Show this to the shop
台鐵便當Railway Bento
Say it tái tiě biàn dāng
Also called railway lunch box · Taiwan train bento
Opens Google Maps with the Chinese name “台鐵便當”, so you also find the local shops an English search misses
Questions about Railway Bento
What is in a Taiwan railway bento?
Rice, a braised or fried pork chop, a braised egg, a piece of braised tofu and pickled vegetables, in a paper box for about NT$80. The round metal box version costs more and the box is yours to keep. Taiwan Railways cooks these in its own kitchens, which is why the recipe barely changes from decade to decade.
Where do I buy one, and do I need a train ticket?
No ticket needed: the bento counters at Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung and other large stations sell to anyone walking past, and carts also work the platforms. They are made fresh through the day and the lunch batch often sells out, so around 11am–1pm is the safest time.
What is Railway Bento?
The famous lunch box sold by Taiwan Railway, with rice, a braised or fried pork chop, a braised egg, tofu and pickled vegetables. Many people buy one to eat on the train.
What does it taste like?
How much does it cost?
NT$80–150 per box
Where to eat it in Taiwan
Taiwan Railway (TRA) bento shops and carts at major stations such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. Popular ones sell out around lunchtime.
How to find it near you
Tap “Find Railway Bento near me” above — it searches by the Chinese name “台鐵便當”, so you see real local shops, not only places with English menus. At the shop, show the Chinese name or say “tái tiě biàn dāng”.
