Top 3 Taiwanese Fish Dishes

Tamsui fish balls are Taiwanese delicacies consisting of fish paste filled with marinated pork and garlic. Some versions also contain shark meat paste, which imparts an exquisite flavor to the product. With a typical oval-cylindrical shape and a chewy texture, these stuffed fish balls are usually added to a bowl of hot fish-paste broth that is seasoned with pepper, a bit of oil, and some freshly chopped celery. Other typical accompaniments to this local treat include rice vermicelli or dumplings. Packed with flavor, the fish balls are a common street food item that is usually eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory snack. Both tourists and locals can learn everything they need to know about these fish balls and the history behind their creation by visiting the Teng Feng Fish Ball Museum, which was opened in 2004 and is the first Taiwanese fish ball museum. For an authentic Tamsui fish balls experience, a visit to Tamsui Ke Ko Fish Balls eatery, which has been making these well-known stuffed fish balls for well over 50 years, is a must.Expand

Tian bu la are Taiwanese fish cakes made with a thick paste which incorporates mild white fish fillets, eggs, and potato or tapioca flour. The generously seasoned mixture is piped directly in the sizzling oil, then deep-fried until golden brown. The fish cakes are usually shaped in long and thin cylindrical forms, but they are sometimes flattened into thick, round discs. Even though they can be eaten immediately after frying, the Taiwanese traditionally boil them on low heat in a soy-sauce-based broth, which allows the crispy skin to soften, and the cake to infuse with all the pungent broth flavors. If it is served as a crispy treat, it is usually skewered and enjoyed as a snack on the go. Fried and boiled versions are usually offered in traditional Taiwanese eateries alongside other deep-fried treats such as fish balls or tofu. They are served in bowls and smothered with a sticky brown sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, miso, and sugar. Traditionally, the sauce leftovers are later mixed with the broth in which the cakes were boiled in order to create a flavorful soup eaten at the end of a meal. Both tian bu la varieties are staples of Taiwanese night markets and one of the favorite Taiwanese street food items.Expand

Braised congo eel is a Taiwanese specialty that features pieces of congo eel, also spelled conger eel. The dish is typically made by frying the fish before braising it, then serving it hot in the braising liquid. This fish delicacy is usually accompanied by noodles and some freshly chopped coriander on top. It is a common street food item at numerous night markets in the country.Expand