Taiwan is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia because what is there not to love about that country?

Besides their friendly locals and scenic landscapes, we have always been fascinated with Taiwanese food. Bring on the pungent beancurd and pig’s blood!

But hold your horses and please do not get the wrong idea. Taiwanese classic dishes ain’t a fear-factor show but instead, an exciting exploration of food. From Beef Noodle Soup, Oyster Omelette to Pineapple Cake, here is our guide to 11 Taiwanese Classic Dishes To Eat.

Source: Hufu Wong

#1 BA-WAN

The disk-shaped Ba-Wan is essentially a translucent doughy dumpling with a diameter of approximately seven centimetres. It is filled with minced meat stuffing and then served with a sweet-and-savoury sauce.

Ba-Wan’s texture bears an uncanny resemblance to gummy and the fillings vary across different parts of Taiwan.

#2 BEEF NOODLE SOUP

As its name implies, Beef Noodle Soup, or also known as Niu Rou Mian is exactly what it is. Think noodles and braised succulent beef dunked in an aromatic semi-dark broth. The dish is then topped with chives, leafy vegetables and/or Chinese pickled cabbage. It is a comfort food that can be found everywhere in Taiwan.

#3 BRAISED PORK RICE

Braised Pork Rice—called Lu Rou Fan in Chinese—is basically a piping hot bowl of steamed rice topped with delicious minced pork. The meat’s sauce is key in this delicacy and adds an extra depth of flavour to its overall taste profile. Complement your Braised Pork Rice with a Chinese tea leaf egg and pickled vegetables.

#4 BUBBLE TEA

Bubble Tea was first invented in Taichung in the 1980s and the rest is history. The iconic tea-based beverage is served with chewy tapioca pearls and you can savour them hot or chilled. Other cities, especially those in the United States of America, call these delightful drinks Boba.

#5 FRIED CHICKEN STEAK

The Taiwanese Fried Chicken Steak is beyond sinful but definitely worth all the calories. A tenderised marinated chicken breast is deep-fried till golden brown and seasoned with pepper, salt and (optional) spices. No one leaves Taiwan without trying this iconic Taiwanese snack!

#6 SMELLY TOFU

Caution: the smelly tofu is not for the faint-hearted. The fermented beancurd has such an overwhelming odour that your nose could certainly detect its presence even from hundreds of metres away! This dish is a popular snack amongst Taiwanese and you will definitely find them at the night markets.

#7 MANGO SHAVED ICE

Mango Shaved Ice boasts fine snowflake ice with chunky fresh mango pieces—an ideal treat to combat the intolerable summer heat! The icy treat is a crowd pleaser and Smoothie House located along Yong Kang Street in Taipei has one of the best renditions.

#8 OYSTER OMELETTE

The glorious Taiwanese Oyster Omelette—also known affectionately amongst natives as orh-ah-jian—is a heavenly union of the gelatinous sweet potato starch and the pan-fried omelette with freshly poached oysters that will melt in your mouth.

A sauce made from tomato ketchup, soy paste and sweet chilli is then drenched over the fragrant oyster omelette.

#9 OYSTER VERMICELLI

Oyster Vermicelli features a generous amount of wheat-based noodles mixed with thickened soup. The flour-rice noodle dish is served with fresh oysters but it is also common to see other interpretations replacing oysters with braised pig intestines instead.

#10 PINEAPPLE CAKE

Traditional Taiwanese pineapple cakes or Feng Li Shu are sweet bite-sized squarish cakes with a buttery exterior and filled with thick jam-like pineapple filling. They are best eaten fresh but also make great souvenirs to bring home.

Source: Easy Eat in Taiwan

#11 ZHU XUE GAO

Zhu Xue Gao—made from pig’s blood and glutinous rice—might come across as a terrifying dish but is actually a well-loved street snack amongst Taiwanese locals. In Taiwan, the pig’s blood could be boiled, braised, fried or steamed.

The most popular way to eat it would be a steamed version on a stick coated with cilantro, peanut and soy sauce.

#12 CONG ZHUA BING

Cong Zhua Bing is a type of Taiwanese pancake that is highly raved about by the locals. You can find hawkers at night markets flipping these scallion pancakes with oil before topping them off with a topping of your choice.

Photo Credit: Taiwan Food Culture

#13 DA CHANG BAO XIAO CHANG

The English name literally translates to ‘big sausage wraps small sausage’ but this iconic Taiwanese street food is essentially Chinese sausage wrapped with glutinous rice. It usually comes with lettuce, salted vegetables and lots of garlic.

#14 TAIWANESE PORRIDGE

After all that feasting, it would be good to have some Taiwanese porridge to cleanse your palate. Everyone gets a bowl of plain porridge which they can complement with a wide variety of side dishes—really similar to our economic rice stalls in Singapore when you think about it!

Be it your first time or second time to Taipei, one thing that you must include in your itinerary is a trip to one of Taipei’s night markets. We love night markets for the splendid array of street food (at reasonable prices), the lively atmosphere and simply the thrill of getting our hands on cheap clothing or goods!

Admittedly, most would only cater time to visit the more commercialised or popularised night markets such as Shilin Night Market or Raohe Street Night Market, but there are plenty of other undiscovered night markets in Taipei that deserve your time too. And, why only visit one or two night markets during your visit to Taipei when you could go to many more?

Here are 12 Night Markets In Taipei You Should Include In Your Itinerary.

Photo Credit: Alec Travel Guide

#1 GUANGZHOU STREET NIGHT MARKET

For a better feel of what a local and authentic night market in Taipei is like, Guangzhou Street Night Market will be a great place to visit. As one of the oldest night markets in Taiwan, Guangzhou Street Night Market is preferred by locals and is part of the Longshan Temple Night Market area.

Apart from regular street food that you can find in other night markets, some interesting dishes that you can try include pig feet, frog soup and glutinous rice. Visitors can also get up to plenty of fun games where you can play the night away. However, do take note that this is not a place to visit if you are searching for good clothing deals.

Guangzhou Street Night Market
Lane 152, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District,
Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Daily: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Longshan Temple

Photo Credit: HJ Love To Travel

#2 GONGGUAN NIGHT MARKET 

Located right beside Exit 1 of Gongguan Station, Gongguan Night Market is the biggest night market in the South district of Taipei City. The night market is strategically located in the midst of a business district, which allows visitors to browse through clothing and accessory stores, portrait studios, coffee shops and more.

Due to its close proximity to the National Taiwan University, majority of the traffic at this night market are made up of students. Yes, this means that prices are less steep and in fact pretty reasonable! And why not pick up some QinWaZhuangNai i.e. famous bubble milk tea in the area, whilst exploring the night market?

Gongguan Night Market
Section 3, Luosifu Road,
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Daily: 3pm – 11:45pm
Nearest Station: Gongguan

#3 HUAXI STREET NIGHT MARKET 

Huaxi Street Night Market is another one of Taiwan’s more traditional markets. You would not have a hard time finding this night market as a large, red palace-style archway marks the entrance to the market which is open throughout the day.

Plenty of old, historical shops occupy the streets of Huaxi Street Night Market and you would be able to find plenty of yummy street foods to indulge in! For instance, this is where the Danzai noodle restaurant business began and something interesting you can try is the snake soup—a dish unique to Huaxi Street Night Market. Otherwise, why not take part in some fortune-telling or simply go for a good massage?

Huaxi Street Night Market
Huaxi Street, Wanhua District
Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Tel: +886 2 2388 1818
Daily: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Longshan Temple

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

#4 LEHUA NIGHT MARKET 

The origins of Lehua Night Market date back to the early 1970s, and this night market is located in the Yonghe District which is famous for its delicious soya bean drink. Offering a wonderful mix of street food stalls, shopping and entertainment facilities, this is an all-in-one market where you will never feel bored.

Another night market that is a favourite of many locals, this night market is wider and easier to navigate even for those who are visiting for the first time. Unfortunately, due to noise complaints from the neighbouring areas surrounding the market, Lehua Night Market may be closed down soon. Quick, make sure this night market is on your to-go list if you are visiting Taipei soon!

