Seasonal Foods
Taiwan’s subtropical climate produces year-round agricultural bounty, but seasonal variations remain important for certain celebrated ingredients.
Spring (March-May)
Spring brings highly anticipated fruits like loquats. Green bamboo shoots appear fresh in markets, featuring in soups and stir-fries. This season suits visiting for its moderate temperatures and the emergence of spring vegetables after winter.
Sakura shrimp season in Donggang (Pingtung) peaks during spring, making this the ideal time for fresh sakura shrimp dishes if you visit southern Taiwan.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is mango season, and Taiwan’s mangoes deserve their reputation. Different varieties peak at different times, but June through August provides optimal mango eating. Mango shaved ice becomes ubiquitous and essential: simple preparation showcasing exceptional fruit.
Lychees, longans, and dragon fruit also peak during summer. The intense heat makes cooling foods popular: shaved ice in countless variations, cooling herbal teas, and fresh fruit drinks.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn brings pomelos (particularly around Mid-Autumn Festival in September), persimmons, and the beginning of citrus season. This period provides the most comfortable weather for extensive food exploration: warm but not oppressively hot, with lower humidity than summer.
Moon cakes appear everywhere preceding Mid-Autumn Festival. These filled pastries range from traditional (lotus seed paste, red bean) to innovative (chocolate, ice cream, modern flavours). Quality varies enormously; purchasing from established bakeries ensures better products than supermarket mass-produced versions.
Winter (December-February)
Winter brings hot pot season. Whilst hot pot exists year-round, Taiwanese people particularly crave it during cooler months. Citrus fruits peak, including Taiwan’s exceptional tangerines. Strawberries from central Taiwan arrive in markets, featuring in desserts and hand-shaken drinks.
Winter also suits medicinal soups and stews. Sesame oil chicken soup, ginger duck hot pot, and mutton hot pot warm winter meals. Traditional Chinese medicine concepts about eating warming foods during cold weather influence menus and home cooking.
Year-Round Staples
Despite seasonal variations, Taiwan’s tropical location means many ingredients remain available constantly. Rice, pork, chicken, common vegetables, and seafood don’t follow seasonal restrictions as dramatically as in temperate climates. You can eat well any time you visit; seasonal awareness simply optimises certain experiences.