Where to find proper American food in Taiwan

You know it’s officially summer time when America’s Independence Day rolls around. A day to celebrate freedom from the British, as well as all things ‘Merica, Independence Day (July 4th) is a huge event on the social calendar. But it’s not the only time you have a reasonable excuse to dive headfirst into a BBQ platter or a juicy burger.

With many American expats in Taiwan, and a deep love for the American lifestyle (namely food) among the Taiwanese, there are plenty of restaurants serving up American food in Taiwan. Which means there are plenty of reasons why you should get out and grab a burger today. The only caveat is that not all places are up to snuff. 

Never fear! I’ve compiled – through personal experience and excellent know-how – a list of the very best places to eat American food in Taiwan. So, whether you’re living and working in Taipei or Tainan, you have no excuse not to grab a bite to celebrate Fourth of July in Taiwan, or any other occasion that calls for an American adventure.

The Diner – Taipei

The Diner (樂子瑞安店) is probably the most popular restaurant chain for American food in Taiwan. With multiple locations across the country from Taipei to Hsinchu, Taipei American food doesn’t get much better than The Diner.

 With all-day breakfasts, towering burger platters, and proper milkshakes (which are rare even in the US), this is arguable the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July in Taiwan…or any special occasion, for that matter.

Grab your friends or that special someone and celebrate the day in style with savourties, sweeties, and just really great American food in Taipei.

• Open hours: 9am-8.30pm

✨ Tip ✨
This all-star restaurant for American food in Taiwan is so good that there’s two of them (Da’an District and Xinyi District). Even so, I'd recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

Campus Cafe – Taipei

It’s easy to imagine you’re an American college student with the patriotic decor in Campus Cafe. From the popular university flags and scarves draped across the walls to the satisfying burgers and fries, this popular restaurant serving up classic American food in Taiwan makes everyone feel like a bit like a college student, whether that’s still true or not.

While dishes aren’t cheap, the vibe in Campus Cafe just can’t be found anywhere else. Expect nachos, BBQ platters, pizza,…all the typical American food in Taiwan available right in the heart of Taipei.

• Locations: Zhongzheng District, Da’an District, and Songshan District, Taipei
• Open hours: 11am-9pm

Soul Food Bistro – Yilan

There’s never been a more hole-in-the-wall of a residential area than Soul Food Bistro (壽福美墨小食部). It’s a real blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-on-the-road-going-by kind of place. Which means it’s absolutely amazing for American food in Yilan.

While the restaurant itself is tiny and service is slow (I think it’s manned by one person?), the burgers at this Yilan American food hideout are worth the wait. Spicy, crispy, juicy, you name it, they have it packed between two broiche buns. Veggie options, like their spiced black bean burger, are available too.

• Address: Luodong Township, Yilan [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm, Weds-Fri; 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun; Closed Mon & Tues

Carson Retro Diner – Taoyuan

I’ll be real with you: Taoyuan isn’t what comes to mind when you think of delicious food in Taiwan. That’s why Carson Retro Diner (卡森 復古美式餐廳) is the ultimate surprise find in Global Mall, right by the Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium (home of the Rakuten Monkeys) and the MRT A19 station.

Although the price tag is fairly high, but to be honest so is everything in Taiwan now, this Taoyuan American food is a satisfying meal. Two burgers with double fries and two cokes for $600? I’m in. 

American food in Taoyuan also comes in the form of the classic (but ridiculously pricey) all-time Taiwanese favorite TGI Fridays, available in Metrowalk Mall and Gloria Outlets respectively. While I’m not going to endorse it for Fourth of July in Taiwan celebrations, it’s always an option too.

• Address: Zhongli District, Taoyuan [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 11am-10pm

The Uptowner – Taichung

Visit the talk of the town in Taichung. As Taichung American food goes, there’s no better bistro than The Uptowner (雙城美式餐廳). Open for early birds from 7am to 10pm for those on the late shift, this is one of the best places in Taiwan to get an all-day breakfast fix or burger bonanza.

There’s so much to choose from, but I’m really looking at that All-American Cheddar Burger (even though Cheddar is actually from the UK) with all the trimmings (fries, that McDonald’s Happy Meal-esque fruit cup, and salad). 

