At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and accommodation, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND
Taiwan’s food culture is shaped by a rich blend of Fujianese roots, Indigenous traditions, Hakka heritage, and Japanese influence, all supported by a subtropical climate that produces abundant rice, seafood, and fresh vegetables. Meals often center around shared dishes, with a balance of flavors and textures—ranging from simple stir-fries and soups to vibrant street food and night market specialties. Staples such as rice, noodles, tofu, leafy greens, and braised dishes are complemented by garlic, soy, and subtle herbal seasonings.
Vegetarian diets are well supported due to strong Buddhist influences, with dedicated vegetarian restaurants widely available. However, some traditional dishes may include hidden animal products such as broths or sauces, so it’s important to communicate dietary needs clearly. While options are generally accessible, travelers should expect occasional language barriers outside major cities, where your guide will assist in ensuring suitable and enjoyable meal choices.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian
Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegetarian options in Taiwan are widely available and typically include vegetable soups, rice, noodles, stir-fried greens, tofu, and a variety of soy-based products. Taiwan has a strong Buddhist vegetarian food culture (su shi / 素食), making it relatively easy to find dedicated vegetarian restaurants, especially in cities and larger towns. Convenience stores and supermarkets also offer accessible options such as onigiri, salads, soy milk, and packaged snacks. That said, some traditional eateries may still use meat-based broths or sauces, so it’s important to communicate dietary needs clearly. While variety is generally good, meals can occasionally feel repetitive.
Several lunches are at your discretion, allowing flexibility to explore local options. For included meals, dishes are arranged with care by your local host to ensure quality and variety. We recommend bringing a few preferred snacks to supplement your diet throughout the trip.
Vegan
Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Options may include vegetable soups (without meat stock), simple salads, rice, grilled or sautéed vegetables, a wide range of soy-based products such as tofu and dried bean curd, sweet potatoes, seasonal fruits, and dishes prepared with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Taiwan also has a strong Buddhist vegetarian food culture (commonly referred to as su shi / 素食), which can be a helpful foundation for vegan meals, although many dishes may still include egg or dairy, so clear communication is important. Convenience stores and supermarkets are well-stocked with plant-based options such as onigiri, soy milk, nuts, and packaged snacks, which can be useful for quick refueling.
However, vegan-specific options are more limited than vegetarian ones, particularly in traditional eateries where meat-based broths, sauces, or hidden ingredients are common. Language barriers can also make it challenging to confirm ingredients, so flexibility and a proactive approach are important. Your guide will be available to support decisions and navigating language, but you should be aware that meal options can sometimes be basic, repetitive, and occasionally lacking in protein.
Several lunches are not included, offering flexibility to explore local options or tailor meals to your needs. For arranged lunches and dinners, meals are carefully prepared under the guidance of your local host and are consistently of good quality and variety. Please do consider bringing your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Kosher
Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal
Certified Halal supply varies by destination and may not always be possible. There are increasing numbers of restaurants across Taiwan that offer Halal (including many convenience stores), but as this trip heads into remote areas some nights, the host can't consistently provide these options.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten-free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below)
Gluten-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Gluten is commonly present in Taiwanese cuisine, particularly in soy sauce, marinades, noodles, and many processed or fried foods. Cross-contamination is also difficult to avoid in smaller or traditional kitchens. Although rice, vegetables, tofu, and some simple dishes can be suitable, the range of gluten-free alternatives is very limited and may feel repetitive. We recommend clearly communicating your dietary needs and bringing any essential snacks or specialty products to ensure you have consistent and suitable options throughout your trip.
Lactose-free
Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Lactose-free diets are generally manageable on this trip, as traditional Taiwanese cuisine uses relatively little dairy. Most meals are based around rice, noodles, vegetables, tofu, and meats, with cooking oils rather than butter or cream. However, dairy can appear in certain baked goods, desserts, sauces, and increasingly in modern or Western-style dishes. While your host will assist in identifying suitable options, it’s important to communicate your dietary needs clearly. Those with strict intolerance may wish to exercise caution with processed foods and consider bringing any preferred substitutes or supplements to ensure comfort throughout the trip.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life-threatening food allergies (Peanuts / Sesame seeds / Fish & Shellfish / Dairy/Milk / Eggs / Soy) on this trip may be unreliable.
While our host can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice, doing so consistently across all meals—especially in smaller or traditional eateries—can be challenging. Cross-contamination is a significant risk due to shared cooking surfaces, oils, and utensils, and allergen labeling standards may differ from those in Western countries. We will make every effort to communicate your dietary needs and select suitable options. However, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. Guests with allergies, particularly severe ones, should travel with appropriate medication and be prepared to manage their condition while on the trip.
Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