Lehua Night Market
Yongping Road, Yonghe District,
New Taipei City, Taiwan 234
Tel: +886 800 000 123
Daily: 5pm – 12.59am
Nearest Station: Dingxi

#5 LIAONING STREET NIGHT MARKET 

Located a stone’s throw away from Fuju Temple, Liaoning Street Night Market is a popular night market that often draws mostly locals, unlike other regular night markets in Taipei. Thus, this is the best night market to visit to avoid tourists but yet have a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

Some delicious street food that you can try include the oyster omelette, boiled squid, mochi and oden cooking. The seafood stir-fry shop at the night market is also very popular and this is where you can get your seafood fix, cooked according to your preference.

Liaoning Street Night Market
Liaoning Street, Zhongshan District
Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Daily: 4pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Nanjing East Road

#6 NANJICHANG NIGHT MARKET 

Nanjichang Night Market is another night market which has not been tainted by tourism and is recognised for its ruggedness and truly Taiwanese character. A hot favourite of the locals, you would hardly see any tourists in the area which means that you are in for a night of authentic Taiwan street food and culture.

Albeit slightly smaller in size than other notable night markets such as the Shilin Night Market, the street food offered at Nanjichang Night Market does not pale in comparison. One identifying trait of this night market is that all street foods offered at night will be available even during the day. Rest assured also that Nanjichang Night Market is budget-friendly and would not burn a hole in your pocket.

Nanjichang Night Market
Lane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Road
Wanhua District, Taipei
Tel: +886 2 2305 3036
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wanhua

#7 NINGXIA NIGHT MARKET

Like Nanjichang Night Market, Ningxia Night Market is a smaller night market which offers just as fantastic street food as the larger ones do. This is a nostalgic night market where you can stuff yourself silly with all the Taiwanese snacks available such as fried yam balls, oyster omelette and braised pork rice!

If you need a break from all the food, consider participating in some games or shopping in the southern part of the night market. A well-balanced night market adventure, we’d say.

Ningxia Night Market
Ningxia Road, Datong District
Taipei City, Taiwan 103
Tel: +886 915 652 480
Daily: 5:30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Shuanglian

#8 RAOHE STREET NIGHT MARKET 

Raohe Street Night Market is one of the oldest night markets in Taipei, which has been extremely well-received and usually considered a must-visit for all tourists. Spreading out along a 600-metre path of Raohe Street in the Songshan District, have tons of fun exploring all the different interesting and delicious street foods and snacks, shops and stalls and even carnival activities available there.

A word of advice—7pm would be a good time to drop by this night market as most vendors usually only begin setting up their stalls at 5pm.

Raohe Street Night Market
Rao He Street, Songshan District
Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2763 5733
Daily: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Songshan

#9 SHIDA NIGHT MARKET

Looking for a trendy night market? Shida Night Market is waiting for you! This night market is located within the Da’an District, which is known for its upmarket and hipster vibes and is home to several rock bars, cafes and restaurants. Best of all, visitors would appreciate that Shida Night Market is well-organised, quaint and compact, as compared to other larger and messier night markets.

Offering an incredible selection of delightful street food and cheap clothes from stylish boutiques, you would find plenty of young entrepreneurs cum vendors in this night market. Thus, a visit to this night market would be a great way to extend some support for the local fashion community whilst securing good clothing deals.

Shida Night Market
Lane 39, Shida Road, Da’an District,
Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tue to Sun: 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Taipower Building

#10 SHILIN NIGHT MARKET

As one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan, most would usually have Shilin Night Market on their minds when planning their trip to Taipei. And to make it better, this night market is also conveniently located near Jiantan Station.

Shilin Night Market is famous for their impressive selection of authentic Taiwan eateries and fashionable clothing boutiques. A newly-renovated building of Shilin Night Market comprises three basement floors and one ground floor. Just think, 94 food vendors on Level B1; how amazing is that? It is time to get crazy and go all out!

Shilin Night Market
Wenlin Road, Shihlin District
Taipei City, Taiwan
Daily: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Jiantan

#11 SHUANG CHENG STREET NIGHT MARKET 

Operating for over 40 years, Shuang Cheng Street Night Market is a hot spot for plenty of Taiwanese food and variety shows. As a relatively low-key market, this is where you can escape for good Taiwanese street food without all the hustle and bustle of overly-commercialised night markets.

Some dishes you can try include steam goose meat in goose soup stock and Chiayi Chick Rice. For desserts, favourites include Granny’s old-style flavour sweet noodles and jelly fig ice.

Shuang Cheng Street Night Market
Shuangcheng Street, Zhongshan District,
Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Daily: 8am – 4pm, 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Zhong Shan Elementary School / Mingquan West Road

#12 TONGHUA NIGHT MARKET 

Found along the fringe of a residential area in Da’an District, Tonghua Night Market is often filled with plenty of locals and tourists alike. Specialising in local street foods and more, this lively night market will be sure to thrill you even after your first visit.

One popular dish to try at Tonghua Night Market is yan su ji (Taiwanese salted crispy chicken ), braised foods and Cong You Bing (scallion pancake). When you had enough of street food, there are steak restaurants and teppanyaki eateries for you to dine at.

Tonghua Night Market
Linjiang Street, Da’an District,
Taipei 106, Taiwan
Daily: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Xinyi Anhe

Taiwan is a favourite holiday destination in Asia for many reasons. Besides indulging in endless amounts of sweet and savoury street snacks, there are also many places of interests to visit.

You can also experience a little more of the Taiwanese culture by taking a trip down to the more rural areas of the country, such as Hualien—known for their beautiful mountainous areas and landscapes.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the land of night markets, or even if you have already been there multiple times, Taiwan will always retain its charm and city life that will leave you wanting more. Here’s a condensed 6D5N itinerary of our trips, where we explored beyond Taipei and the 22 things to see, do and eat in Taiwan.

DAY ONE IN TAICHUNG

#1 GET THE FAMOUS TAIWAN MILK TEA

3.15pm: You’ve seen them sell out rapidly on Singapore’s 7-11 shelves but in Taiwan, these bottles of milk tea are constantly available in vast quantities. The drink comes in various flavours, such as Café Au Lait, Matcha Latte, Sumiyaki and more. The best part? They’re at least two times cheaper than what you’ll find here in Singapore.

Besides that, the convenience stores stock up on amazing amounts of microwaveable food, chips, pastries and more that make for great midnight snack stashes.

#2 VISIT FENGJIA NIGHT MARKET

7.30pm: The experience here was (and always will be) crazy, to say the least. The crowd—especially during dinner hour—was unbelievable. We had to squeeze through the people-packed streets, but the street food such as the huge takoyaki, sweet potato puffs and taro chips made it all worth it. You could easily spend hours walking up and down the street and trying everything!

Fengjia Road, Xitun District
Taichung City 407
Daily: 4pm – 2am

DAY TWO IN HUALIEN

#3 CHECK INTO PAPAYA RIVER B&B

This B&B is tucked away in a serene, quiet spot in Hualien. It doubles up as an alpaca farm and is also home to two dogs and a cat. These domesticated pets are friendly, so you can even pet them if you like!

The host themselves also offer guide services, and they brought us around Hualien while we were there. Plus point: the incredible landscape around the B&B makes for amazing pictures.

No. 176 Guanghua 8th Street
Hualien County 97357
Tel: +888-3-842-1122

DAY THREE IN HUALIEN

#4 FEED THE ALPACAS

9.30am: If you’re staying at the B&B, you can wake up bright and early and request to feed these alpacas—for free! Start your morning right by getting upclose and personal with these fluffy creatures!

#5 STROLL AROUND NATIONAL DONG HWA UNIVERSITY

10.45am: Just a 20-minute ride from The Papaya River B&B, the school is open to the public, and boasts beautiful scenic views that are perfect for pictures.

University Road Section1
Shoufeng Township, 974

#6 TAKE IN THE SCENIC VIEWS AT LIN TIAN SHAN FORESTRY PARK

1pm: You can’t find any mountains in Singapore, but Hualien is littered with them. The forestry park is relatively quiet, and provides you with an opportunity to trek through the trees. Entry is free!

No. 20, Linsen Road, Fenglin Township
Hualien County 975

#7 TREK AROUND LIYU LAKE

2.30pm: This lake is a must-visit when you’re in Hualien. It is quiet, peaceful, and looks over the beautiful mountainside. There’s a footpath that stretches across 2.4km leading you from one end of the lake to the other, and you can either walk that length or rent bikes.

It’s the perfect place to take in the fresh air and take in the nature surrounding you.

