How to Find Taiwanese Food in Long Beach

Taiwanese cuisine is one of the most vibrant, flavorful, and underappreciated culinary traditions in the United States. While Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food have long dominated the Asian dining landscape in cities like Long Beach, Taiwanese food has quietly built a devoted following—especially in neighborhoods with strong immigrant communities. For food lovers, tourists, and locals alike, discovering authentic Taiwanese food in Long Beach is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural journey through steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, crispy scallion pancakes, and sweet taro balls served in fragrant ginger syrup.

Yet, finding the best Taiwanese restaurants in Long Beach can be challenging. Unlike more mainstream cuisines, Taiwanese eateries often fly under the radar. They may lack glossy websites, Instagrammable interiors, or international marketing. Many operate out of unassuming storefronts, family-run kitchens, or food halls where the menu is written entirely in Chinese. This guide is designed to help you navigate that complexity—whether you’re a first-time visitor to Long Beach or a longtime resident looking to deepen your culinary exploration.

This tutorial will walk you through every step of finding genuine Taiwanese food in Long Beach, from identifying authentic spots to understanding regional specialties, using digital tools, and connecting with local communities. You’ll learn best practices, discover essential resources, and see real-world examples of where to eat, what to order, and how to avoid tourist traps disguised as “Asian fusion.” By the end, you won’t just know where to find Taiwanese food—you’ll know how to recognize its soul.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Taiwanese Food Actually Is

Before you start searching, it’s critical to distinguish Taiwanese cuisine from other East Asian cuisines. While it shares some similarities with Chinese food—especially Fujianese and Hakka traditions—Taiwanese food has its own distinct identity shaped by indigenous cultures, Japanese colonial influence (1895–1945), and post-war migration from mainland China.

Key characteristics of authentic Taiwanese food include:

• Use of fermented ingredients like soybean paste, black garlic, and pickled vegetables
• Emphasis on hearty, warming broths—especially beef noodle soup
• Street food culture: night markets with skewers, grilled meats, and starchy snacks
• Sweet and savory combinations: think pork belly with preserved mustard greens or taro dessert in syrup
• Minimal use of spice compared to Thai or Sichuan food; flavor comes from depth, not heat

Knowing these traits helps you identify true Taiwanese restaurants. If a place serves General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork, or fortune cookies, it’s likely a generic Chinese-American establishment—not Taiwanese.

Step 2: Focus on Long Beach’s Taiwanese-Dense Neighborhoods

Long Beach is a city of diverse cultural enclaves. While you may find scattered Taiwanese restaurants across the city, the highest concentration is in two key areas:

1. East Long Beach — particularly around the 7th Street corridor and the intersection of 7th and Palo Verde. This area has long been home to Taiwanese and Chinese immigrants, with many family-run businesses operating for decades.
2. Belmont Shore and Downtown — while more touristy, this zone has seen a rise in modern Taiwanese cafes and boba shops that incorporate traditional flavors into contemporary formats.

Start your search in East Long Beach. Look for signs in Traditional Chinese characters (not simplified Mandarin), family photos on the walls, and handwritten menus. These are strong indicators of authenticity.

Step 3: Use Localized Search Strategies

Generic Google searches like “Taiwanese food near me” often return generic Chinese restaurants or even Korean spots. To refine your results:

• Use specific keywords: “Taiwanese beef noodle soup Long Beach,” “Taiwanese night market food,” “Taiwanese boba shop Long Beach,” or “Taiwanese dumplings near me.”
• Search in Chinese: “台灣食物 長灘” or “台灣小吃 長灘” — you’ll find results from Taiwanese-owned blogs, forums, and community groups that aren’t visible in English searches.
• Use Google Maps filters: Select “Restaurants,” then sort by “Highest Rated” and read recent reviews. Look for reviews mentioning “authentic,” “homemade,” or “from Taiwan.”

Also, check out niche platforms like Yelp and OpenTable—but don’t rely on star ratings alone. Look for detailed reviews that mention specific dishes like “oyster omelet,” “stinky tofu,” or “bubble tea with tapioca pearls made fresh daily.”

Step 4: Look for Night Market-Style Vendors and Food Halls

Taiwanese food thrives in informal, bustling environments. In Long Beach, the closest thing to a traditional night market is the Long Beach Night Market (seasonal, usually held on weekends from spring to fall). This event brings together vendors from across Southern California, including several from Taiwan or Taiwanese-American families.

Even outside of the official night market, some restaurants replicate the night market experience with open kitchens, communal seating, and a rotating menu of daily specials. Look for places that:

• Offer a “Daily Specials” board in Chinese
• Have a counter where you order first, then sit and wait for your food to be brought out
• Sell items like grilled squid, scallion pancakes, or shaved ice with red beans

One such spot is Little Taiwan Kitchen on 7th Street—a tiny eatery with no website, but a loyal following for its handmade dumplings and house-brewed herbal tea.

