Visiting Jiufen and have no idea what to eat? Nestled within the mist-kissed charm of Jiufen old street lies a gastronomic food heaven, where history whispers through cobblestone alleys. Join us on a culinary adventure through the enchanting Jiufen Taiwan (九份老街), where each bite is a symphony dance of tradition and innovation.

Legend has it that the Jiufen Taiwan’s ethereal charm inspired the beloved Japanese animation Spirited Away by filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Although it remains unconfirmed, Jiufen is one of our favorite towns in the world. We’ll tell you exactly what are the best things to eat in Jiufen Taiwan. You’ll also be delighted that everything is vegetarian friendly.

In Jiufen, every dish, every snack, and every cup of tea becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of culinary artistry. Here, the flavors become storytellers, weaving a narrative rich in tradition, layered with history, and punctuated by bursts of innovation.

If you’re traveling in Taiwan, check out my free 7 day Taiwan itinerary with free travel map, how to book a Minsu in Taiwan, and Kenting National Park guides.

Misty Cake Taiwan at Jiufen | Puff Pastries

Location: Google Maps | Misty Cake Jiufen 米詩堤甜點王國九份門市
As the mist weaves through Jiufen’s old town, the aroma of Misty Cake puff pastries fills the historic alleys with the buttery, flaky aroma of sweet potato puff pastries. A true kingdom of sweetness, these delicate pastries unfold with layers of flaky perfection, enveloping your senses in a cloud of confectionery dreams. Each ethereal bite offers a journey through textures, from the crisp exterior to the melt-in-your-mouth layers within.

A plethora of Misty Cake options welcomes you, ranging from sweet potato puffs, taro puffs, cream puffs, and chocolate puffs to creamy delights. The subtle taro puff was our favorite pastry.

Check out our guide on what to buy in Taiwan to learn the best Taiwan souvenirs, and where to buy them. (Jiufen is a top spot for shopping!)

YuYuan Taro and Sweet Potato Balls

In Jiufen’s bustling old street, an array of stalls are lined with the alluring fragrance of freshly made YuYuan. A quintessential Taiwanese dessert, YuYuan are small orbs made with taro and sweet potato balls. Amid the vibrant tapestry of vendors, A Gan Yi Taro Ball emerges as a standout. As the master chefs weave together a tapestry of flavors with a steadfast dedication to freshness, each bite unfolds a symphony of textures. It leaves a happy dance in your mouth that captures the essence of Jiufen’s culinary mastery.

Opting for a sensory journey, patrons can savor these delectable orbs in both warm and cold renditions. Followed by an adornment of an array of tantalizing toppings. Our preferred indulgence involves savoring them piping hot with duohua (tofu pudding), red azuki beans, and green beans. This intricate interplay of contrasting elements — the yielding softness of tofu pudding, the earthy richness of red azuki beans, and the subtle warmth of ginger honey — unites in perfect harmony with the innate sweetness of taro and sweet potato yuyuans, elevating this street food classic to an exquisite culinary crescendo.

The Infamous Delicacy: Stinky Tofu

Locations: 食謎店 九份第一家臭豆腐 or 九份第一家臭豆腐
What should be your next adventurous dish to eat in Jiufen? Immerse yourself in Jiufen’s food heaven spectacle as you venture into the inaugural realm of Stinky Tofu, Taiwan’s best street food. A mysterious aroma becomes your guide, leading you through a sensory odyssey—crispy exteriors give way to tender interiors, orchestrating a harmonious clash of flavors that both challenges and delights the discerning palate. Here, the adage holds true: the stinkier, the better.

Boldness characterizes every bite, where the ingenious interplay of crispy tofu, pickled cabbage, and a clandestine sauce. The perfect melding of garlic, soy sauce, and black vinegar creates an unforgettable symphony of tastes. This daring dance of flavors leaves an indelible mark on your taste memory. It is a testament to the audacious spirit that defines Taiwan’s innovative culinary narrative.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jiufen, I recommend booking a Minsu where you stay with a local host. Here’s our guide on what is a minsu in Taiwan (and how to book them!).

A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll

Location: Google Maps
In the expansive culinary landscape of Jiufen, emerges a singular delight that is exclusive to the Ruifang region—the elusive Peanut Ice Cream Roll. Chart a course through the labyrinth streets to unveil this regional gem.

A canvas of velvety, nutty sweetness unfolds as ice cream encounters the crisp allure of freshly ground peanuts, caramel, and cilantro. This intricate dance of flavors crafts a texture-rich indulgence that encapsulates the very essence of Jiufen’s culinary spirit. The interplay of temperatures adds a whimsical dimension to the experience. Transitioning seamlessly from the chill of the ice cream to the warm embrace of the peanuts, cocooned within a crispy rice paper— a culinary masterpiece akin to a baby burrito.

