139 Taiwan restaurants earn Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand

The Michelin Guide has released its latest list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Taiwan, featuring 139 eateries around the island. The award is given to restaurants that offer high-quality dining experiences at affordable prices. This year, 26 newcomers made the cut. They include an oyster fritter shop in Tainan, a hand-pulled noodle restaurant in Taichung, and a restaurant serving the freshest catch in Taipei.

A golden brown horsehead tilefish is brought to the table, emanating a mouthwatering aroma. Then there’s this silkie chicken soup infused with the sweetness of 10 abalones. These dishes have earned this restaurant a Bib Gourmand.

The fish goes in the wok, sending hot oil bubbling around it.

It’s blasted on high to preserve its shape. Then it’s shallow-fried nice and slow for a tender bite.

Over in the steamer, a redmouth grouper is ready for garnishing. A splash of hot oil releases a fragrant aroma.

Huang Kun-sheng
Restaurateur
I’m very happy to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand. A reporter called me up and that’s how I found out. We go to Keelung’s fish market at night to buy the freshest catch. Fish is the soul of our restaurant.

Over in Tainan, fresh oysters are the star of this crispy fritter. Each bite bursts with the flavor of the sea. The plump oysters can also be enjoyed over noodles. The restaurant owner herself raised the shellfish herself.

Lee Ching-ching
Restaurateur
I just wanted to promote our homegrown oysters. I didn’t think I would earn this honor, I’m really happy.

In Taichung, this 50-year-old hand-rolled noodle shop has also joined the list. The chef pulls at the dough with all his might, so that they remain springy while cooking. It’s a technique learned from his father.

Wang Chun
Restaurateur
I have to use my whole body. If were to use my hands only, I’d get injured. Getting on the Bib Gourmand list means I won’t be sleeping at all. But also that we’ll try even harder to get better.

This year, 139 Taiwan restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand. Tainan had the most newcomers on the list. For the first time, honors went to two western-style dessert shops. The eateries are sure to attract a fresh wave of foodies in pursuit of the best bites.