Step 5: Ask the Community

One of the most reliable ways to find authentic Taiwanese food is to ask people who live it. Visit local Taiwanese grocery stores like Asia Market or 88 Supermarket in East Long Beach. These stores often have bulletin boards with flyers for food events, pop-ups, or family kitchens offering home-cooked meals.

Strike up a conversation with the staff. Ask: “Do you know any good places for beef noodle soup or stinky tofu?” Many will point you to a cousin’s restaurant, a hidden basement kitchen, or a weekend pop-up in a church parking lot.

Join local Facebook groups like “Taiwanese in Long Beach” or “Southern California Foodies.” Members regularly post photos of meals, share directions to new spots, and even organize group dinners. These communities are invaluable for discovering places that don’t advertise online.

Step 6: Visit During Peak Hours

Authentic Taiwanese restaurants often don’t open until late morning or early afternoon. Many close by 8 or 9 p.m., especially if they’re family-run and don’t have large staffs. The best time to visit is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays, or 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Why? Because that’s when locals eat. If you walk in at 11:30 a.m. on a Tuesday and the place is packed with Mandarin-speaking patrons, you’ve found the real deal. If it’s empty, it might be a tourist trap.

Step 7: Learn What to Order

To ensure you’re eating authentic Taiwanese food, you need to know what to order. Here’s a starter list of must-try dishes:

• Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup — the national dish. Look for tender beef shank, chewy noodles, and a rich, dark broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and soy.
• Scallion Pancake (Cong You Bing) — flaky, layered, and greasy in the best way. Often served with soy-vinegar dip.
• Oyster Omelet (O-a-koe) — a crispy batter loaded with fresh oysters, cilantro, and sweet potato starch. Served with a tangy red sauce.
• Stinky Tofu — fermented tofu with a pungent aroma and creamy interior. Deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage.
• Shaved Ice (Bao Bing) — crushed ice topped with sweetened fruits, red beans, taro, and condensed milk. A refreshing dessert.
• Bubble Tea (Zhen Zhu Nai Cha) — not just a drink, but a cultural staple. Look for shops that make their own tapioca pearls and use real milk, not powdered creamer.

Don’t be afraid to point at what others are eating. Many Taiwanese restaurants don’t have English menus. Pointing, smiling, and saying “this one, please” is perfectly acceptable—and often appreciated.

Step 8: Trust Your Senses

Authentic Taiwanese food has a distinct sensory signature:

• Smell: The aroma of soy sauce, fermented black beans, and toasted sesame oil should be rich and earthy—not greasy or artificial.
• Texture: Noodles should be chewy, not mushy. Dumpling wrappers should be thin but resilient. Oyster omelets should have a slight crunch on the outside.
• Taste: Balance is key. Sweet, salty, sour, and umami should coexist. If a dish is overwhelmingly salty or sweet, it’s likely adapted for Western palates.

If something tastes “off” or overly processed, keep looking. Real Taiwanese food is made with care, not shortcuts.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Longevity Over Popularity

A restaurant that’s been open for 15+ years is far more likely to serve authentic food than one that opened last year with a trendy name and Instagram filters. Look for places with faded signage, handwritten chalkboards, and mismatched chairs. These aren’t signs of neglect—they’re signs of tradition.

Practice 2: Avoid “Fusion” Labels

Be wary of restaurants advertising “Taiwanese Fusion,” “Asian Tapas,” or “Modern Taiwanese.” While innovation is welcome, true Taiwanese cuisine is rooted in tradition. Fusion spots often dilute flavors to appeal to broader audiences. Stick to places that simply say “Taiwanese Food” or “Taiwanese Home Cooking.”

Practice 3: Visit During Off-Peak Seasons

Many Taiwanese restaurants in Long Beach slow down in summer or winter. That’s not because they’re closed—it’s because the owners return to Taiwan to visit family. If you visit during these times and find a place unusually quiet, don’t assume it’s bad. Ask if they’re still serving their usual dishes. Often, they are—just with fewer staff.

Practice 4: Bring a Taiwanese Friend or Translator

If you have a friend who speaks Mandarin or Taiwanese Hokkien, bring them along. They can help you decode menus, ask about ingredients, and even request customizations like “less salt” or “extra garlic.” This not only improves your experience but also shows respect to the restaurant owners.

Practice 5: Tip Respectfully

Taiwanese restaurants in Long Beach often operate on tight margins. Tipping is not culturally required, but leaving a small gratuity (10–15%) is appreciated, especially if the staff went out of their way to help you understand the menu. A kind word in Mandarin—“謝謝” (xièxiè)—goes a long way.

