Halal food in Taiwan refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. Taiwan has a small Muslim population (around 60,000) but has actively developed halal tourism infrastructure to attract visitors from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The government’s Muslim-friendly initiatives have increased halal restaurant availability. Learn more about halal food and halal certification standards.

Taiwan offers a unique destination where traditional Taiwanese cuisine is increasingly adapted for halal requirements.

How Accessible Is Halal Food in Taiwan?

Halal food accessibility is moderate and growing:

Taipei: Best options with government-certified restaurants Taoyuan: Near airport with some options Taichung: Some halal restaurants Other cities: Limited but growing

Taiwan’s tourism push has significantly improved halal availability.

Halal Taiwanese cuisine (at certified restaurants):

  • Beef noodle soup (halal versions)
  • Taiwanese fried chicken
  • Bubble tea (verify ingredients)
  • Taiwanese breakfast items

Indonesian cuisine (common and usually halal):

  • Nasi goreng
  • Satay
  • Rendang
  • Indonesian workers’ restaurants

Middle Eastern/Turkish:

  • Kebabs
  • Shawarma
  • Turkish restaurants

Taiwan Halal Certification

Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA) is the main certifier:

  • Government-recognized
  • Growing number of certified restaurants
  • Products and restaurants certified
  • Check for THIDA logo

Taiwan Tourism Bureau actively promotes:

  • Muslim-friendly restaurants
  • Halal-certified hotels
  • Prayer facilities

Best Areas for Halal Food

Taipei

  • Near Taipei Grand Mosque: Halal restaurants
  • Zhongshan District: International halal options
  • Taipei Main Station area: Some halal eateries
  • Indonesian restaurants: Throughout the city
  • Night markets: Selected certified stalls

Taoyuan (Airport Area)

  • Near airport hotels
  • Some halal restaurants
  • Transit-friendly options

Taichung

  • Growing halal scene
  • Indonesian restaurants
  • Some halal Taiwanese food

Tourist Areas

  • Sun Moon Lake: Some halal options
  • Jiufen: Limited, plan ahead
  • Taroko Gorge: Very limited

Is Taiwan a Muslim Country?

No, Taiwan is not a Muslim country:

  • Buddhist/Taoist/Folk religion: Majority
  • Small Muslim population: ~60,000
  • Indonesian workers: Significant Muslim presence
  • Religious freedom: Multiple faiths welcome
  • Grand Mosque: Taipei’s main mosque

Is Taiwan Safe for Muslims?

Taiwan is very safe:

  • Low crime rate: One of Asia’s safest
  • Welcoming: Friendly to all visitors
  • Muslim-friendly initiative: Government program
  • Prayer facilities: At airports, some hotels
  • Religious tolerance: No issues

Night Markets and Street Food

Caution required at night markets:

  • Pork is extremely common
  • Many snacks contain pork
  • Look for halal-certified stalls
  • Some markets have designated halal vendors

Usually safe:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Some vegetarian items
  • Certified halal stalls

Apps and resources: Taiwan Tourism Bureau halal guides.

Practical Tips

  1. Use official resources: Taiwan Tourism Bureau halal lists
  2. THIDA certification: Look for logo
  3. Indonesian restaurants: Reliable halal option
  4. Night markets caution: Pork is common
  5. Taipei Grand Mosque area: Good halal options
  6. Bubble tea: Verify—some ingredients may not be halal
  7. Beef noodle soup: Available in halal versions
  8. Apps: HalalTrip, official Taiwan tourism apps
  9. Hotels: Some offer halal breakfast
  10. Prayer rooms: At airports and some locations