Not into a burger on the big day? Why not opt for a Reuben instead? This is honestly the first place serving up American food in Taiwan that I’ve seen with a Reuben Sandwich on the menu, let alone a restaurant with American food in Taichung. Vegetarians will also be happy to note that there are plenty of plant-based options too.

• Address: Zhongmei District, Taichung [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 7am-10pm, Monday thru Sunday

Salt Lick BBQ & Pizza – Hualien

Owned and operated by American expats in Taiwan, Salt Lick BBQ & Pizza (火車頭烤肉屋) in Hualien is not messing around when it comes to full on flavor. As American food in Hualien goes, and there’s a fair few, this is a haven for foodies looking for a proper finger licking experience.

Having just celebrated 10 years of dominating the Hualien American food scene, it’s easy to see why Salt Lick is so popular with a glance at their extensive menu. Speciality BBQ plates like pulled pork and ribs with a slice of homemade apple pie? Count me in.

• Address: Hualien City [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 11.30am-10pm

Sam’s Burger – Taitung

You didn’t think that I’d forget about Taitung, one of Taiwan’s least popular cities for foreigners to live in, did you? 

If you happen to be there waiting for a ferry to Green Island, or as a mistake, make a detour for Sam’s Burger (山姆漢堡). Basic name, I know, but this restaurant has some of the best classic American food in Taiwan that you’ll find. It’s also probably among the few Taitung American food restaurants that exist, so treasure it.

• Address: Taitung City [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm, Mon to Fri; 11am-2pm and 5pm-9.30pm, Sat-Sun

Pizza Rock – Tainan

While Dominoe’s is actually considered ‘American’ pizza, don’t settle for that. Instead, why not try a slice of Pizza Rock (搖滾披薩), a widely popular pizza chain with locations throughout Taiwan.

Yes, I know having pizza to celebrate something like the Fourth of July in Taiwan may be shocking to hear, but this Taiwan American food restaurant (or Italian?) is worth the bite. Enjoyed by American expats in Taiwan to general American food in Taiwan connoisseurs, Pizza Rock is a great shout for a cozy sit down meal or a takeaway…for a picnic on the beach, perhaps?

• Address: Zhongxi District, Tainan [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 11.30am-9.30pm, Monday thru Sunday

Arkansas Diner – Kaohsiung

Boasting classic American food with a Southern twist, Kaohsiung’s Arkansas Diner (阿肯瑟美式餐廳) is a rock rollin’ good time for American food in Taiwan. With brisket, biscuits, burgers, and BBQ-ed dishes, there really is no better place for Kaohsiung American food than at Arkansas Diner.

Set in it’s own cozy little enclave with all the patriotic memorabilia that could possible fit, Arkansas Diner is a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Which means there’s a lot to look at, because portion sizes at this American restaurant in Taiwan are far from stingey.

• Address: Zuoying District, Kaohsiung [Google Maps]
• Open hours: 10.30am-3pm and 5.30pm-9pm, Friday-Tuesday; Closed Weds & Thurs

How to celebrate the fourth of July in Taiwan?

Besides enjoying classic American food in Taiwan, which is one of the best ways to celebrate the fourth of July in Taiwan, why not also consider a few fun activities to spice up the day? It is a Tuesday, after all.

🎆 Fireworks

While fireworks in the street is a big no-no, fireworks on the beaches in Taiwan are sometimes permitted. Just not in Hualien near the military air base at Qixing Beach (七星潭), please.

🍔 Picnic

Get your friends together and make it a day with a picnic on the beach (where allowed). Tainan has a few beaches that are particularly enjoyable in the summer. Tainan beaches are also less regulated than other beaches, so you might even get away with a cheeky BBQ for the special occasion.

Alternatively, grab a meal at KFC and McDonald’s to have a picnic on the beach in Tainan, Yilan, Taoyuan (yes, there are decent beaches there!), or Hualien. It’s the American thing to do.

🥚 Egg Toss/🫧Water Balloon Toss

While Taipei is limited in the amount of public spaces that look like fields, there are a few parks in Taiwan where revelers have enough space for an egg toss. Or a water balloon toss, if you’re so inclined. 

Da’an Forest Park in Da’an District, Taipei, is a good shout for open spaces. That being said, expect to have quite a few stares if you start tossing an egg about. Maybe a water balloon toss to celebrate the fourth of July in Taiwan is a better way to go…it’s also easier to clean up.