Practice 6: Document Your Experience

Take photos (discreetly), note the address, and write down what you ate. Share your findings with local food groups or on social media using hashtags like

LongBeachTaiwanese or #TaiwaneseFoodLA. Your discovery might help someone else find their next favorite meal.

Practice 7: Be Patient and Curious

Finding authentic Taiwanese food isn’t about speed. It’s about patience. You might visit three places before finding the one that feels right. That’s okay. Each visit teaches you something—about flavors, about culture, about yourself.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Google Maps + Local Search Filters

Use Google Maps with the following filters:

• Search term: “Taiwanese restaurant Long Beach”
• Sort by: “Highest Rated” and “Most Reviewed”
• Check “Open Now” and “Takeout Available” if you’re on the go
• Look for photos uploaded by users—real food photos are more reliable than professional shots

Pay attention to the “Questions & Answers” section. People often ask: “Is this authentic?” or “Do they serve stinky tofu?” These answers can be goldmines.

Tool 2: Yelp Advanced Filters

On Yelp, use the “Dietary Restrictions” and “Ambience” filters to narrow results. Look for places tagged with:

• Ambience: “Casual,” “Family-Friendly,” “Local Favorite”
• Good for: “Lunch,” “Dinner,” “Takeout,” “Group Dining”
• Specialties: “Noodle Soup,” “Dumplings,” “Street Food”

Read reviews from users who mention “grew up in Taiwan” or “visited Taipei last year.” Their insights are invaluable.

Tool 3: Chinese-Language Platforms

Many Taiwanese expats use platforms like:

• PTT — Taiwan’s largest online forum. Search for “長灘 食記” (Long Beach food diary) to find personal reviews.
• Facebook Groups — “Taiwanese Food Lovers Worldwide” and “Taiwanese in Southern California” are active communities.
• Line — Taiwan’s dominant messaging app. Some restaurants have Line accounts for reservations and daily menus.

If you don’t read Chinese, ask a local student or community center for help translating these posts.

Tool 4: Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

Several independent bloggers and podcasters focus on Asian food in Southern California:

• “Taste of Taiwan” by Emily Chen — a Long Beach-based food writer who regularly features hidden Taiwanese gems.
• “The Dumpling Diaries” podcast — features interviews with Taiwanese chefs and home cooks from LA and Orange County.
• “Eater LA” — occasionally covers Taiwanese spots, especially when new openings occur.

Subscribe to these for curated updates. They often break news before mainstream media.

Tool 5: Grocery Stores as Gateways

Taiwanese grocery stores are more than places to buy soy sauce—they’re cultural hubs. Visit:

• 88 Supermarket — 4000 E 7th St, Long Beach. Offers fresh tofu, dried mushrooms, and homemade pickles.
• Asia Market — 4810 E 7th St, Long Beach. Has a small eatery in the back serving breakfast rice bowls and soup.
• Chung’s Market — 4910 E 7th St, Long Beach. Known for its fresh boba ingredients and homemade taro balls.

Ask the owners for recommendations. Many run home kitchens on weekends and will give you a number to call.

Tool 6: Event Calendars

Check the following for pop-ups and food festivals:

• Long Beach Tourism Calendar — lists seasonal events like the Long Beach Night Market.
• Taiwanese American Foundation of Southern California — hosts cultural dinners and cooking classes.
• Cal State Long Beach Asian American Studies Department — occasionally organizes food walks and community tastings.

Attending these events is one of the best ways to sample multiple authentic dishes in one day.

Real Examples

Example 1: Little Taiwan Kitchen — 4615 E 7th St

Hidden in a strip mall near the intersection of 7th and Palo Verde, Little Taiwan Kitchen has no website, no social media, and no English menu. But it has been serving the same beef noodle soup since 1998.

The owner, Mrs. Lin, emigrated from Taipei in 1987. Her soup is made with 12-hour-braised beef shank, homemade noodles, and a broth that includes dried shiitake, goji berries, and star anise. Locals line up before noon.

Must-order: Beef Noodle Soup (medium bowl), Scallion Pancake, Pickled Mustard Greens with Pork Belly.

Example 2: Tapioca House — 1750 E 7th St

A modern boba shop with clean interiors and a full menu in English. But don’t be fooled—it’s owned by a Taiwanese family who import their tapioca pearls directly from Taichung.

They make their own red bean paste, use real milk (not creamer), and offer seasonal drinks like “Lychee Oolong with Taro Balls.”

Must-order: Original Milk Tea with Tapioca, Winter Melon Tea, Taro Bubble Ice Cream.

