You’ll find a convenience store at what feels like every corner in Taiwan. In big cities like Taipei, it’s not uncommon to see a 7-Eleven and a Family Mart on the same block.
But unlike many other countries where "convenience store food" means a bag of chips or a banana, vegans can find a proper (and delicious) meal at convenience stores in Taiwan.
The convenience stores in Taiwan have really stepped up their game in terms of vegan offerings. The food is pretty decent and makes for a great backup option for emergency situations, late-night snacks, or if you just want to try out interesting local food on a budget.
[.tips][.icon-idea][.icon-idea][.div]Tip: Some stores have proper seating areas, which is great for a quick little break or a sit-down meal. If you look around the seating area, you can often find power outlets to charge your phone, too.[.div][.tips]
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How To Read The Labels
Taiwan has one of the best food labelling systems for vegetarians and vegans in the world. While you can find a more in-depth breakdown in my 'How To Read Vegan Taiwanese Food Labels' guide, here is a quick overview of what you can see on packaging:
- 全素 / 純素 Vegan / Pure Vegetarian - Contains no animal products and no 5 pungent roots (onion, garlic, chives, etc). Suitable for vegans.
- 植物五辛素 Veg Food with 5 Pungent Roots - Contains no animal products, but contains 5 pungent roots (onion, garlic, etc). Usually suitable for vegans, but check for egg/milk labels just in case.
- 蛋素 Ovo-vegetarian - Contains egg. Not suitable for vegans.
- 奶素 Lacto-vegetarian - Contains milk. Not suitable for vegans.
- 奶蛋素 Lacto-ovo-vegetarian - Contains both milk and egg. Not suitable for vegans.
- 蔬食 Veg Food - This is a general term. Just like the term 'plant-based', this term is ambiguous and the ingredients could contain egg or milk. You need to check the ingredient list to confirm.
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7-Eleven
Out of the convenience store chains, 7-Eleven is generally the most vegan-friendly. You can find their dedicated vegetarian/vegan product line called Tian Su Di Shu (天素地蔬). Some bigger branches even have a dedicated fridge section just for veg'n products.
Many of these items are collaborations with Yang Ming Spring (a Michelin Green Star recommended restaurant). You can find actual meals like chilli pepper mixed noodles, plant-based meat dumplings, and basil with rice and mushroom rice ball. Just keep in mind that not every item in this collaboration is vegan, so look for the label: 蔬⻝ (vegetarian) with the text underneath 不含五⾟/蛋/奶 (doesn’t contain 5 pungent roots/egg/milk).
[.tips][.icon-cutlery][.icon-cutlery][.div]Tip: For meals that need to be heated up, look for the microwave instructions on the packaging. There is usually a number (like 7 or 8) inside a square box. You can match this number to the button on the self-serve microwave in the store. If you are not sure, just bring the item to the counter and the staff will usually heat it up for you.[.div][.tips]
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Family Mart
Family Mart is also very reliable for vegan food. Their dedicated veg line is called Zhi Jue Sheng Huo (植覺生活). While the selection might be slightly smaller than 7-Eleven, they have some excellent items like vegan onigiri (rice balls), cup noodles, and a big range of plan milk.
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Want the Full Foodie Guide on Taipei, Taichung & More?
This guide is just a taste of what Taiwan has to offer. In my full book, The Vegan Foodie Guide to Taiwan, I cover the best vegan spots across Taipei, Taichung, and more, including additional information on night market eats, shopping guides, and detailed district maps.
Get your copy of The Vegan Foodie Guide to Taiwan here
