素Vegetarian

Vegetarian eating (素食) is a common, well-established part of daily life in Taiwan, shaped largely by Buddhist practice, and most towns have dedicated vegetarian restaurants, buffets and breakfast shops. Look for 素 or 蔬食 on signs; traditional Buddhist cooking leaves out not only meat and fish but also the 'five pungent vegetables' such as garlic and scallion, so ask which kind a shop serves. Many everyday snacks, including tofu, scallion pancakes, sweet potato balls and douhua, are vegetarian or can be, but broths and fillings sometimes hide pork or lard, so check before you order.