Introduction

Taiwanese home cooking offers a warm, comforting voice in the weeknight kitchen. The seven dishes below are classics that many families reach for after a busy day. They showcase how simple ingredients can become deeply satisfying meals. Each dish carries a cultural thread: a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes; a respect for rice as a foundation; and a shared love of meals that bring people together. Read on to discover why these seven main dishes remain beloved, and how they fit naturally into modern, time-pressed weeknights.

Lu Rou Fan: Braised Pork Belly Over Rice

Lu Rou Fan is a treasured bowl of tenderness and harmony. A small amount of pork belly braises slowly in soy, sugar, and spices until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft. The glaze clings to every piece and brightens when spooned over steaming rice. This dish speaks to the joy of home cooking: modest ingredients, patient simmering, and a comforting meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas. It celebrates balance—rich meat paired with plain rice and a touch of brightness from green onions.

San Bei Ji (Three Cup Chicken)

Three Cup Chicken centers fragrance and warmth. The chicken braises in equal parts sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine, with garlic, ginger, and a handful of fresh basil. The method emphasizes restraint and patience, letting layers of aroma unfold. It is quick to prepare once the pan is hot, yet the result feels ceremonious enough for a family dinner. This dish honors the tradition of pantry-driven cooking, where flavor comes from careful technique and good fundamentals, not complexity.

Oyster Omelette (Oyster Omelette)

The Oyster Omelette is a wintry-nostalgic delight that shines with texture and ocean-rich notes. Oysters mingle with eggs and a light starch batter, creating a slightly chewy, savory cake. A glossy, savory sauce ties the elements together, bringing brightness and glaze. The dish honors coastal ingredients and the delight of turning simple seafood into a comforting main. It is equally satisfying at a busy weeknight as it is festive on weekend tables.

Beef Noodle Soup (Beef Noodle Soup)

Beef Noodle Soup is a timeless bowl of depth and balance. Tender chunks of beef simmer in a deeply flavored broth with aromatics, slowly built hints of soy, aromatics, and herbs. Thick noodles slurp up the broth, creating a satisfying bite from first slurp to last. This dish embodies warmth and nourishment, offering a one-bowl meal that feels generous yet doable after a long day. It highlights how a rich broth can carry a plate of noodles into a hearty centerpiece.

Ginger Scallion Chicken

Ginger Scallion Chicken is a bright, everyday favorite. Chicken pieces are briefly seared and then braised with sliced ginger and scallions. The result is fragrant, light, and thoroughly comforting. The dish favors quick cooking and clear flavors, making it ideal for Weeknights. It demonstrates how fresh aromatics elevate simple protein to a memorable main dish, with a gentle sweetness from the onions and a clean zing from the ginger.

Sweet and Sour Pork (Tang Cu Li Ji)

Sweet and Sour Pork brings color, texture, and lively flavor to the table. Crispy pork is coated in a glossy, tangy glaze with bell peppers and pineapple pieces for a playful balance. The bright sauce and chewy pork offer a family-friendly option that feels celebratory without being fussy. This dish reflects a love of contrast and a cheerful presentation, reminding us that weeknight meals can be joyful as well as satisfying.

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a gentle harmony of silken tofu, ground meat, and a lively chili bean sauce. The sauce offers warmth, depth, and a touch of brightness from Sichuan peppercorns that awaken the palate. The dish moves quickly once the aromatics hit the pan, making it a practical choice for a flavorful weeknight main. It celebrates the versatility of tofu and the way a bold sauce can elevate simple ingredients into a comforting, shareable dish.

If you’re planning weeknights with intention, these seven dishes offer a spectrum of textures and flavors that reflect Taiwan’s culinary heart. They prove that time-honored recipes can fit a busy schedule without losing cultural richness or culinary significance. Each dish invites you to explore how pantry staples, fresh aromatics, and patient technique can create memorable meals that honor tradition while satisfying today’s rhythms.