By NABILA AZLAN

If not for the Salam Taiwan Co-Creation Tour, I probably would not think about setting foot in the country. The root cause of this is mostly general indifference (“What’s there in Taiwan that I could not get anywhere else?”) but also the itch of passing through hurdles in successfully locating halal food in a foreign city (“Can I survive hunger without having to cook?”). These said, the Salam Taiwan Tour is perfect for me in finding out what the country has to offer, as well as pick your brain (that’s you, reader!) on what’s interesting and worth the travel, especially if you’re a Muslim traveller.

Throughout the course of the tour, it was brought to my attention that the total land area of Taiwan (36,197 km squared) is not far-off from the state of Pahang (36,137 km squared). However, in comparison, Malaysia’s population is currently over 34 million – while Taiwan’s is about 24 million! Major religions in Taiwan include Buddhism and Taoism which holds the biggest constituent, followed by Atheism, Christianity etc. Unlike Malaysia which comprises over 60 percent of Muslims over our total population, Muslims in Taiwan constitute less than one percent of the total population (about 300,000 Muslims including migrant workers in 2024), with most native Muslims descendants of the Hui ethnic group from Mainland China. The earliest notable spread of Islam is in the 17^th century (1600s).

The self-governed country today offers an interesting blend of tradition and modernity, seamlessly presenting art and culture in all facets of life. Taiwan is very welcoming of Muslims, which you can see from the growing list of halal certifications registered across 336 eateries, hotels and public venues.

Major airports and rest stops have prayer rooms available and while its restrooms are clean no matter where you go, a growing list of locations offer Muslim-friendly ones (with either auto or handheld bidets, of course). Taiwan has also ranked third in the Global Muslim Travel Index report in 2023 among non-OIC destinations!

For your reading pleasure, I have divided this definitive Taiwan guide into three parts: cultural stops, food as well as accommodation.

Question 1: “What’s there for a Muslim traveller to do in Taiwan?”

Short answer: There’s something for everyone – whether you are a sightseer looking towards what the city has to offer, creative practitioner gathering inspiration, a shopper or café-hopper, Taiwan should be able to delight you! These recommendations are great entry-level stops for those wanting to delve into local culture without any hassle (ps. Nature lovers and outdoorsy travellers, I have a special article containing a list of serene spots in Taiwan you would enjoy!).

The Taipei Grand Mosque

The first-ever mosque to be built in Taiwan, I honestly feel that this historical house of worship is a must-stop if you are curious about Islam in the country. The Taipei Grand Mosque is one of the 11 mosques having built in Taiwan. Laden with male and female Muslims of the faith, local and migrated from their home countries (like India and Indonesia), I have had the opportunity to experience a Friday prayer here, with the sermon (khutbah) carried out in both English and Mandarin.

Lukang Old Street

This is where you are able to be transported to a time from 300 years ago! This historical corridor at the core of Changhua city mixing commercial and residential (reminiscent of Malaysia’s own Jonker Street in Melaka) still stands tall with street houses and ancient buildings. Its residential economy revolves around traditional factories and industries as well as fresh fruit farming. As the country’s first designated heritage preservation area, Lukang Old Street is bustling with trishaws, classic and modern souvenir sellers, shops lined up with traditional gear (to rent and stroll in, if you’re up for it!) and more. ‘Listen’ to its red bricks tell a tale of the yesteryears – where Instagrammable alleyways once used to hide precious secrets.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Set in the heart of Taipei, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is accessible via MRT (the Bannan or Blue line – click here for ways to get here). This creative hub, which is once a tobacco factory complex is easily a must-visit for lovers of craft, visual and performing arts. It houses a coffee shop, artisanal lifestyle store, curated bookstore, experiential DIY centre centred upon upcycling and more.

Miyahara

Yet another wonderfully repurposed building, Miyahara is Taichung’s largest eye clinic by Japanese ophthalmologist Dr Miyahara Takekuma in 1927. What was once a dilapidated structure following the 921 earthquake in the city was brought back by the passionate connoiseurs at Dawncake, a well-known pastry brand dedicated to breathe a second chance into the building with delicate sweets. It took a year and a half to transform this tourist attraction into what seems to come out from the Harry Potter universe – an unnoticeable landmark that gets better once you step inside, Miyahara offers artisanal ice cream and cakes to savour as an extension of the unique visual presentation.

“Is it easy to find tasty halal food in Taiwan?”

Short answer: While tastiness is incredibly subjective, I have enjoyed my meals over in Taiwan – even longed for some of them as soon as my feet reaches Malaysia! Halal-certified restaurants* (noted here with asterisks) have attained certification from local Islamic authorities, while Muslim-friendly eateries serve food devoid of pork, alcohol and the likes. Aside from what I have listed here, you are welcome to check out more halal or Muslim-friendly options through this link.

*Halal Ende Yuan Dumpling House, Taichung

This two-storey eatery is full house for a reason – its warm dumplings and sizzling hot pots promising tender meat chunks and balls are bestsellers for a very good reason. A rainy-day staple, the dishes here exemplify the soft, chewy and delicate textures the country has to offer.

*Halal Chinese Beef Noodles in Da’an, Taipei

Nestled in a cosy street, I would have no qualms travelling back to Taiwan simply to return to this Halal Chinese Beef Noodles in the Da’an district. A small eatery bursting of quality in each ingredient, trust it to be included as MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand for both service and flavour.

*Moiz Ali, Keelung

A little disclaimer: upon my first (and only) time in Taiwan, I have only had the chance to enjoy some Moiz Ali briyani rice with chicken as a takeaway meal. The deliciously cooked rice and tender chicken deserves to be eaten on the spot (dine-in) but judging from the takeaway quality of non-compromised briyani, I vouch for the spicy (without being peppery hot) eat anytime.

Chensveg Café Kitchen

Who says a vegetarian restaurant can’t offer tasty, soul-filling food? Chensveg boasts full meal sets of noodle and rice, as well as delicious pizza and soups enough to make a person (sometimes two) full without craving for chicken or beef. The restaurant, built around an intimate garden complete with a koi pond offers delicious hot pots and meal sets for the whole family to share and enjoy.

“How does a Muslim-friendly hotel differ from other hotels?”

Short answer: Upon request, you will be able to see the holy book (Al-Quran) placed carefully in your hotel room, along with a prayer mat (sajadah) and prayer time schedule. Halal or Muslim-friendly stays would also have a Qiblah indicator installed and offer halal meal options so you would not have to go far for a good, warm meal!

I have had the opportunity to stay at these three hospitable accommodations throughout my time in Taiwan. A special shout out to them for hosting BASKL!

Century Hotel Taoyuan: A cosy retreat not to be underestimated

Evergreen Laurel Hotel: A classic home away from home

AMBA Taipei Ximending: Quirky charm in the heart of Taipei

A special thanks to Hexa-Comms for the thorough tour in Taiwan!

This content is co-produced by BASKL (a product of MyCreative Ventures) and Taiwan Tourism Bureau as part of Salam Taiwan 2024, a special co-creation tour of the destination’s historical, panoramic and cultural marvels curated for Muslim travellers.

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