Huantan North Road, Shoufeng Township
Hualien County 974

#8 HAVE DINNER AT EAST GATE NIGHT MARKET

7.30pm: This night market is the most popular one in Hualien, simply because it is huge, and even has little game stores for you to try out. Some of the food we tried included cheese omelettes, grilled squid, and even a kebab wrap!

No. 50, Zhongshan Road
Hualien Country 970
Daily: 6pm – 12am

DAY FOUR IN XIMENDING, TAIPEI

#9 TAKE THE TAIWAN METRO

12pm: The Taiwan Metro is a quick and fuss-free way to get around Taipei and beyond! Similar to the trains we have here in Singapore, their cabins are also clean!

#10 VISIT SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL

1.30pm: What is a trip to Taiwan without making a pit stop at the iconic Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall? Paying tribute to Dr Sun Yat-sen, who is affectionately named as China’s founding father, this is where you can learn more about his revolutionary career.

No. 505, Section 4
Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District
Taipei City, Taiwan
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

#11 SOAK IN A HOT SPRING AT BEI TOU

3pm: Relax your muscles and enjoy a thermal hot spring bath at Bei Tou, a popular tourist destination in Taipei. Just a stone’s throw away from Xinbeitou station, the area has a mix of both public and private baths featuring mineral-rich water. Do note that it is recommended for you to book the private baths before heading over.

Nearest Station: Xinbeitou

#12 SHOP AT XIMENDING

6.30pm: With your bellies filled, you can now shop around the vast shopping district that is Ximending. If you’re a shoe-lover, you’re in luck—the area is home to a myriad of shoe stores like Nike, Adidas, and ABC Mart (this is a multi-label store with tons of amazing shoes). Besides that, there are tons of more souvenir shops selling Taiwanese snacks that you can bring home.

108, Taipei City
Nearest Station: Ximending

DAY FIVE IN TAIPEI

#13 TAKE A WALK AT DA’AN PARK

11am: Just a 15-minute ride from Ximending Station on the metro line, Da’an Park is apparently one of the ‘richer’ parts of Taiwan, but the scenery is no less beautiful. It is located right outside Da’an Park metro station. You can even have a morning run along the park!

Section 3, Xinyi Road, Da’an District
Taipei City 106
Nearest Station: Da’an Station

#14 GO SHOPPING AT ZHONGXIAO DUNHUA SHOPPING AREA

3pm: This is the Southern region of Taipei—within walking distance from Da’an Park—and is arguably the ‘hipster-haven’ of Taipei which is popular among Taiwanese youths.

You’ll find a huge range of stores with different styles to shop from. Look out for a huge Forever 21 outlet located right outside the train station.

Section 4, Zhongxiao E. Road, Da’an District
Taipei City 106
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Dunhua Station

#15 VISIT TAIPEI 101

7pm: A must-do for all Taiwan first-timers. But if you don’t fancy paying extravagant prices to go up the tower, try hanging around the vicinity around the building instead. It is equally as beautiful.

Xinyi District, Taipei City 110
Nearest Station: Taipei 101 Station

DAY SIX IN TAIPEI

#16 HAVE BREAKFAST AT AH CHUNG MIAN XIAN

10am: The store along Ximending is often populated with people standing around and eating their piping hot bowls of mian xian—which are thin flour noodles cooked in rich broth and topped off with pig intestines.

No. 8-1, Emei Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Sat to Sun: 10.30am – 11pm
Tel: +886-2-2388-8808
Nearest Station: Ximending

#17 BUY PINEAPPLE TARTS AT CHIA TE

3pm: Honestly, no Taiwan trip is complete without buying back some tasty treats from Chia Te. The only outlet in Taiwan is located in Nanjing where snaking queues outside the storefront is a common sight.

Be prepared to queue for about 20-30 minutes but fret not, for the wait will be worth it as their biscuits and pastries taste amazing. If you’re not sure what to get, try their Sun Cakes, Milk Cakes, and Pineapple Tarts.

No. 88, Section 5, Nanjing E Road, Songshan District
Taipei City 105
Daily: 8am – 9.30pm
Tel: +886-2-8787-8186
Nearest Station: Nanjing Sanmin

#18 FEAST AT RAO HE NIGHT MARKET

6pm: This night market might just be one of the better ones in Taiwan, offering a huge selection of different kinds of food such as fried squid, baked cheese potatoes, and the famous Fuzhou Pepper Buns.

Roahe Street, Songshan District
Taipei City 105
Daily: 4pm – 12am
Tel: +886-2-2763-5733
Nearest Station: Songshan

DAY SIX IN TAIPEI

#19 TAKE A DAY TRIP TO JIUFEN

9am: Bus services up to Jiufen are available from Taipei. You can either book a private bus, or go on a public one (which is cheaper). The ride takes about 3 hours.

Jiufen 224, Ruifang District, Taipei City

#20 TRY THE FAMOUS A-ZHU PEANUT ICE CREAM ROLLS

You’ve probably heard of these peanut ice cream rolls. After all, they’ve been flooding Instagram feeds for a long time now. These ice cream rolls are made of taro ice cream, topped with peanut shavings and wrapped in spring roll skin.

No. 45, Jishan Street, Ruifang District

#21 SNACK ON LAI AH PO YU YUAN

These are traditional handmade taro, sweet potato and green tea balls mixed with sweet soup, and can be eaten hot or cold. They cost just NT$40 (S$1.72) per bowl!

No. 143, Jishan Street, Ruifang District

#22 SPEND YOUR LOOSE CHANGE ON GRAB-CLAW MACHINES

Ximending has stores that house many different grab-claw machines, and they’re relatively easy to win too! If you have any extra loose change before you head home, you can try your luck at these machines and see whether you can bring home any adorable plushies or toys.

In fact, you’re likely to find shops dedicated to grab-claw machines at literally all the night markets scattered around the city.

The capital of Taiwan is a short flight away from Singapore and the one-way journey takes only 4 hours and 40 minutes. Taipei might not be as geographically near as its neighbours i.e. Bangkok and Hong Kong, but the Asian city’s cultural attractions are worth a special trip.

From eating fresh seafood from Addiction Aquatic Development, marvelling at award-winning National Palace Museum’s vast collection of artefacts to visiting the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, here are 10 Touristy But Interesting Taipei Attractions That You Should Visit.

#1 ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT

Developed by Mitsui Food and Beverage Enterprise Group, Addiction Aquatic Development is a modern fish market with multiple concepts under its roof. Over here, you can shop for live seafood, purchase fresh sashimi and dine at one of their multiple on-site restaurants.

No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E Rd
Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2508 1268
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Xingtian Temple

#2 CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

The grandeur of historical landmark Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall will leave you in awe. The octagon-shaped monument houses a massive bronze statue of Chiang and it is protected by military personnel. These armed guards change their shift every hour via a ceremony.

No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Tel: +886 2 2343 1100
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Source: Catherine Lee 234

#3 HUASHAN 1914 CREATIVE PARK

Huashan 1914 Creative Park was once a deteriorated factory, but has since then been revamped into a multi-purpose recreational park. Its revamp has drawn many local artists and many exhibitions, events, installations and performances are held here throughout the year.

No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Tel: +886 2 2358 1914
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Xinsheng

#4 LUNGSHAN TEMPLE OF MANKA

Founded in 1738, the Lungshan Temple of Manka was set up by the immigrants from Fujian, China during the Qing dynasty. The site is dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy but you will notice many other deities here too. The government proclaimed the temple a historical site of second grade in 1985 and it will be preserved for future generations.

No. 211, Guangzhou St
Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853
Tel: +886 2 2302 5162
Nearest Station: Longshan Temple

Source: Travel Taipei

#5 NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum boasts a permanent collection of approximately 700,000 artefacts and artworks – yes, it has more ancient antiques than Beijing’s Forbidden City! A must-visit for those who have a keen interest in Chinese culture and history.

No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Rd
Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Tel: +886 2 2881 2021
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Fri and Sat: 8.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shilin

Source: Travel Weekly

#6 NATIONAL TAIWAN MUSEUM

The National Taiwan Museum is the oldest museum in Taiwan; it has been around for more than a century. The museum was constructed during the Japanese colonial era and remains in its original site. It is designed by Japanese architects Ichiro Nomura and Eiichi Araki.