Example 3: The Night Market Pop-Up — Monthly at Belmont Shore Pier

Every third Saturday, a group of Taiwanese vendors set up stalls near the Long Beach Pier. This is the closest thing to a night market in Southern California.

Vendors include:

• A grandmother from Taoyuan selling grilled squid with chili salt
• A couple from Kaohsiung serving fresh oyster omelets with homemade sauce
• A college student from Taipei making shaved ice with house-made red beans and almond jelly

Prices are low ($5–$10 per item), and everything is made fresh. Bring cash. Arrive early—lines form by 4 p.m.

Example 4: Grandma’s Dumplings — Home Kitchen (By Appointment Only)

Run by Mrs. Wu, who moved to Long Beach from Taichung in 2005, this is a true home kitchen. She makes 100+ dumplings every weekend—potstickers, steamed pork buns, and soup dumplings.

To book, call the number posted on the bulletin board at 88 Supermarket. She only takes 15 orders per weekend. Her pork dumplings are so popular, people drive from Santa Ana.

Must-order: Pork & Chive Dumplings (steamed), Soup Dumplings (xiao long bao), Homemade Soy Sauce.

Example 5: Dragon Bao — 4230 E 7th St

A small shop specializing in steamed buns (bao) and rice rolls. Their “Taiwanese-style BBQ pork bao” is stuffed with slow-cooked pork belly glazed in hoisin and five-spice.

They also serve “Taiwanese breakfast bowls”—rice topped with soy-braised egg, pickled mustard greens, and crispy fried shallots.

Must-order: BBQ Pork Bao, Breakfast Rice Bowl, Black Sesame Milk.

FAQs

Is there a difference between Taiwanese food and Chinese food?

Yes. While both use soy sauce and noodles, Taiwanese cuisine has unique influences from Japanese colonialism and indigenous Formosan cultures. Taiwanese food tends to be sweeter, more texturally varied, and less oily than many mainland Chinese dishes. Dishes like beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, and oyster omelet are distinctly Taiwanese.

Do I need to speak Mandarin to find good Taiwanese food in Long Beach?

No, but it helps. Many restaurants have English menus or staff who speak basic English. Pointing, smiling, and using simple phrases like “beef noodle soup” or “bubble tea” will get you far. The most important thing is to be respectful and curious.

Are Taiwanese restaurants in Long Beach expensive?

Most are very affordable. A full meal—noodles, side dish, and drink—typically costs $10–$15. High-end places may charge $20–$25, but the majority of authentic spots are family-run and priced for locals.

Can I get vegetarian Taiwanese food in Long Beach?

Yes. Many dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be adapted. Try: scallion pancakes, tofu stews, vegetable dumplings, shaved ice with red beans, and herbal teas. Ask for “no meat” or “no fish sauce.”

What’s the best time to visit for the most authentic experience?

Weekday lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) is ideal. That’s when locals eat, and the kitchen is at its most active. Avoid weekends if you want to skip the crowds—though weekend pop-ups are worth it for variety.

Are there any Taiwanese food festivals in Long Beach?

Yes. The Long Beach Night Market (seasonal) is the biggest. The Taiwanese American Foundation also hosts an annual “Taiwanese Food & Culture Day” in October, featuring cooking demos, live music, and tastings.

Can I order Taiwanese food for delivery?

Sometimes. Tapioca House and Dragon Bao offer delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats. But many of the best spots—like Little Taiwan Kitchen or Grandma’s Dumplings—do not. For those, you’ll need to visit in person or call ahead for pickup.

How do I know if a place is truly Taiwanese and not just a Chinese restaurant?

Look for dishes unique to Taiwan: beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, oyster omelet, bubble tea made with real tapioca, shaved ice with red beans and taro. If the menu is dominated by General Tso’s chicken, egg rolls, or chop suey, it’s not Taiwanese.

Conclusion

Finding authentic Taiwanese food in Long Beach isn’t about checking off a list of restaurants—it’s about embracing a culture that values warmth, patience, and flavor over spectacle. The best Taiwanese eateries here don’t advertise. They don’t need to. Their reputation is built on decades of consistent, heartfelt cooking passed from generation to generation.

As you follow this guide—using local resources, asking questions, trusting your senses, and venturing beyond the obvious—you’ll begin to see Long Beach in a new light. What once seemed like an ordinary strip mall or quiet storefront might be the place where someone’s grandmother still stirs her beef broth at 5 a.m. every day.

There’s magic in that.

So go slowly. Eat mindfully. Ask for recommendations. Try something unfamiliar. Let yourself be surprised by the scent of fermented tofu, the crunch of a scallion pancake, the sweetness of taro in chilled syrup.

Taiwanese food in Long Beach isn’t just a meal. It’s a story. And now, you’re part of it.