Most people are surprised when we tell them that Jiufen is the best place to buy Taiwan souvenirs (especially food and anime souvenirs!). The regions also offers incredible hiking at Keelung Mountain trail just a mere 6 minutes Uber ride or 20 minutes walk away!

And Yes, there is Uber in Taiwan, even in Jiufen. We share our thoughts on is Uber is better than a taxi in Taiwan and how much we paid for rides.

Fried King Oyster Mushrooms

Location: We found the perfect vegan snack to eat in Jiufen. Look for this green stall gracing the cobblestone streets near the halfway point of town. It only sells King Oyster Mushroom and has been a top seller for over 15 years.

In the enchanting realm of Jiufen, a cherished snack unfurls—the earthy allure of King Oyster Mushrooms. Here, a skilled vendor transforms these umami-rich delights into a culinary masterpiece. The crispy king oyster mushrooms, delicately coated with a secret powder sauce, invite you to indulge. Once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve relished the entire bag. These umami mushrooms are not only crispy on the outside but surprisingly soft and juicy on the inside.

Savor the deep, savory notes that emanate from each delicously prepared bite as you meander through the historic tapestry of Jiufen’s culinary offerings.

Best Teahouse in Jiufen Taiwan

Location: We found the best Jiufen Taiwan teahouse! To reach this hidden teahouse, look for a discreet gray cave a few shops right of the famously-packed Amei teahouse. Venture through the “secret” cave-like entrance and unveil the serene charm of the 芋仔蕃薯 teahouse on the other side. Although many people want to dine at the famous Amei tea house, we recommend 芋仔蕃薯 teahouse instead to get the best experience, superior service, and magical location, without the crowds.

Escape the bustling crowds and embark on a journey to our hidden oasis, 芋仔蕃薯 teahouse in Jiufen Taiwan. As you step over the threshold of this whimsical teahouse, a time capsule awaits, transporting you to Taiwan’s golden mining age. Welcome to 芋仔蕃薯 teahouse, where tradition adorns the walls, and each artifact a holds a touching reminder of a bygone era. Sip on tea for hours listening to the classical Mandarin music leaving you in a harmonic inspiration. The auntie, who has been working at the Jiufen teahouse for 26 years, has been an enduring witness to the teahouse’s inception. Her enduring partnership with the owner imbues the space with an unmistakable essence of tradition, history, and warmth.

Begin your teahouse story with traditional black tea, a ritual that unfolds with theatric elegance. Boiling water alight with fire is set to the side, an offering that beckons you to refill your tea cup at will. Under Auntie’s seasoned guidance, we embarked on a culinary expedition. We started with a symphony of their signature three-cup tofu—a celestial dance of perfectly fried tofu, stir-fry basil, and plump king oyster mushrooms. Each morsel unveiled a sublime harmony of textures and flavors, the crispy exterior giving way to a succulent interior, rendering every bite a testament to culinary mastery.

As our palates continued to revel in the culinary crescendo, we surrendered to the allure of Sesame Noodles—a dish that unfolded like a culinary sonnet. The simple noodles, bathed in a fragrant sesame oil, offered a symphony of nutty notes that lingered on the taste buds. In the realm of culinary classics, the 3 Cup Tofu and Mapo Tofu emerged with its aroma wafting robust promises of spice and warmth. Silken tofu, cocooned in a velvety, savory sauce, underwent a metamorphosis infused with the bold dance of Sichuan peppercorns. Elevating the experience, we chose to pair it with warm, earthy purple rice, and watercress vegetables. Each grain of rice became a silent partner, absorbing and enhancing the nuances of the dish, ensuring that every bite was not just a taste but a transcendental experience in the art of gastronomy.

The wholesome combination of this sensory journey, an orchestration of flavors, left an indelible imprint on our taste buds. What set 芋仔蕃薯 apart was its ability to cater to both vegetarians and meat-eaters with equal finesse, and how it treats vegetables as important as its protein counterparts.

Sipping on tea for hours, we reveled in the unspoken stories etched into the walls and the undeniable warmth that permeates this hidden gem—a testament to the enduring charm of a tea house where time seemingly stands still.

Nestled in a magical setting with amazing hospitality, this is the definition of the perfect teahouse to eat in Jiufen.

芋仔蕃薯 tea house offers enchanting views of Jilong Mountain and the expansive Ruifang Sea. As evening descends or when rain graces the town, the allure deepens. An evening tea adventure draws us to the Japanese-style seating mats upstairs, where classical Mandarin melodies serenade our senses.

And don’t forget to admire the amazing architecture of the iconic Imei Tea House before you leave Jiufen.