No. 2, Xiangyang Rd
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Tel: +886 2 2382 2566
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Ntu Hospital

#7 RAOHE STREET NIGHT MARKET

Raohe Street Night Market is one of Taiwan’s oldest night markets and the 600-metre street is lined up with a vast number of vendors. There are so many hawkers that you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. Food aside, visitors can also expect old-school game stalls and hip fashion apparels.

Raohe St
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2763 5733
Daily: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Songshan

#8 SHILIN NIGHT MARKET

Shilin Night Market is one of Taiwan’s most famous night markets. Foodies can dig into a plethora of Taiwanese snacks such as deep-fried chicken cutlets, bubble milk tea and oyster omelette, while shoppers can put their bargaining skills to test at the various retail shops.

Lane 101, Wenlin Rd
Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Mon: 4.30pm – 12am
Tue to Sun: 12am – 12pm, 4.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Jiantan / Shilin

#9 SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL

The construction of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Xinyi District was completed in 1972 and it pays tribute to the founder of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The hourly ceremony – where the stoic guards formally change their shifts – itself is a popular tourist attraction.

No. 505, Section 4, Ren’ai Rd
Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Tel: +886 2 2758 8008
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

#10 TAIPEI 101

Taipei 101 is the most iconic landmark in Taiwan’s skyline. Standing at 508 metres, the tower is almost impossible to miss. The infrastructure is exceptionally sturdy; a gigantic pendulum is mounted between the 88th and 92nd storeys, hence allowing it to withstanding both earthquakes and typhoons. Fun fact: It was the world’s tallest green building until 2011.

Taipei 101, No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd
Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Nearest Station: Taipei 101

Read our guide on 25 reasons why we love Taipei.

To locals, tourists and frequent visitors, the little town of Shifen in Taiwan is filled with rich traditions, interesting attractions as well as scenic destinations.

From its timeless practice of releasing sky lanterns and the town being home to Taiwan’s own little Niagara Falls, you will be sure to fall in love with Shifen.

Here are 8 fun things that you can see and do in Taipei Shifen.

#1 RELEASING SKY LANTERNS

The little town of Shifen is perhaps most fondly visited by both locals and tourists who participate in its tradition of releasing sky lanterns along Shifen Old Street as a form of good luck. 

Every year, thousands of locals and visitors would gather at Shifen on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year to celebrate the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, which has been voted the world’s largest night festival by the Discovery Channel.

The sky lantern is a colourful paper lantern that you can write down your wishes on before releasing it to the skies or even as some may say the heavens.

As Shifen was previously a thriving coal mining district during the Japanese Occupation, decorating sky lanterns takes place along the railway track alongside Shifen Old Street. Visitors should also expect to pay at least NT$150 – $200 for a simple sky lantern, which can be purchased from the shops nearby the railway track.

Shifen Sky Lantern
226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District
Nearest station: Shifen train station

#2 SHIFEN WATERFALLS

Located a 15-20 minutes’ walk away from Shifen Old Street, take a casual stroll to the Shifen Waterfalls along a paved path where you will find the entrance to this iconic waterfall that has been nicknamed Taiwan’s mini Niagara falls.

In order to reach the waterfalls, visitors will have to cross a long, wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush rainforests and climb multiple flights of stairs. However, please take care when visiting the waterfall as the attraction is not particularly wheelchair and stroller friendly.

After about 15 minutes of walking, you will be rewarded with the majestic sights of the Shifen waterfall. Admission to this waterfall is free, by the way!

Shifen Waterfalls
No. 11, Gankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan (ROC)
Tel: +886 2 2495 8409
Nov to Jan, Daily: 8am – 6.30pm
Feb to Oct, Daily: 8am – 7pm

Photo Credit: Life to Reset

#3 PING HSI BRANCH RAILWAY LINE 

As Shifen was a town originally built for coal transportation, the Ping Hsi railway line runs through Rui Fang and the Pingxi district, with Shifen being the 3rd stop along the railway track.

Although the railway track no longer serves as a means of coal transportation, the railway track is still in operation as a means for visitors to access the town.

Before a train enters the town, visitors will be asked to clear the tracks and are in turn treated to a rare sight of seeing trains running through the town’s streets.

#4 SHIFEN OLD STREET

Running along both sides of the Ping Hsi railway track are rows of shops spanning from sky lantern shops, souvenir shops, grocery stores and eateries.

Unlike most conventional train tracks, visitors are free to walk on the railway track to access both sides of Shifen Old Street.

Some of the hidden gems include bamboo flutes which you can scribe personal well-wishes on. As for those who need a nibble, go for the famous XXL-Crispy Fried Chicken!

#5 TAIWAN COAL MINE MUSEUM

Founded to educate tourists on Taiwan’s rich coal mining history, the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum is a privately run museum that was constructed on a retired coal mine.

At an admission fee of NT$200, your ticket (which can be purchased from the ticketing booth at the foot of the hill leading up to the museum) entitles you to a coal train ride and a guided tour through a coal mine tunnel.

As the museum is not located within walking distance from the train station, the museum will charter a courtesy van to bring travellers to its doorstep.

Taiwan Coal Mine Museum
Address: 226 Taiwan New Taipei City Pingxi District
Tel: +886 2 2495 8680
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm from Tues to Sun

#6 JING AN SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Stretching over 128 metres, the Jing An Suspension Bridge runs almost parallel to the Ping Hsi railway tracks and is another must-see icon of Shifen.

As one of the few well-preserved suspension bridges in Taiwan, the bridge oversees the Shi Fen Old Street as well as Jilong River.

This bridge is located behind the Shi Fen train station and serves as a connection bridge for the villages of Shi Fen and Nanshan today. If you have the time, consider taking a walk over to Nanshan Village where you will discover that some houses have blue windows, doors and even exterior walls!

Photo Credit: www.panoramio.com/

#7 YEN JING DONG WATERFALL

Often translated as the “Glasses Hole Waterfall”, the Yen Jing Dong waterfall is one of the notable Ping Hsi waterfalls located at the upper part of the Jilong River and viewable from the Jing An Suspension Bridge.

If you look closely, you would be able to conceive a shape of glasses which was the inspiration behind the name of the 6m high and wide waterfall.

Yen Jing Dong Waterfall
Address: 226 Pingxi Dist New Taipei City Taiwan 226
Tel: +886 2 2960 3456

#8 WUFEN MOUNTAIN

For those who are looking for an adventure or to experience Shifen in a different way, a hike up the Wufen mountain is just for you.

The Wufen mountain offers visitors one of the best vantage points in the Taipei area and boasts truly dreamy views of the Keelung River and Shifen.

Choose between two possible ways to scale the mountain either by driving up from Ruifang to Shifen Road followed by a 5 minutes’ walk to the summit, or to follow road directions to the Taiwan Coal Museum and walk along the foot trail flanked by rich greenery, for approximately 2 hours to reach the top of the mountain.

If you are heading to Shifen, be sure to include the famous Jiufen in your Taipei itinerary. Read our guide on the 7 must-try local food in Jiufen.

For an authentic Taiwanese experience, head over to Taipei’s oldest night bazaar – Raohe Street Night Market. The bustling market is a stone’s throw away from Songshan MRT Station, hence making it an easily accessible attraction. Vendors will start setting up their stalls at 5pm, but the best time to drop by is around 7pm – where you get to catch the action in full force.

A trip to a night market in Taiwan might be daunting (especially for those who can neither read nor speak traditional Mandarin). Fortunately, our bilingualism has allowed us to compile a useful guide to Raohe Street Night Market. From queuing up for hu jiao bing, eating Chinese sausages to playing old-school games, here are 15 tips on what to eat and what to do at Raohe Street Night Market!

WHAT TO EAT AT RAOHE STREET NIGHT MARKET

Caution: Raohe Street Night Market’s sheer number of food stalls will have you spoilt rotten. We suggest you walk around before diving straight for the first shop that captures your fancy. Many shops sell the same delicacies and most of these vendors do not have English menus.

#1 Baked Pastries

Without a doubt, Raohe Street Night Market sells predominantly Taiwanese and other Asian delicacies. But that’s not all. You can also expect some Western-inspired dishes such as freshly baked French treats. How about some blueberry cheese tarts for those with sweet tooth?

#2 Black Pepper Buns

Upon arrival, you will see a long queue formed outside Raohe Street Night Market’s main entrance. Everyone is queuing up at the market’s most famous stall and it is selling only one item: Black Pepper Bun aka Hu Jiao Bing. These piping hot buns – prepared and cooked in front of you – are stuffed with a peppery minced meat and vegetable stuffing.

