previously overlooked regions. ◼