A Muslim Traveller’s First Trip to Taiwan: Halal Eats, Prayer Spaces & Must-See Spots

When I first decided to visit Taiwan, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Most people talk about Japan, South Korea, or Thailand — but Taiwan? It felt like an underrated gem waiting to be explored. From its scenic mountains to bustling night markets and super friendly locals, Taiwan completely surprised me.

What stood out most was how welcoming and accessible it was for Muslim travellers. Whether it was stumbling upon a halal restaurant in Taipei or finding a small prayer room tucked inside a shopping mall in Taichung, it truly felt like a destination that quietly embraces diversity.

Here’s my complete Muslim-friendly travel guide to Taiwan — with halal food, prayer spaces, and unforgettable experiences across Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Also read: Taiwan Arrival Card Goes Digital in Oct 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Muslim Visitors

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Image credit: Sunny Li | Canva Pro

Taiwan’s subtropical climate means the weather can change quickly, but that’s part of its charm. Generally, October to April is the best time to visit — cool, pleasant, and less rainy. I went in November, and it was perfect for walking around without breaking a sweat.

If you love cherry blossoms, plan your trip between February and April, when places like Yangmingshan National Park and Alishan burst into pastel blooms. On the other hand, summer (June to August) can get quite humid — though it’s also the time for vibrant festivals and night markets.

HalalZilla Tip:

Pack an umbrella regardless of when you go — Taiwan’s weather likes to surprise you! I learned that the hard way when I got caught in a drizzle outside Taipei 101.

Mosques & Prayer Spaces in Taiwan

Before my trip, I honestly didn’t realise how established Taiwan’s Muslim community was. There are over 10 mosques across the country, and several places now have dedicated prayer rooms — making it easier for Muslim travellers to explore without worry.

Taipei Grand Mosque

Located in Da’an District, the Taipei Grand Mosque is not just Taiwan’s largest but also its oldest mosque. When I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by its peaceful atmosphere — a calm contrast to the busy city streets outside. Built in 1960, it stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s openness to Muslim visitors. I performed my zuhr prayer here before heading off to explore Yongkang Street nearby.

Taichung Mosque

Smaller but full of warmth, Taichung Mosque was where I met a few friendly locals after Jumu’ah. The imam spoke fluent English and shared that the number of Muslim visitors has grown steadily in recent years. It felt amazing to be part of that small but growing connection.

Kaohsiung Mosque

Down south, the Kaohsiung Mosque is beautifully maintained and located in a quiet residential area. It’s the second oldest mosque in Taiwan and often hosts travellers and students. After my visit, I took a stroll around the nearby Love River — a peaceful way to unwind after prayers.

HalalZilla Tip:

Many major malls like Taipei Main Station and Taoyuan Airport also have small prayer rooms — just ask the information counter, and they’ll guide you politely.

Halal & Muslim-Friendly Eats

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect Taiwan to be such a halal foodie paradise. While not as widespread as in Malaysia or Singapore, the halal scene here is growing fast, especially in Taipei. Most restaurants proudly display the Taiwan Halal Certification, so you can dine with peace of mind.

In Taipei:

1. Halal Chinese Beef Noodle House (Daan District) – Their halal beef noodles were rich, savoury, and comforting after a long day of exploring. I still remember sipping the broth while watching the city lights from the window.

2. Kunming Islamic Restaurant (Zhongzheng District) – Serving authentic Yunnan-style halal dishes, this spot is run by a Hui Muslim family. The lamb skewers and stir-fried noodles? Absolutely worth it.

3. Chang Beef Noodle Shop (Ningxia Night Market) – Though not fully halal, some stalls here offer seafood and vegetarian options — perfect if you’re exploring with friends.

In Taichung:

1. Halal Taiwan Beef Noodle Restaurant – A hidden gem near Taichung Mosque, known for generous portions and flavourful soups. I chatted with the owner, who proudly mentioned he gets Muslim tourists from Malaysia almost every week.

2. Muslim House Café – Muslim-owned, serving halal Taiwanese-style rice dishes and fusion coffee. It had such a homely feel I ended up visiting twice!

In Kaohsiung:

1. Ali Baba’s Indian Kitchen – A popular choice among local Muslims and expats. The butter chicken paired with naan was perfect after a day of sightseeing.

2. Kebab Factory Kaohsiung – Modern and lively, this spot serves Mediterranean and Turkish halal platters — ideal for dinner with friends.

HalalZilla Tip:

Download the Halal Taiwan App or check the Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s halal listings before you go. They’re super useful for finding nearby certified eateries.

Top Attractions to Explore

There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Taiwan — from modern city skylines to tranquil mountains and coastal views.

Taipei 101

No trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting Taipei 101. I went just before sunset, and the panoramic city view from the observation deck was unreal. Don’t forget to explore the mall below — it has a prayer room and even a few halal-certified restaurants.

Jiufen Old Street

A short trip from Taipei, Jiufen is a charming hillside town filled with lanterns, tea houses, and nostalgic vibes. Walking through its narrow lanes felt like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie. Though halal food options are limited here, I packed snacks beforehand and enjoyed a halal-friendly tea break overlooking the mountains.

Sun Moon Lake (Nantou County)

One of Taiwan’s most scenic spots! I took a boat ride here during the late afternoon and was blown away by how serene it was. There’s also a prayer-friendly rest area near the visitor centre.

Gaomei Wetlands (Taichung)

A photographer’s dream during sunset — the sight of windmills reflecting over the water was absolutely magical. I remember standing there, grateful for how peaceful Taiwan felt despite being so full of life.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (Kaohsiung)

Even though it’s a Buddhist complex, this site is a must-visit for anyone appreciating culture and architecture. The staff are incredibly respectful towards Muslim visitors, and there’s even a halal-certified café inside.

Useful Travel Tips

Travelling around Taiwan was smoother than I expected. The MRT and HSR (High-Speed Rail) systems are efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. I bought an EasyCard at the airport, which works for trains, buses, and even convenience stores — a real lifesaver!

The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), and most places accept credit cards. English is widely understood in major cities, though learning a few phrases like “xie xie” (thank you) always earns a smile.

Muslim facilities are well integrated in public spaces — I found prayer rooms in airports, large train stations, and some malls. Taiwan is also incredibly safe, even for solo travellers. Locals often went out of their way to help whenever I looked a bit lost.

HalalZilla Tip:

Taiwanese people are shy but kind — if you’re unsure about ingredients, just ask politely. I found many stall owners willing to suggest vegetarian or seafood alternatives once they knew I couldn’t eat pork.

Also read: 13 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms During Spring Break in Taiwan

Final Thoughts

Taiwan might not be the first destination that comes to mind for Muslim travellers — but that’s exactly why it’s so special. It’s a place that surprises you in the best ways possible: welcoming locals, breathtaking nature, and a growing network of halal and prayer-friendly facilities.

As I looked out over Taipei’s glittering skyline on my last night, I realised that Taiwan had quietly captured my heart. It reminded me that being a Muslim traveller isn’t about limiting where you can go — it’s about discovering how beautifully the world opens up when you do.