#3 Beef Cubes

There are numerous shops selling Torched Beef Cubes at Raohe Street Night Market. The succulent bite-size beef chunks are cooked fresh-to-order and you can complement these tasty flesh with various toppings. We asked for a recommendation and were recommended rose salt.

#4 Beef Noodles

The Beef Noodle is a classic Taiwanese delicacy and every street in Taipei sells this aromatic dish. What you can expect: Tender beef slices served in a rich savoury broth alongside thick bouncy noodles. A bowl of Beef Noodles at Raohe Street Night Market only costs NT$90 / S$4.

#5 Chinese Sausages

The Taiwanese natives’ take on Chinese sausages are also known as Xiang Chang. These chunky, fat and juicy sausages have a distinct sweet aftertaste due to the generous amount of sugar used in its preparation. They are commonly seen in night markets and sold on skewers.

#6 Freshly Squeezed Juices

Take a stroll around Raohe Street Night Market and you will come across several vendors selling freshly squeezed juices. From pink guava to watermelon, these nutritious chilled juices are great thirst quenchers.

#7 Fried Chicken Steak

Fried Chicken Steak otherwise known as Ji Pa is a crowdpleaser and the snaking queue around it is a testimony to its popularity. Interestingly, we walked around the entire Raohe Street Night Market and saw only one stall selling these deep-fried poultry cutlets dusted with chilli powder.

#8 Grilled Squid

There are quite a handful of shops selling gigantic grilled squid. These fresh seafood are cooked on the griller till its outsides achieve a golden brown hue. Seafood lovers must not miss out on these chewy calamaris! Choose from either the flattened or unflattened squid.

#9 Lu Wei

The concept of Lu Wei is pretty similar to our Yong Tau Foo i.e. pick whatever ingredients you fancy from the cart and place them in your assigned container. The food will then be chopped up and cooked in a savoury broth. Some stalls will fry or grill your desired ingredients instead.

#10 Pork Rib Soup

Raohe Street Night Market’s Pork Rib Soup is almost equivalent to Singapore’s Bak Ku Teh. The key difference between these two is that the Taiwanese’s interpretation uses a lot more herbs, whereas the Singaporean version focuses on its peppery stock.

WHAT TO DO AT RAOHE STREET NIGHT MARKET

Surprise, surprise! There is a lot more to do at Raohe Street Night Market than just eating. The carnival spirit is alive and you can partake in a series of traditional games such as mahjong, fishing and even pinball. There are even a few fortune telling booths. Sounds like fun huh?

#11 Shopping

Trendy retail stores line the two ends of Raohe Street Night Market. You can look forward to chic clothing, fashionable accessories, cutesy gadgets, stylish menswear and more. These items are surprisingly very affordable and you will probably spend a good some time shopping.

#12 Recreational Fishing

The number of activities at Raohe Street Night Market really surprised us to no end. You can even relive your childhood memories and recreational fish for fishes. Those with little ones will definitely enjoy this leisure activity.

#13 Shooting Balloons

Have a penchant for shooting? Well, put your aiming skills to test and have a go at the shooting games. Those who have ‘shot’ down enough balloons with the pellet guns will be rewarded with plush toys.

#14 Traditional Pinball

Things are indeed kept simple at Taipei’s oldest street night market. You can play a game or two of retro pinball – operated by a marbles and steel pins. The older generation will find these games immensely nostalgic.

#15 UFO Catchers

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with the UFO Catchers. These machines are extremely common in Raohe Street Night Market and each machine contains a diverse selection of prizes. There are keychains, soft toys and even mobile accessories. The odds are mostly against you, but we do see people successfully catching some prizes.

Raohe Street Night Market
Rao He Street, Songshan District
Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2763 5733
Daily: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Songshan

Read: 25 Reasons Why We Love Taipei.

The busy Yongkang Street is a one-stop destination for all travellers visiting Taipei. You can easily spend half or day—or even more—exploring the bustling street and its adjoining alleyways. Oh and don’t worry if you are travelling in a group with differing palates; Yongkang Street’s vast variety of dining options will definitely cater to the group’s varying preferences.

There are seriously ample options to choose from – think roadside vendors, Melbourne-inspired speciality coffee cafes, dim sum restaurants, French patisseries and more. From the original Din Tai Fung to CNN-recommended dessert store Smoothie House, here is our Guide To Taipei’s Yongkang Street and the cafes, restaurants & shops to visit.

BISCUIT & RABBIT CAFE

Biscuit & Rabbit Cafe is a cutesy independent Taiwanese 2-in-1 concept that hails from Kaohsiung. You can look forward to freshly baked cookies and a collection of handmade accessories.

No. 63, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 23584670
Tue to Sat: 10am – 7pm

BOÎTE DE BIJOU

Patisserie Boîte de Bijou serves delectable classic French desserts such as Citron Tarts, Madeleines and Mont Blanc. But you too can expect Asian-inspired sweet treats i.e. Yuzu Mousse.

No. 10, Lane 209, Section 2, Anhe Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2739 6777
Daily: 10am – 8pm

BU ER TANG

Bu Er Tang serves every tea thinkable in its store. Totally clueless on this subject? Simply approach the staff and they will recommend you flavours based on your preference—and you can even taste them for free!

No. 10-5, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2395 9616
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm

CAFE XIAOMIJO

Cafe Xiaomijo is an artistic cafe tucked away in the same alleyway as For Good Cafe. The cosy and homely interiors make it a good pitstop for you to recharge with some cafe nosh and a cuppa.

No 5 Lane 41 Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +866 2 2395 7617
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Fri: 1pm – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 10pm

DIN TAI FUNG

Singaporeans are no stranger to Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung. After all, we have many outlets in our sunny island itself. However, if you want to trace back to Din Tai Fung’s humble beginnings, then you will have to drop by their flagship store located along Xinyi Road, right at the start of Yongkang Street.

No. 194, Section 2, Xinyi Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +866 2 2321 8928
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm

DUKE RABBIT CAFE

Duke Rabbit Cafe showcases a splendid selection of freshly baked homemade pastries and they are all affordably priced between the range of NT$75 to NT$130. How about some tiramisu and French strawberry tarts for you?

No. 6, Lane 37, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2396 8110
Daily: 11am – 10pm

EATING TIME

Every hour is eating time at Eating Time. The stylish restaurant’s comprehensive menu features a list of wholesome mains such as burgers (NT$230 – NT$280), grilled steaks and ribs (NT$800 – NT$1,000).

No. 18 Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2351 3663
Daily: 8am – 11pm

ECOLE CAFE

Escape the suffocating crowds of Yongkang Street and venture into Qingtian Street, where you will chance upon Ecole Cafe. The quiet cafe is aptly named after the French word for ‘school’—due to its proximity to Shida University.

No. 6, Lane 1, Qingtian Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2322 2725
Sun to Thu: 9am – 9pm
Fri and Sat: 9am – 10pm

ELEPHANT MACHINE COFFEE

Opened in April 2016, Elephant Machine Coffee is a new kid on the block. The cafe takes pride in serving coffee but has a rule whereby every dine-in patron has to purchase at least one beverage. From matcha shots, cold brew coffee to siphon coffee, this is ideal for coffee lovers.

No. 5, Lane 37, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2397 1680
Closed on Tuesdays
Mon, Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm

FOR GOOD CAFE

For Good Cafe is always packed with customers. Their savoury food menu is unfortunately limited, therefore we suggest you grab a bite somewhere else first before heading here for their coffee, craft beers and desserts.

No. 12, Lane 41, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 3393 8659
Closed on Tuesdays
Mon, Tue to Sun: 12pm – 10pm

HAO GONG DAO

Hao Gong Dao has been around for decades and we love how a lot of stuff is going on at the shopfront i.e. stacks of bamboo steam baskets are piled atop each other, chefs are kneading dough at the open-kitchen and freshly cooked dim sums are displayed at the counter.

28-1, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2341 6980
Closed on Wednesdays
Thu to Tue: 9am – 9pm

KAO CHI

Shanghainese restaurant Kao Chi makes a great alternative to Din Tai Fung and you should try their xiao long baos and other Chinese delicacies. Thanks to media publicity, Kao Chi is now frequented by throngs of tourists—but take a closer look and you will notice that it remains a favourite amongst Taiwanese natives.

