A Guide to the Varied Flour Types Found in Taiwan

In Taiwan, various types of flours are used in culinary preparations, reflecting the diverse range of dishes and culinary traditions in the country. Here are some common types of flours used in Taiwan:

1. Wheat Flour (Mianfen)

Wheat flour is widely used in Taiwan for a variety of purposes, including baking, cooking, and making noodles. It comes in different forms, such as all-purpose flour, bread flour, and cake flour, each with its own protein content and characteristics.

2. Rice Flour (Mifen)

Rice flour is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine and plays a fundamental role in many traditional dishes. It is made by grinding rice grains into a fine powder. Rice flour is used in the preparation of dishes like rice noodles, rice cakes, and various desserts.

3. Sweet Potato Flour (Di Guafen)

Sweet potato flour is derived from dried sweet potatoes. It is commonly used in Taiwan for making traditional sweets, such as tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and sweet potato cakes. Sweet potato flour adds a unique flavor and texture to these dishes.

4. Tapioca Flour/Starch (Maizena)

Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is made from the cassava root. It is a versatile ingredient used in Taiwanese cuisine for various purposes. Tapioca flour is often used to make chewy desserts, bubble tea pearls, and as a thickening agent in soups and sauces.

5. Mung Bean Flour (Ludoufen)

Mung bean flour is made by grinding mung beans into a fine powder. It is commonly used in Taiwan for making desserts, such as green bean soup and tangyuan. Mung bean flour is also used as a thickening agent in certain dishes.

6. Soybean Flour (Doubufen)

Soybean flour is made from roasted soybeans that are ground into a powder. It is used in Taiwanese cooking to add flavor and texture to various dishes, including tofu pudding (douhua) and soy milk pancakes (danbing).

7. Buckwheat Flour (Qiaomifen)

Buckwheat flour is made from ground buckwheat seeds. It is commonly used in Taiwan for making noodles, pancakes, and other dishes. Buckwheat flour is gluten-free and has a distinct nutty flavor.