10 Popular Breakfasts in
Taiwan & China
There are so many kinds of breakfasts in 台湾 (Taiwan) and 中国 (China). From savory soy milk to crispy scallion pancakes, the morning food scene is incredibly diverse and delicious. Let’s explore the vocabulary for 10 of the most popular traditional breakfast categories!
The Breakfast Shop Culture (早餐店)
In Taiwan, grabbing breakfast on the go is a daily ritual. You’ll find a 早餐店 (zǎocāndiàn – breakfast shop) on almost every corner, often run by a friendly 老板娘 (boss lady) who might enthusiastically call you 帅哥 shuàigē (handsome) or 美女 měinǚ (beautiful) when you walk in!
Congee (粥 zhōu)
Congee (粥 zhōu), also known as rice porridge, is a classic, comforting breakfast. It is made by cooking rice with a large amount of water until it turns into a soft, soupy texture. Congee can be enjoyed plain (白粥) or packed with various toppings such as meat, seafood, and preserved eggs.
Soy Milk and Fried Dough Sticks
Soy milk (豆浆 dòujiāng) and fried dough sticks (油条 yóutiáo) are the ultimate classic combo. The soy milk can be served hot or cold. The fried dough sticks are long, deep-fried strips of dough that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside — perfect for dipping into the hot soy milk!
Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes (葱油饼 cōngyóu bǐng) are made by mixing flour, water, and chopped scallions (葱 cōng), then rolled out and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside.
Steamed Buns
Steamed buns (包子 bāozi) are made by wrapping a filling of meat, vegetables, or sweet bean paste in a round piece of dough, then steamed until soft and fluffy. The plain version without filling is called Mantou (馒头).
Dan Bing (Taiwanese Egg Crepe)
Dan Bing (蛋饼 dànbǐng) is arguably the most beloved Taiwanese breakfast food. It consists of a thin, crepe-like pancake filled with an egg and various toppings like cheese, corn, or bacon, rolled up and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Jian bing (煎饼 jiānbǐng) is a highly popular breakfast street food originating from northern China. It is made by spreading a thin layer of batter on a hot griddle, adding an egg, scallions, sweet bean sauce, and a crispy wonton cracker (薄脆) in the middle, then folded into a warm, satisfying roll.
Chinese Hamburger
Roujiamo (肉夹馍 ròujiāmó) translates to “meat placed in a bun.” It consists of a flatbread-like dough stuffed with a savory, slow-braised minced meat filling, typically made with pork, scallions, and rich spices. It’s especially famous in Shaanxi province.
Turnip Cake
Luobogao (萝卜糕 luóbogāo) is made from grated daikon radish mixed with rice flour. It’s steamed into a dense block, sliced into squares, and pan-fried until beautifully golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and savory on the inside.
Teppanyaki Noodles
Teppanyaki noodles (铁板面 tiěbǎnmiàn) are a filling breakfast staple in Taiwan. It’s a quick stir-fried noodle dish cooked on a hot iron griddle, typically drenched in either mushroom sauce (蘑菇酱) or black pepper sauce (黑胡椒酱), and often topped with a fried egg.
Fantuan (Sticky Rice Roll)
Fantuan (饭团 fàntuán) is a tightly packed log of steamed sticky rice wrapping a crispy fried dough stick (油条), dried radish, pork floss, and an egg. The combination of chewy rice and the loud crunch of the youtiao makes it an incredibly satisfying bite.
Ordering at a Breakfast Shop
Breakfast shops are fast-paced! Use these essential phrases to customize your morning order like a local.
