Often called the ‘Harajuku of Taiwan,’ Taipei’s Ximending buzzes with youth culture and vibrant street food. Surprisingly, this area is a paradise for those with dietary restrictions, offering numerous vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options. Taiwan boasts a unique ‘Su Shi’ (vegetarian) culture, where the art of creating astonishing richness and umami without meat or fish is world-class. This time, we’ve carefully selected 5 exceptional vegan spots where you can savor Taiwan’s distinctive and authentic vegan cuisine, frequented by locals and international students alike.
The Clover Vegetarian
📍 Address: 1F, No. 99, Kunming St, Ximen Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
This small eatery incredibly recreates Taiwan’s soul food, ‘Beef Noodles’ (Niu Rou Mian), in a surprisingly authentic vegan version. Its perfection is so remarkable that local vegetarians and international students often wonder, ‘Is there really no meat in this?’
The particularly popular ‘Vegetarian Tomato Stewed Beef Noodles’ features vegan meat, such as soy meat, that boasts the elasticity and texture of real beef. Toppings include generous amounts of shiitake and king oyster mushrooms, absorbing rich umami in place of lamb, exquisitely complementing the clear yet rich soup and chewy noodles. Another signature dish, the ‘Homemade Vegetarian Zha Jiang Mian,’ is a unique masterpiece, featuring a special spice blend found nowhere else—neither Korean nor typical Taiwanese style.
The interior is small and often full during evening peak hours. The friendly owner sometimes recommends sets with an English menu. The ‘Sesame Tofu’ side dish and the tangy ‘Pickled Tomatoes’ are also exquisite, so be sure to try them as part of a set. If you’re looking to enjoy easy, high-quality local vegetarian meals in Ximending, this is a must-visit spot.
Xiaoxiao Place
📍 Address: No. 125, Section 2, Hankou St, Fuxing Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Tucked away in an alley slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Ximending, ‘Xiaoxiao Place’ is less a restaurant and more a hidden sanctuary, enveloped in the warmth of a close friend’s kitchen. Its serene atmosphere, where guests can quietly observe the female proprietors meticulously preparing dishes behind the counter, has garnered immense support from long-term residents and repeat visitors.
The dishes served here are a sophisticated take on Taiwan’s traditional ‘Su Shi’ cuisine, rooted in Taoist and Buddhist cultures. From fragrant roasted tempeh and mixed grain rice plates topped with crisp pickles to hummus plates where warmth and coolness harmoniously balance, each dish highlights the ingredients’ flavors with a gentle touch. The meticulous attention to detail, allowing adjustments to saltiness and oil content according to preference, is another welcome feature.
The shop also regularly sells local vegan specialties and hosts cooking classes. As the small interior quickly fills up on weekends, advance phone reservations are highly recommended. Please note that payment is cash only. While it may lack flashy grandeur, a ‘special dining experience’ offering deep satisfaction and tranquility awaits you here.
Succulent Cafe & Food Lab
📍 Address: No. 152, Hanzhong St, Xinqi Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Perfect for a post-meal dessert or a break after exploring, ‘Succulent Cafe & Food Lab’ is a charming café conveniently located near Ximen Station Exit 1. It specializes in all-plant (vegan), ketogenic-friendly, and wheat-free (gluten-free) desserts, which are still quite rare in Taiwan.
The cakes and soft cookies displayed in the showcase are all incredibly vibrant and exquisite, defying the belief that vegan desserts are often dry. Enjoy generous and rich flavors, from fruit-filled tarts to cakes adorned with fresh grapes and berries. Another appeal is that the sugar content is carefully calculated, making them not overly sweet or heavy.
After choosing your cake on the first floor, head up to the relaxing café space on the second floor. The café offers Wi-Fi and accepts credit cards. It’s an excellent spot for a girls’ gathering or a casual meeting, and the staff’s high level of hospitality, meticulously explaining each dessert, is well-regarded among locals. As it’s a popular spot, we recommend booking whole cakes, like birthday cakes, in advance.
Quan Zhen Vegetarian Hot Pot & Teppanyaki
📍 Address: No. 11, Lane 34, Section 2, Hankou St, Wanshou Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
If you’re craving a hearty vegan meal in an authentic Taiwanese local atmosphere, this eatery is highly recommended. It’s a popular spot frequented daily by locals, constantly bustling with activity during lunchtime. Here, you can enjoy Taiwan’s unique individual hot pot (Xiaohuo Guo) and sizzling teppanyaki dishes, all in vegan versions.
The signature ‘Taiwanese Hot Pot,’ despite containing no meat or seafood, boasts an unexpectedly rich and robust flavor profile. It’s incredibly satisfying, so much so that even non-vegan locals flock to order it. Furthermore, there’s a wide selection of piping hot teppanyaki steaks made with vegan meat and flavorful stir-fries that pair perfectly with rice. The self-service complimentary Taiwanese tea and pickles are also a delightful perk unique to local eateries.
With a diverse menu, it’s recommended to visit in a group and share various dishes. This cost-effective eatery allows you to truly experience firsthand how deeply Taiwan’s ‘Su Shi’ culture is ingrained and evolving in daily life.
Meimen garden
📍 Address: No. 87, Yanping S Rd, Guangfu Village, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Located across from Zhongshan Hall, a short walk from the Ximending area, ‘Meimen garden’ (梅門防空洞) is, true to its name, an underground restaurant renovated from a former air-raid shelter. Descend the stairs, and you’ll find a sophisticated, spacious, and tranquil space that hardly resembles its former function.
This restaurant is based on the philosophy of Master Li Feng-Shan, a renowned proponent of Taiwan’s Qigong method ‘Ping Shuai Gong,’ offering nourishing dishes designed to harmonize mind and body. The clean, air-conditioned interior provides a comfortable ambiance where even solo diners can linger. From vegetable-rich curries with mild spices to a vegetarian (vegan) version of Taiwan’s famous street noodle, ‘Danzai Mian,’ each dish is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, delighting the eye.
The staff’s hospitality is excellent, and English menus are available. For health-conscious long-term residents and travelers seeking a peaceful time with delicious food, it’s truly an oasis in the city. Be sure to experience a blissful lunch that will soothe you to your core.
Local Tips for Enjoying Taiwan’s ‘Su Shi’ Culture
Taiwan is one of the world’s leading vegetarian nations, and you’ll see signs marked ‘Su’ (素) or ‘Su Shi’ (素食) everywhere. Here are a few local tips to know when enjoying vegan cuisine around Ximending.
1. There are several types of ‘Su Shi’
Taiwanese vegetarian labeling is very detailed. Options include ‘Quan Su’ (全素 – completely vegan, no five pungent spices), ‘Dannai Su’ (蛋奶素 – includes eggs and dairy), and ‘Wuxin Su’ (五辛素 – includes five pungent spices like onions, chives, and garlic). If you’re seeking strictly vegan or halal options, it’s best to check the menu’s notation or ask the staff before ordering.
2. Cash Only is common for payments
Many beloved local eateries, such as ‘Xiaoxiao Place’ and ‘The Clover Vegetarian’ introduced here, do not accept credit cards. When exploring the food scene in Ximending, make sure to bring plenty of small bills and coins. (Note: Some cafes, like ‘Succulent Cafe,’ do accept cards.)
3. The ‘Table Sharing’ (Pintable) Culture during busy hours
In Taiwanese local eateries, ‘Pintable’ (拼桌 – pīn zhuō), or sharing a table with strangers, is common during peak times. If there are no empty seats, following the staff’s guidance to dine alongside locals is a deeply authentic Taiwanese experience. Be sure to mix with the locals and enjoy delicious vegan food!
