Guide to Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

If you are a vegetarian, you’ve found paradise. Taiwan arguably competes with India for the title of the best country in the world for vegetarians.

Not only because of our religious roots (Buddhism and Taoism), but also because Taiwan is a global leader in vegetarian meat technology. For decades, our chefs and scientists have perfected "mock meats" made from soy, mushrooms, and wheat that are so sophisticated in texture and flavor they can fool even the most dedicated carnivores. From Michelin-starred plant-based dining to the humblest street stall, the quality is world-class.

• Coffee & Boba: Good news! Almost every coffee shop and bubble tea shop now offers Oat Milk (燕麥奶) or Soy Milk (豆漿) swaps, making your caffeine fix easy and safe.

However, if you are Gluten-Free, you’ll need to be a lot more strategic.

🌾 The GF Challenge: The Soy Sauce Secret

While vegetarianism is a long-standing tradition, GF awareness is a new concept in Taiwan. Asian genetics mean we don't have many people with gluten allergies, so locals might not realise that our primary seasoning Soy Sauce almost always contains wheat.

💡 Pro Survival Tips for GF Travellers

• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Highly recommend going to a supermarket (like PX Mart or Carrefour) and buy Gluten-Free Soy Sauce. Look for bottles labeled as being made from Black Beans (黑豆), Brown Rice (糙米), or Rice Koji (米麴). They are high quality and naturally wheat-free.

  
  

• The Allergy Sign: You can show this to the waiter on your phone:

「我對麩質嚴重過敏 (例如小麥、大麥、或是含小麥的醬油)，請問能推薦哪些菜是我能吃的嗎？或是否可以客製不添加麩質成分？謝謝」 (I'm allergic to gluten (e.g. wheat and regular soy sauce). Which dishes are safe for me? Or could you prepare my meal without any gluten? Thanks!)

🍽️ The GF & Vegetarian Shortlist in Taipei

If you are vegetarian/vegan but not GF, you are not restricted to this list. Taiwan is full of vegetarian gems you can find with a quick search on Google Maps. However, if you are strictly GF, these specific spots are your best safe places!

• Plants

• Ooh Cha Cha (自然食)

• UncleQ by Veganday

• Balle Balle Indian Restaurant

• The Green Room泰式蔬食

• Tour de Phare (植創蔬房)

• About Islander嶼人

• Gaia Flow

• Root Kitchen知初

🍽️ The GF & Vegetarian Shortlist in Tainan

• Safudou撒福豆

• Guli Natural Vegan House穀粒自然風味

• Mao Su毛蔬

• Veganers World莘咖哩

• Zone Su種素

• 好田·米鬆餅Rice Pancake

🍽️ The GF & Vegetarian Shortlist in Kaohsiung

• SO_UP輕食館

• Mottainai Plant-based Whole Food Café

• goöod time龜時間

• Mess Up漩渦

🏪 7-11/FamilyMart Emergency Kit

If you need a safe snack, head to a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart near you to get:

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Fresh Fruit

• Soy Milk