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