Taiwan Pineapple Cake and Taro Pastry at Jiufen Jiang Jia Bakery

Location: Google Maps

In the twilight of Jiufen Old Street’s enchanting labyrinth, a modest treasure awaits. Jiang Jia Bakery, where tradition intertwines seamlessly with pastry innovation. Here, within the unassuming walls, the artistry of crafting freshly baked, flaky Taro pastries and Pineapple cakes unfolds on a daily canvas. It’s undisputedly the perfect pastries to eat in Jiufen.

The hands of the skilled artisan meticulously layering the flakiness of flour, with a soft center of fresh taro that promises to dissolve effortlessly on your tongue. It’s an exquisite experience. A harmonious blend of textures and tastes that transports you to a realm where time-honored techniques meet the precision of contemporary craftsmanship. The delicate charm of this taro pastry will gracefully paint a cherishing smile on your face. This is a must buy gift in Taiwan.

Brown Sugar Ginger Tea and Almond Milk

As you stroll leisurely down Jiufen, awaken your senses in the comforting embrace of piping hot Brown Sugar Ginger Tea. An elixir of sweet and spiced perfection, this ginger aromatic beverage reflects the heartwarming hospitality that defines Jiufen. Don’t let the simple look fool you; its robust essence is as potent as a cup of strong coffee.

Kickstart your exploration through Jiufen with this liquid hug, sipping it leisurely as you navigate the charming labyrinth of streets. Let the brew infuse each step with a symphony of flavors, setting the tone for the culinary adventure that awaits.

But the story doesn’t end there. On your way out, ensure you don’t miss the chance to grab a jug of the delectable fresh almond milk. The vendors at Jiufen have perfected the almond milk to an art form. A jug of this almond elixir, lightly sweetened to perfection, becomes a companion for days with your to-go pastries. Taiwan’s humble claim to the freshest, best nature milks in the world is no exaggeration.

Waffle with Matcha Ice Cream and Red Bean

If you’re still hungry and looking for more delights to eat in Jiufen old street – give this beautifully adorned dessert a try. Tradition meets modernity in the form of a Waffle adorned with Matcha Ice Cream and Red Bean. The golden-brown waffle, crispy on the edges and tender within. It becomes a delightful canvas for the nuanced creaminess of matcha and the sweetness of red beans. With each bite, the harmonious blend of textures and flavors are a delight to any soul.

Jiufen has the best Taiwan snacks to take home

Secure to-go boxes laden with your favorite pastries to eat in Jiufen and gather stories to share with family and friends as you embark on the final chapter of your gastronomic adventure. Let the lingering note of a jug of sweet almond milk accompany your to-go pastries, elevating your continued culinary escapade.

Wander through the diverse offerings of dried fruits, nuts, and almond milk, as the last act in Jiufen’s culinary repertoire. Each bite encapsulates a story, a crunchy crescendo that serves as the perfect denouement to a day. Immerse in the rich tapestry of flavors and history woven into the fabric of this enchanting Taiwanese town.

This old street stands not just as a marketplace but as an invitation—an invitation to delve deep into the soul of Taiwan’s food haven. It’s no wonder Jiufen is famous for travelers from all over the world. The memory of strolling through this enchanting street will linger in your thoughts, and you’ll find yourself yearning to return to its magical embrace for years to come.

Jiufen in Night Time

Jiufen takes a magical transformation during night time. The winding alleys, once bustling with daytime crowds, become illuminated by a warm glow of red lanterns. This former gold mining town takes on a dreamlike quality, with the lights reflecting off the wet cobblestones and casting an enchanting atmosphere that feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.

We recommend visiting Jiufen both during the day in the night time, we love both experiences! The tea house open as early as 9:30am (most open around 10-11am) til 10pm

Jiufen is very safe even at night. You might be wondering is Taiwan safe to travel? Yes, I explain how safe is Taiwan here, but are a few things to watch out for.

Looking for more unforgettable day trips from Taipei?

For those with an appetite for a longer day trip, add HuoTong Cat Village, Jing Tong Old Street, and Pingxi Old Street where the lantern festival takes place in February every year to your Jiufen day trip! Also, see our guide on what to eat in Pingxi old street.

Also add Keelung Mountain Trail hike for sunrise! (pssst. the trailhead is only 6 minutes drive or 20 minutes from Jiufen!) Alternatively, you can choose Teapot Mountain trail for an afternoon hike.

Summary: What to eat in Jiufen

We hope you enjoyed this guide on what to eat in Jiufen (九份老街), including the best tea house, pastries, misty cake puff pastries, and must eats.

Have you been to Taiwan? If yes, we’d love to hear what your favorite things to eat in Taiwan are below in the comments.