Are you a health-conscious traveler exploring Taipei, aiming to maintain your clean eating habits while enjoying the city’s culinary scene? Or a local resident searching for new healthy eateries to enhance your lifestyle? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to discovering the best healthy eateries in Taipei. From vegan options to gluten-free, organic ingredients and more, get ready to explore and indulge guilt-free without compromising on taste or nutrition. Follow this guide that will take you through some of the best spots in town dedicated solely to nutritious goodness!
What is a Healthy Eatery?
Taipei’s burgeoning foodie culture has created a multitude of healthy eateries, perfect for those looking to eat clean and enjoy tasty, nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
Local breakfast spots like The Bustle and Better Breakfast serve savory and sweet options alike, providing everything from hearty omelets to smoothie bowls. For lunch, look for quick service restaurants that offer healthful vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as macrobiotic options. For dinner, head to more upscale establishments that focus on fresh organic ingredients and whole foods cooking methods. And don’t forget dessert! yoga retreats in taipei often feature vegan-friendly bliss balls or fruit cups made with coconut whipped cream or almond ice cream.
Below are five of Taipei’s best healthy eateries:
Better Breakfast
This popular breakfast spot has a wide variety of both savory and sweet options, making it ideal for all dietary preferences. From avocado toast to spinach and black bean burgers, there’s something for everyone at this popular spot.
The Bustle
This quickly-service restaurant specializes in macrobiotic cuisine and offers an amazing variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes as well as gluten free options. Try the sweet potato curry or lentil shepherd’s pie for a hearty meal fit for any day of the week!
Types of Healthy Eateries
There are many types of healthy eateries in Taipei, each with its own unique cuisine and atmosphere. Here is a guide to some of the most popular types of healthy eateries in Taipei:
Vegetarian Restaurants:
If you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant that offers something truly different from the rest, try a vegetarian restaurant! These restaurants offer an array of vegan and vegetarian dishes that can generally be described as healthy, including dishes made with fresh vegetables and fruits. Some vegetarian restaurants even have dedicated gluten-free menus, if that’s your dietary preference.
Fast Casual Healthy Eateries:
Fast casual restaurants are perfect for on-the-go dining, and they offer quick and easy options that are high in antioxidants and fiber. Some fast casual healthy eateries even offer meal plans that include pre-packaged meals designed specifically for people who want to eat healthier without having to make any special decisions about their diet.
And then there are “ultra healthy” fast casuals like Veggie Grill, which focus on plant-based proteins instead of animal proteins. Ultra healthy fast casuals tend to be more expensive than other fast casuals, but they’re definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something more nutritious than the average fast food meal.
Why Eat at a Healthy Eatery?
Finding healthy eateries in Taipei can be a daunting task, but with some creative exploration, you can uncover some amazing restaurants that serve up fresh and delicious food.
One of the best places to start your search for healthy eateries is by sorting through the city’s many cafes and restaurants according to the health rating system developed by medical journal “The Lancet.” This rating system categorizes restaurants as “healthy,” “moderate,” or “unhealthy” based on their nutritional content, hydration levels, and potential exposure to environmental toxins.
When looking for a healthy eating establishment, it is important to keep in mind that not all restaurants labeled as such are made equal. For example, whilst most moderate-rated establishments offer balanced meals that include lean protein and complex carbohydrates, some unhealthier restaurants may serve overly-processed foods that pack a heavy calorie punch. Although it might not be possible to avoid all unhealthy foods when dining out, selecting establishments that score highly on the ‘Lancet’ rating system will help you make healthier choices overall.
If you’re looking for a specific type of meal that isn’t available at any of the city’s healthy eateries (such as Indian food), there are plenty of venues across Taipei offering international cuisine. If cooking at home isn’t your thing, Virtuous Foods – Taiwan’s first organic grocery store – has an abundance of prepared meals and snacks that are perfect for consuming on-the-go.
How to Order at a Healthy Eatery
When it comes to eating clean, Taipei has some of the best options in the country. Here are six healthy eateries you should explore if you’re looking for some clean eats in Taipei.
1) Healthy Eatery – located on Xinyi Rd near the Taipei Zoo, this restaurant serves up delicious and healthy meals that will help you stick to your diet. You can order a buffet or go à la carte, and there are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from.
2) Green Bean – This cafe is another great option for those looking for health-conscious food. They offer a wide variety of plant-based items as well as dairy-free milkshakes and frozen yogurt. There’s even a dedicated gluten-free section!
3) Zen Taste – This cozy little cafe is perfect if you’re looking for organic and locally sourced ingredients. They have a wide selection of juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches and pastries all made with wholesome ingredients. Plus, their atmosphere is incredibly reviving – Definitely check it out if you’re in the mood for some fresh eats!
4) Kam Cheng Organic Coffee Shop – If you’re after caffeine instead of healthy eats, head over to Kam Cheng Organic Coffee Shop! This quaint little coffee shop offers everything from espresso drinks to afternoon tea with Lindt chocolates (yes – they really do have Lindt chocolates!).
Eating Out: Tips for Safe and Delicious Dinners
For those new to Taipei and looking to eat healthier meals, there are a number of delicious eateries that offer plenty of options without resorting to unhealthy snacks and heavy meals. Here are some tips for safely enjoying your meal out:
1. Research the establishment you’re visiting before heading out. Make sure they’re registered with the government as a food business, and examine their health certification if possible. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and choose an unassuming restaurant instead.
2. Opt for healthy starters or side dishes when ordering main courses. Avoid fatty meats, greasy sauces, sweets, salty foods and processed foods – all common triggers for weight gain and other health problems.
3. Opt for vegetarian or vegan meals when possible – both of which are considered healthy dietary choices by many experts. Vegans can enjoy tofu, seitan (wheat gluten), legumes or grains as substitutes for meat products, while vegetarians can enjoy a wide variety of plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh or falafel.
4. Drink lots of water before dining out – especially if you’re drinking alcohol or using sugary drinks like sodas or juice boxes as part of your meal plan. Hydration is key to good digestion and preventing unwanted weight gain later on!
Conclusion
Taipei is a city that offers an abundance of delicious and healthy eateries, so it can be easy to get wrapped up in the array of food options on offer. However, it’s important to remember that when eating out, it’s always best to stick to clean foods – this means avoiding processed foods and choosing instead fresh produce and whole grain products. If you’re new to the concept of eating clean (or if you ever find yourself struggling with temptation), our guide will teach you everything you need to know about finding healthy eateries in Taipei.