Tempting Taipei

Perusing the fragrant offerings in one of Taipei’s ubiquitous vegetarian buffet-style restaurants is to experience firsthand the limitless possibilities of plant-based eating. Beyond the glistening morsels of smoky seitan duck and mounds of crispy fried mushrooms sit plate after plate piled high with crunchy battered tofu and savory stewed seaweed, bright-green pea shoots, and fluffy steamed buns filled with chewy chunks of “pork.” When you stop to consider that Taiwan is regularly voted one of the best food destinations on the planet, the bounty makes perfect sense.

Vegans have Taiwan’s Buddhist community to thank for the plethora of plant-based options that abound throughout this island nation (there are 6,000 vegetarian restaurants and counting), but the country’s capital of Taipei is Asia’s best-kept secret for reasons beyond its extraordinary food scene. With its perfect combination of easily accessible nature and rich blend of international cultures, it’s easy to fall in love with this thriving metropolis of 2.7 million.

Before setting off