No. 5 Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2341 9984
Daily: 10am – 10pm

LA DOUCEUR PATISSERIE

Macaron lovers will have to make a special trip to La Douceur Patisserie, because this is where you can find Taipei’s best macarons. Macarons aside, you can also try their other decadent creations such as Matcha Cake, Cherry Mousse and 72% Dark Chocolate Tart.

No. 223, Jinhua Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Tel: +886 2 3322 2833
Sun to Thu: 1pm – 9pm
Fri and Sat: 1pm – 10pm

L’AIR CAFE NEO BISTRO

Are you a fan of French cuisine or know someone that is? Then you certainly have to check out L’Air Cafe Neo Bistro. We suggest you go for their set lunch (NT$2,200) as it allows you to savour the restaurant’s signature dishes at a very reasonable price.

No. 5, Lane 164, Jinhua Sreet
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 3343 3937
Closed on Wednesdays
Thu to Tue: 11.30am – 10pm

LU SANG

On the hunt for authentic Taiwanese dishes? Then look no further. Lu Sang’s affordable and well-curated menu boasts delicacies originating from Yilan (a region located along the east coast of Taiwan) and is arguably one of the best local restaurants at Yongkang Street.

No. 12-5, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2351 3323
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm

OMA URSEL’S GERMAN BAKERY

Oma Ursel’s German Bakery’s facade resembles a European cottage. Set food inside and you will realise you are not too far from it. The bakery is lined with shelves of freshly baked bread and pastries, but you too can opt for dine-in and indulge in German classics such as Bratwurst Sausages.

No. 8, Lane 10, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 2447
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm

PETIT POT

Experience a little slice of Paris at Yongkang Street’s Petit Pot. Sink your teeth into zesty Lemon Tarts (NT$50), Hokkaido Strawberry Shortcake (NT$150) and whatnot. Everything here is so beautiful – good luck resisting all these temptations!

No. 8, Lane 12, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 27013901
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm

ROSE HOUSE

The Victoria-themed restaurant Rose House can be easily spotted afar with its dark-blue curtains and window frames. Catch up with your girlfriends over a Little Prince Afternoon Tea Set (NT$399) which comprises cheesecake, bacon burger, creme brûlée, rose lychee jelly, rose macaron, roll cake, scone, quiche and petite sandwiches.

No. 1, Lane 3, Li Shui Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2394 8202
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11am – 11pm

SLACK SEASON

Slack Season—otherwise known as Tu Hsiao Yueh—actually originates from Tainan. You can now savour the famous dan dan noodles without having to travel down south. Why not?

No. 9-1, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 3393 1325
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

SMOOTHIE HOUSE

One of Taiwan’s most popular and bestselling shaved ice stores, Smoothie House is renowned for their mango snowflake ice.

No. 15, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2341 8555
Daily: 10am – 11pm

SUN MERRY

Sun Merry is located directly beside Dong Men MRT Station so it is almost impossible to miss it. The local bakery sells an assortment of breads, cakes and other pastries. You can also purchase boxes of Feng Li Shu home as souvenirs.

No. 186, Section 2, Xinyi Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 0224
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm

THE GREEN STEPS

Surprise, surprise! The Green Steps is a tranquil cafe – situated away from the main streets of Yongkang – characterised by its surrounding lush greenery. Coffee served at this underrated cafe is however slightly expensive and you can expect to pay NT$180 for a cappuccino.

No. 27, Lane 243, Jinhua Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 3719
Daily: 11am – 11pm

TIAN JING CONG ZHUA BING

We spotted the crowd surrounding roadside vendor Tian Jing Cong Zhua Bing from far away. From what we know, the street hawkers have been busy flipping scallion pancakes for many years – yep, they have been around before Yongkang Street got gentrified by third-wave cafes.

No.1, Alley 6, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2322 2765

YONGKANG BEEF NOODLES

Yongkang Beef Noodles is an institution in Taipei – and you can find endless write-ups about in many printed and online travel guides. There is a wide selection of noodles and soup to choose from, but of course you have to try their famous beef noodles (NT$180)!

No. 17, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan S Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2351 1051
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 4.30pm – 9pm

YI PIN

Yi Pin is a speciality bubba tea store and we fell head over heels for their fragrant concoctions. Stick to milk tea beverages such as Roast Oolong Milk Tea (NT$55) or try their special drinks such as Guava Oolong Tea (NT$65) and Lemon Winter Melon with Bail Seed (NT$55).

No. 150, Jinhua Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2358 3825
Daily: 11am – 10pm

ZANG TIAN KA FEI DOU

There are no English signboard or whatsoever here and it turns out that Zang Tian Ka Fei Dou sells coffee beans. Budding and experienced baristas who would love to make their own coffees should definitely pay a visit.

No. 91, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2392 7770
Daily: 2pm – 9pm

ZENIQUE

Spoil yourselves silly with Zenique’s unique tea-based desserts such as Jardin des Fraises, Kyoto Matcha, Rose Versailles and Tarte Aux Fraises. Prices range from NT$160 to NT$180 per slice. Zenique also sells nine different flavours of macarons (NT$60 each).

No. 8, Lane 4, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2395 1558
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11am – 10.30pm

ZQG TEA & ICE

You might easily walk past ZQG Tea & Ice without noticing it. The near all-white interiors are brightened up by colourful tins of tea. Walk further in and be greeted by a gelato counter that contains freshly churned tea-based ice cream. Give their UJI Matcha and Oolong Tea ice cream a shot!

No. 30, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2356 9090
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Thu: 1pm – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm

8% ICE CREAM SHOP

As its name suggests, 8% Ice Cream Shop sells smooth gelato, creamy soft serve and icy popsicles; hence a must-visit especially during summertime. Attention-grabbing flavours include pumpkin sesame and pink grapefruit earl grey.

No. 6, Lane 13, Yongkang Street
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2395 6583
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

Read: 25 Reasons To Love Taipei

As its name implies, BRICK Works Café – located in Taipei Arena – is a Lego-themed café. The interesting concept features a spacious dining area and an onsite Lego toy store. We made a special visit to BRICK Works Café and confirmed that it is indeed an ideal playground for Lego fans.

There are plenty of Lego bricks displayed here. You can either admire the splendid exhibits or give into temptation and purchase some. Done with shopping? Now, you can sink your teeth into instagram-worthy food modelled after your favourite childhood toy whilst watching The Lego Movie.

Sit on Lego-inspired furniture, hug a Lego-figurine cushion, eat Lego-themed dishes and watch The Lego Movie while being surrounded by all things Lego. Yeah, it might sound a little over the top… But Lego lovers will be truly ecstatic with this fun-filled experience! Who said adults can’t have fun?

Maximise your trip here and customise a mini Lego figurine at NT$100 each. This hands-on opportunity allows you to unleash your creative potential and expand your Lego collection. From Disney Pixar Mini Figures to Nano Blocks, you can easily lose yourself in BRICK Work’s sheer number of Lego products.

Wrap up your trip with BRICK Works Cafe’s Lego Waffle (NT$180). The decadent baked treat – crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside – was served with sugar cereal, whipped cream, colourful rice, chocolate sauce and a scoop of mango ice cream on the side.

Even if you are not a Lego fan, we are certain that your kids will love this place.

BRICK Works Taipei
No. 2, Section 4, Nanjing East Road
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: 02-25789253
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Taipei Arena

For more recommendations, read our guide to 10 Best Themed Cafes & Restaurants in Taipei.

Taipei is renowned for their wide selection of night markets and interestingly themed cafes and restaurants which are pretty damn impressive. We have sieved out some Instagram-worthy destinations that you need to check out when in the popular Taiwanese city.

From Alice In Wonderland, Hello Kitty to Lego, here are 10 Best Themed Cafes and Restaurants In Taipei that you would definitely want to check out. We are not even exaggerating when we say people from all over the world flock to Taipei just to dine at these cafes!

Source: Amandalingg

#1 ALICE IS COMING

Fans of Alice In Wonderland can teleport themselves to this fantasy realm at Alice Is Coming. Enjoy a Mad Hatter Tea Party with your friends and sink your teeth into delectable sweet treat—all presented on gorgeous cake stands.

You do all these whilst sitting in life-size tea cups!

