Taiwan is increasingly becoming a popular destination for Muslim travelers, offering a wide range of Muslim-friendly services and facilities. With a focus on accommodating the needs of Muslim tourists, Taiwan has made significant progress in providing halal food options, prayer spaces, and comfortable accommodations. Whether you’re visiting bustling Taipei or exploring Taiwan’s scenic spots, here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Halal-Certified Restaurants and Muslim-Friendly Eateries
One of the main concerns for Muslim travelers is finding halal food. In Taiwan, there are several halal-certified restaurants, particularly in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. The Chinese Muslim Association in Taiwan provides halal certification for eateries, ensuring they meet the required standards.
Top Halal Restaurants
Chang’s Beef Noodles (Taipei)
張家清真黃牛肉麵館
A famous halal-certified restaurant serving traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Taipei.
Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine (Taipei)
番紅花印度美饌
Offering a range of authentic Indian dishes, Saffron is a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking halal meals.
Halal Chinese Beef House (Taichung)
清真恩德元餃子館
Known for its delicious beef dishes, including beef dumplings and noodles, this restaurant caters to Muslim dietary requirements.
Ali Baba’s Indian Kitchen (Taipei)
阿里巴巴的廚房
Serving up a wide variety of Indian and Pakistani dishes, this restaurant is a go-to spot for flavorful halal food in southern Taiwan.
Additionally, many convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart now stock halal-certified snacks and instant meals, making it easier for Muslim travelers to find food on the go.
Mosques in Taiwan
Taiwan is home to several mosques, the largest of which is the Taipei Grand Mosque, located in the capital city. These mosques provide not only a place of worship but also serve as cultural hubs for the local Muslim community and tourists.
Taipei Grand Mosque
The oldest and largest mosque in Taiwan, built in 1960. It offers daily prayers, Friday sermons, and is a key place for Muslim travelers in Taipei.
Taipei Cultural Mosque
Located in the city center, this mosque is another significant Islamic center in the capital.
Taichung Mosque
Serving the central part of Taiwan, this mosque provides a peaceful space for prayers and gatherings.
Kaohsiung Mosque
Located in the southern city of Kaohsiung, this mosque is one of the most active Muslim centers in Taiwan, offering services and prayers for the local community and travelers.
Prayer Rooms in Public Places
Taiwan has made efforts to accommodate Muslim travelers by providing prayer rooms in various locations, including airports, malls, and popular tourist attractions.
Taoyuan International Airport
There are dedicated prayer rooms for Muslims in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These rooms are equipped with prayer mats and washing facilities.
Taipei Main Station
This central hub for transportation has a small prayer room, located within the station complex, for travelers in need of a place to pray.
National Palace Museum (Taipei)
One of Taiwan’s most visited attractions, the museum provides a prayer room for Muslim tourists.
Taipei 101
The iconic skyscraper offers a prayer room for Muslim visitors, ensuring convenience while exploring this famous landmark.
Muslim-Friendly Hotels
Several hotels in Taiwan are recognized as Muslim-friendly, offering halal food options, prayer facilities, and understanding of Muslim guests’ needs. Some hotels provide prayer mats and compasses for Qibla direction upon request.
Cosmos Hotel (Taipei)
Located near Taipei Main Station, this hotel offers halal-certified meals and is close to prayer facilities.
Grand Hyatt (Taipei)
This luxury hotel provides Muslim-friendly services, including halal food options upon request.
Humble House (Taipei)
A Muslim-friendly hotel located in the Xinyi District, near Taipei 101, with halal meal options and a welcoming atmosphere for Muslim travelers.
Silks Place (Taroko)
Situated in the stunning Taroko National Park, this hotel accommodates Muslim guests with halal-friendly food options and serene surroundings for a peaceful stay.
Muslim-Friendly Attractions
Taiwan offers a variety of Muslim-friendly attractions that cater to all types of travelers, from nature enthusiasts to cultural explorers.
Sun Moon Lake
A picturesque lake located in central Taiwan, known for its stunning scenery. The area has several halal-friendly restaurants and accommodations. See details: Unwind and Explore: A Sun Moon Lake Adventure
Alishan
A beautiful mountain area famous for its sunrise views and lush forests. Some accommodations near Alishan cater to Muslim travelers with halal meals and prayer spaces.
Taroko Gorge
A natural wonder located in eastern Taiwan, offering breathtaking views of marble cliffs and deep gorges. Halal food options can be found in nearby Hualien city.
Jiufen and Shifen
Two popular destinations near Taipei, known for their charming old streets and lanterns. While halal food options may be limited, you can find vegetarian dishes and seafood at local eateries. See details: Explore Jiufen Like a Local: Must-See Spots, Delicious Food, and Essential Travel Tips
Ximending (Taipei)
Known as the “Harajuku of Taipei,” Ximending is a bustling shopping district with halal-certified food stalls and restaurants, making it easy for Muslim travelers to enjoy local street food.
Travel Tips for Muslim Travelers
Language
While Mandarin is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Some halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly places provide menus and services in English.
Weather
Taiwan experiences different weather patterns depending on the season. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, while winters (December to February) are mild with occasional rain. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially if visiting mountainous regions.
Transportation
Taiwan has a highly efficient public transportation system. With the EasyCard, you can travel easily by MRT, bus, and train. Prayer rooms are available in some major transit hubs.
Cultural Etiquette
Taiwanese people are generally respectful and understanding of different cultures. When visiting religious or sacred sites, such as temples, it’s important to dress modestly, even if they are not Islamic sites.
With increasing efforts to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, Taiwan is a welcoming and accessible destination for Muslims from around the world. Whether you’re here for the food, culture, or natural beauty, this Muslim-friendly guide will ensure that your trip to Taiwan is smooth and enjoyable.
Recommended Muslim-Friendly Tours
Tripadvisor: Half-Day Muslim Friendly Tour in Taipei City
Klook: Muslim Friendly 5-Day in Splendid Twin Cities in Northern Taiwan