If you’re planning a trip to Japan, why not add Taipei to your itinerary?
Taipei is one of the easiest cities to combine with Japan, thanks to its short flights and convenient transportation. I recommend staying 2 nights if possible, but even a 10-hour layover is enough to explore some of the city’s highlights.
After visiting Taipei as a Muslim traveler, here are five things I wish I had known before I arrived.
👉Join our 7N8D Japan Golden Route Package Tour
👉Check how we ensure Muslim-friendly Tour in Japan
1. Muslim-Friendly Food Is Growing, but Choices Are Still Limited
Finding halal or Muslim-friendly food is much easier than I expected.
That said, most options are still Taiwanese beef noodle soup or Middle Eastern, Indonesian, Burmese and Pakistani cuisine. If you’re hoping to try many traditional Taiwanese dishes in halal versions, you’ll find fewer choices.
The good news? Food is generally more affordable than in Japan, where Muslim-friendly menus often come at a premium.
2. Plan Your Prayer Times Ahead
One thing that surprised me was the limited number of prayer rooms.
Taipei is more spread out than it looks on a map, so don’t expect to find a prayer room wherever you go. Planning your day around your hotel, a mosque, or a Muslim-friendly restaurant will make your trip much more comfortable.
3. Vegetarian Doesn’t Always Mean Halal
Taiwan has a strong Buddhist influence, so vegetarian food is everywhere.
However, many vegetarian dishes still contain cooking wine or other alcohol-based ingredients. If you avoid alcohol completely, it’s safer to choose halal-certified or Muslim-friendly restaurants instead of assuming vegetarian food is suitable.
4. Yes, You Can Enjoy the Night Markets
Taipei’s night markets are a must-visit.
Halal options are still limited, but you can enjoy fresh fruit and some vegetarian or pescatarian snacks after checking the ingredients. The biggest challenge is that many vendors speak only Chinese, so a translation app can be incredibly helpful.
5. There Are Halal-Friendly Souvenirs Too
Don’t leave Taipei without picking up some local treats.
One of my favorite stops was Taipei 101, where SunnyHills offers beautifully packaged pineapple cakes that are suitable for many Muslim travelers.
If you’re visiting the Ximending area, I also recommend Cherry Grandfather for traditional Taiwanese snacks and Vigor Kobo, where you’ll find a selection of halal-certified souvenirs that make excellent gifts.
Final Thoughts
Taipei may not be as Muslim-friendly as Kuala Lumpur, but it’s becoming easier to travel here every year.
With a little planning, you’ll find delicious food, welcoming people, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you have two days or just a long layover, Taipei is a fantastic destination to combine with your trip to Japan.
👉Join our 7N8D Japan Golden Route Package Tour
👉Check how we ensure Muslim-friendly Tour in Japan