No. 111, Yanping S Rd
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Tel: +886 2 2311 0210
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Ximen

#2 BRICK WORKS

BRICK Works is a cafe-cum-store in Taipei dedicated to everyone’s all-time favourite childhood toy, LEGO. These bricks have fascinated generations and even sparked inspiration.

BRICK Works allows you to play with LEGO while eating LEGO-themed food.

No. 1, Yumen St, Zhongshan District
Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2597 9518
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9pm
Fri: 12pm – 9.30pm
Sat: 11am – 9.30pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Taipei Arena

#3 GUDETAMA CHEF

As its name suggests, Gudetama Chef is a Gudetama-themed cafe and is a dream come true for all Gudetama fans.From the waitresses’ uniform to dishes and plates, no expenses have been spared to ensure that Gudetama Chef has a Gudetama looking at you from every possible angle.

From the waitresses’ uniform to dishes and plates, no expenses have been spared to ensure that Gudetama Chef has a Gudetama looking at you from every possible angle.

No. 12, Lane 236, Section 1, Dunhua S Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2752 9520
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Dunhua

#4 HELLO KITTY KITCHEN & DINING

Hello Kitty cafes are aplenty across Asia and you can visit one right in Taipei City’s Da’an District.

Hello Kitty Kitchen & Dining is all decked all in pink and the desserts here are not spared from the cat’s face. The only problem? They look so cute that you might not bear to eat them.

No. 90, Section 1 Da’an Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2711 1132
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Fuxing

Source: Haruhii

#5 KUMAMON CAFE

Fictional character Kumamon is a Japanese mascot created in 2010 for a tourism campaign, but it has since then gained an insanely huge following. Treat yourselves to a Kumamon-themed Mucha Pancake (NT$360) whilst hugging a gigantic Kumamon toy.

Creepy or cute? You decide.

No. 42, Section 1, Nanjing E Rd
Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2541 5837
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 8.30pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Zhongshan

Source: Rilakkuma

#6 RILAKKUMA CAFE

Japanese cartoon characters have clearly taken the world by storm and Rilakkuma is one of the kawaii creations. A direct translation indicates that Rilakkuma literally means ‘bear in relaxed mood, and it is exactly what it is!

Taipei’s Rilakkuma Cafe is very popular and reservations are necessary to avoid disappointment.

No. 3, Lane 248, Section 4, Zhongxiao E Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2773 0303
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Source: Machi Doggie

#7 MACHI DOGGIE COFFEE

Pooch-friendly Machi Doggie Coffee is owned by Jay Chou’s wife Hannah Quinlivan. The dog-friendly cafe is dedicated to her pup Machi—where you can indulge in food presented in the most adorable presentations. Even the cups and plates are imprinted with Machi’s face.

The famous couple do make a special appearances from time to time!

No. 162, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd
Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Tel: +886 2 2311 2227
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ximen

Source: When On Earth

#8 MODERN TOILET RESTAURANT

The Modern Toilet Restaurant will have you sitting on a toilet bowl and eating from a toilet bowl. We are not even kidding.

Must-order dishes include the Modern Toilet Chicken Curry and Chocolate Ice Cream—both are intended to mimic the idea of eating poop. Holy shit.

108, Taiwan, Taipei City
Wanhua District, Lane 50, Xining S Rd
Tel: +886 2 2311 8822
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ximen

Source: Oia Cafe

#9 OIA CAFE

Oia Cafe is home to a few free-roaming alpacas and if you have been meaning to play with one, here is your opportunity!

The cafe serves an array of Western-style dishes such as pasta and steaks. You can even feed the alpacas carrots and remember to take a selfie with them.

252, Sanzhi District
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2636 3766
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tamsui

Source: Yuki Blog

#10 ZOO COFFEE

Zoo Coffee is a popular South Korean chain and an outlet has finally arrived in the capital of Taiwan. The spacious coffee shop is characterised by its zoo theme; think cushions printed with zebra stripes, wooden shelves shaped after elephants and lingering monkey plush toys.

No. 337, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2717 7508
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Taipei Arena

Taipei might as well be known as the city of night markets, deep fried goodies and shopping districts. But throughout the extensive selection of street snacks to feast on, there is definitely a couple that stands out and deemed as what you must try.

If you ever find yourself in Ximending—otherwise known as the hipster area of Taipei—look out for Ah Chung Mian Xian.

Yes, you would probably have heard of it and many of you may have already tried it. But if you haven’t, here’s why you should.

At first glance, the stall appears inconspicuous. It is a small little outlet, with interiors that don’t necessarily scream ‘viral food location’. But you will still see crowds of customers and eager patrons standing around, slurping from disposable bowls and spoons.

Mian xian directly translates to the mee sua that we have here in Singapore—only this one in Taipei is served up with rich, thick gravy, and is accompanied with braised pig intestines. You can even choose to add as much condiments as you wish; parsley, vinegar and chilli oil…

You can choose from a small bowl which costs NT$50 (S$2.15) and a big bowl which costs NT$60 (S$2.58).

These noodles are best eaten piping hot, and they taste exceptionally warm and lovely in winter.

Ah Chung Mian Xian
No. 8-1, Emei Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Sat – Sun: 10.30am – 11pm
Tel: +886-2-2388-8808
Nearest station: Ximending

No trip to Taiwan is complete until you have checked out the bustling night markets which boast a plethora of street food and retail options. There are many night markets across Taipei and Shida Night Market is one of the places that you should include in your itinerary.

Located in a university area, Shida Night Market is exceptionally popular amongst the local youth community. But Shida Night Market is not limited to just the natives; it is also a tourist attraction on its own. There are many vendors here – and they do have a tendency to relocate within the compound itself, so keep your eyes peeled as you make your way through the market!

From Arnor Crepe’s cooked-to-order crisp crepes, Hsu Ji’s pan-fried pork buns to Niu Lao Da’s aromatic beef noodles, here is our guide To Taipei’s Shida Night Market.

#1 ARNOR CREPE

A long queue is formed outside Arnor Crepe and you can choose from a wide selection of sweets and savouries. Upon placing your order, the batter is poured onto the griddle and cooked till golden brown. Sauces and toppings are added onto the crispy crepe and viola, these fragrant crepes are good to go.

#2 DENG LONG LU WEI

Deng Long Lu Wei might be pretty difficult to locate for those who do not know traditional Mandarin, but you can easily identify the stall with its hanging red lanterns.

The concept is similar to Yong Tau Foo i.e. pick whatever ingredients you fancy (the variety is amazing!) and place them in a basket. The food will then be chopped up and cooked in a savoury broth.

#3 HSU JI

Established in 1984, Hsu Ji sells only Sheng Jian Baos aka Pan-fried Dumpling stuffed with Minced Pork. The relentless queue formed outside Hsu Ji is a testimony to its popularity—which is unsurprising, given how it has been featured in so many media publications.

#4 LAO TIAN TIAN

Lao Tian Tian specialises in homemade desserts and over here, you can treat yourselves to refreshing grass jelly and shaved ice dessert.

#5 NIU LAO DA

When directly translated, Niu Lao Da literally means Beef Boss. The eatery is best known for its beef noodles, but its other chef-recommended dishes such as handcrafted dumplings and beef roll pancakes are equally well-received too.

#6 SHENG CHAO HUA ZHI

Drop by Sheng Chao Hua Zhi for some wok-fried sliced fresh squid. The succulent and chewy seafood is served in a viscous stock alongside bamboo shoot, carrots, garlic and red pepper etc. The soup is characterised by a distinct sourness.

#7 SHI YUN

Shi Yun has been around for more than three decades and its deep-fried chicken is arguably the most famous dish. But take a closer look at the display and you will see a display of beancurd, mushrooms, vegetables and more.

Place your desired ingredients into the basket, hand it over to the chef and he/she will fry them into a glorious mess.

#8 SINGAPORE CURRY

Venture into one of Shida Night Market’s smaller alleyway and you might chance upon Singapore Curry.

The mini eatery is also known as Ah Li Ma Ma. Already craving for Singaporean cuisine after all that deep-fried chicken cutlets and bubble tea? Well, visit Singapore Curry to satisfy your cravings.

#9 YU BAN BU NENG

Yu Ban Bu Neng piqued our attention with its seemingly dodgy set up and snaking queue formed around it. Initially, we were mistaken that they might have been selling raw boneless chicken—but it turns out that the makeshift stall is selling Salted Water Chicken served in plastic takeout bags. You can choose from a handful of ingredients to complement the chicken.

