Tainan: A culinary paradise and 400-year heritage that conquers tourists

If Taipei is the modern heart and Kaohsiung is the bustling seaport, then Tainan is the cultural soul of Taiwan. With its rich history, quaint alleys and mouth-watering cuisine , the city is not only a “cultural cradle” in the eyes of locals but is also emerging as a promising new destination for international visitors.

“Tainan was the first place in Taiwan to receive the wave of development from the world and was once our capital,” Mayor Wong Wai-ch’e proudly shared. “Although our population is less than 2 million, we are still the cultural capital – the Kyoto of Taiwan!”

Ancient soul in harmony with modern

Tainan doesn’t just live in the past. “We preserve old buildings, old alleys, but we are still at the forefront of technology,” said Wong Wai-chih, at a reception to celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary organized by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club. The proof? Taiwan’s chip giant TSMC has chosen Tainan to build its cutting-edge factory. The combination of heritage and technology is turning Tainan into a bright spot on the Asian economic and tourism map.

Visitors can not only admire the 400-year-old Fort Zeelandia – a relic of the Dutch East India Company – or stroll along Anping Old Street, but also explore the National Museum of History, the Museum of Justice and the National Museum of Literature. “Tainan is a place where history tells its story through every brick,” said a local guide.

Food Paradise: From Squid Noodles to Movie Cocktails

No mention of Tainan would be complete without mentioning food. Food writer Clarissa Wei, in her book Made in Taiwan, calls it “the best place to eat.” From fragrant squid ink rice noodles, rich beef soup, to sumptuous red rice cakes with shrimp, mushrooms and crab meat – Tainan has diners raving about it.

Squid rice noodles.

In particular, the beef noodles at Lao Zheng Restaurant – a nearly 50-year-old family-run establishment – are a must-try, with a rich broth that warms the heart in the chilly weather.

Not content with tradition, Tainan also caters to international visitors with global dishes. At Fisherboy in Yong Le Market, you can enjoy British-style fish and chips, but with a Taiwanese twist, with sea bass instead of cod, at a much more affordable price. “I learned the recipe in Australia, but I recreated it the Tainan way,” the owner shares.

The cocktail scene is also a highlight. Downtown Moger is known for its “In the Mood for Love” – a blend of whisky, local herbs and dried mandarin, inspired by the film of the same name. “There’s been a whole new wave of bars popping up since the pandemic,” says manager Sheng Yao. “Tainan’s multi-layered history – from colonial times to the present – has created unique cocktails.”

Tourism business booms

With its growing appeal, Tainan is becoming a gold mine for Taiwan’s tourism industry. “We expect international arrivals to increase by at least 20% this year,” a tourism official revealed. However, to get to Tainan, visitors often have to go through Taipei or Kaohsiung – two Asian hubs. This poses a challenge to improve the city’s transportation.

Local businesses are also quick to seize the opportunity. From modern bars like Moonrock, which serves broths with cocktails, to Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurants, Tainan is diversifying its experiences to attract high-end customers. “This is the time to invest in luxury,” says Mr. Tran, the boutique hotel owner. “International guests are willing to pay if they see value.”

Coming to Tainan: What not to miss?