Dining in Hsinchu gives you the chance to try some really interesting, unique dishes. The city is famous for being something of a cultural hotspot, and the food scene is no exception, with the local steamed cakes and peanut butter really standing out. They might sound like pretty ordinary, widely available options, but there’s something about the local preparation which turns them into something special. The local noodle soup is also worth looking out for.
As with any other city in Taiwan, the best places to sample local delicacies are the night market – especially the Chenghuang Temple Night Market. Look out for well-established stalls that have made a name for themselves by selling the same dish at a consistently high quality for decades. The restaurant scene in Hsinchu is similar in nature, with plenty of long-running family restaurants to choose from.