#10 SHOPPING

The trailing retail stores actually constitute a huge component of Shida Night Market. There are many trendy fashion stores selling accessories and apparels for both men and women. It is also worth mentioning that a significant number of stores are dedicated to mobile gadgets.

Shida Night Market
Lane 39, Shida Road
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Taipower Building

For more recommendations, read our food & travel guides to Taipei.

Everyone has had their fair share of fancy afternoon teas on a three-tier cake stand, but have you had brunch from a suitcase? This dining concept is complete new to us too and if you are interested – it is available right in the heart of Taipei city centre.

It is a signature dish at TankQ Cafe & Bar, where avid travellers can take their incurable wanderlust to a whole new epic level.

We arrived TankQ Cafe & Bar before its official opening time – and there was already a queue formed outside.

We heard about the local eatery from our Airbnb host and she described it as ‘the place where you could eat from a luggage’. There were no online english reviews and no english menu to refer to – and that was when we knew we had found a locals-only dining gem.

Everything on the menu is prepared freshly upon order, hence TankQ Cafe & Bar has stated that a minimum waiting time of half an hour is required before your food is ready.

Indeed, we waited at least 40 minutes before our food and drinks were served. Due to its overwhelming popularity, there is a maximum allocated dining duration of two hours for each table.

The Hot Latte (NT$150) and Hot Mocha (NT$160) took us by surprise as they were served in the cutest Baymax and Spiderman mugs. Each hot beverage is complemented with a chocolate brownie, gummy bear, aeroplane savoury biscuit and colourful sugar cereals.

We ordered their popular Breakfast Set (NT$320) which was served in a closed rustic wooden suitcase. Open the luggage and unveil its edible contents – buns, chicken sausages, fries, mashed potato, salad, scrambled eggs, smoked bacon and three different sauces. The portion is incredibly filling and the Breakfast Set is recommended for sharing between two diners.

TankQ Cafe & Bar
No. 3-2, Lane 90, Songjiang Road
Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2521 9930
Daily: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Songjiang Nanjing

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Taipei might just be one of the most underrated cities to visit. It doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie, a shopper, or if you simply enjoy marvelling at the wonders of nature – Taipei will have you covered.

So many street snacks to love, so many night markets to roam at, so many more karaoke sessions that we need, so many cultural centres to visit. Taipei is one destination in Asia you must visit.

Here are 25 Reasons To Love Taipei.

#1 THE CITYSCAPE AND ITS ORGANISED MESS

You’ve longed to see iconic skylines in cities like Paris and New York, but Taiwan’s scenic cityscape also holds its own charm. Signboards are everywhere, mostly with Chinese characters that we can’t read – but this mess is precisely what we appreciate.

#2 TAIWAN MILK TEA

Taiwan is home to many good milk teas. They come in bottles of all sizes and patterns, and can be easily found at all the convenience stores. Just pick one up at random and chances are it won’t disappoint.

#3 STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Taiwan might not be the origin of dumplings, but you will be able to find tons of these all over the streets. A plate of piping hot steamed dumplings are what we yearn for the most when we visit in the cold December.

#4 THE EFFICIENT METRO SYSTEM

Getting around the country is easy, especially when their metro system is clean, organised and very efficient. And inexpensive, of course.

#5 THE SHEER NUMBER OF NIGHT MARKETS

This goes without saying. Taiwan’s sheer number of night markets means every night will be occupied and fulfilling. We love roaming these markets and hunting for the best street hawkers and snack stalls.

#6 DIN TAI FUNG

Taiwan is, after all, the birthplace of the world-famous Din Tai Fung. Take things up a notch by visiting the brand’s very first outlet in Xinyi road.

#7 THE ARRAY OF CONVENIENCE STORES AT THE READY

Sounds silly, but if you’ve stepped in to one at Taiwan, you would realize how much it eases your life! Apart from the usual routines like picking up a snack or a drink, you can pay your utility bills, buy movie tickets, use the ATM, have your blood pressure measured, print documents and so much more – all within one convenience store.

Read more about the 12 Things That Make Taiwanese Convenience Stores So Awesome.

#8 YONG KANG STREET – A DINING DESTINATION IN TAIPEI

Yong Kang Street is a dining destination in Taipei. Whether its cheap and delicious Taiwanese snacks like ‘cong zhua bing’, shaved ice mountain or beef noodles; nice and chic cafes where you can get a cup of good coffee and desserts; or niche boutiques selling lifestyle products – there are plenty of options at Yong Kang Street. You can easily spend a day wandering in the alleys.

#9 TAIPEI 101 TOWER

When in Taipei, the Taipei 101 Tower is a must-see. The magnificent giant houses offices and many retail shops. Going up the tower will allow you to get an aerial view of the entire city too.

#10 CHIA TE’S SUNCAKCES AND PINEAPPLE TARTS

Chia Te makes some of the best Taiwanese pastries, and the queues outside their stores – comprising both locals and tourists – is proof of that statement.

#11 THE BEAUTIFUL STREETS OF JIUFEN

Jiufen retains an old-world charm; think bright red lanterns and cobbled pavement. The narrow, snaking streets are made up of souvenir and snack stalls. Jiufen is also a popular filming spot for Taiwanese TV programmes!

Read about the 7 Must-try Local Food at Taiwan’s Jiufen Old Street.

#12 PETS ARE PART OF BOUTIQUES

It is not every day that you get to play with Toy Poodles while shopping for your clothes in a local boutique. Taiwanese sure love their pets and they bring them along to work!

#13 FUJIN STREET – THE OTHER YONGKANG STREET

This is the other Yongkang Street you never knew about.

Primarily a residential area, Fujin Street is an upcoming area in Taipei that is littered with coffee shops and lifestyle boutiques. It is still pretty untouched by tourism, and the quaintness is exactly what we appreciate.

Read our guide on What To See & What To Eat at Fujin Street.

#14 SMITH & HSU TEA & SCONE SALON

For us, no trip to Taipei s complete without visiting the renown tea salon. They serve some of the best scones we’ve ever tasted, along with a myriad of fragrant tea flavours to choose from.

#15 XIMENDING

Ximending is probably the most bustling area in Taipei. This is where youngsters head to for some shopping fix and food. While the retail aspect is pretty acquired, we love Ximending for its food options.

#16 ALPACAS

Alpaca Cafe is real, and Oia Cafe is where you need to be at.

Oia Cafe is home to a few alpacas and they roam around freely in the cafe. Play with these adorable white creatures and feed them with carrots or food that are approved by the cafe’s owner—this is also the best way to get the alpacas to take a selfie with you.

#17 THE ENDLESS STREET FOOD

Fried squid, fried XXL chicken, sweet potato balls, taro chips, Taiwanese hot dogs, pork buns, milk tea, bittergourd juice… and the list goes on and on. Taipei is not for those who are on slimming diets.

And we say just eat to your heart’s content. The myriad of street food options is simply mind-boggling!

#18 ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT

Addiction Aquatic Development is a massive space that houses fresh seafood and aquamarine products, a large Japanese-style supermarket, and many themed restaurants and food kiosks under one roof.

It stands head and shoulders above other famous seafood markets in the world such as Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market, Sydney’s Fish Market, and Perth’s Fremantle Market.

Watch our video of Addiction Aquatic Development on our Facebook page.

#19 KARAOKE SESSIONS

Because karaoke sessions are the best in Taipei. Holding personal concerts are what we do best, especially when the karaoke systems and rooms in Taipei are so impressive.

The song list is unbeatable too, for after all, Taipei is home to Mando-pop.

#20 AY-CHUNG MEE SUA

Yes, it is touristy. And yes, there are better mee sua in Taipei. But you know what? We still go to Ay-Chung Mee Sua every time we are in Taipei. It always hits the spot.

#21 THE PHOTOGENIC CITY STREETS

Let’s face it—Taipei has clean streets and you like your nice OOTD shots taken against the iconic background of motorcycles and yellow taxis, yes?

#22 DUNHUA SHOPPING AREA

This district in Taipei is home to a huge amount of stores selling new-age clothing. It is where the shoppers should know about.

#23 THE NEVER-ENDING AMOUNT OF SHOE STORES

Taiwanese seem to be really into the sports-luxe trend. Bagging home a pair of sneakers or two is easy peasy with the sheer number of options availabile—New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Ked’s and more.

#24 SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL

It is almost like a ritual for all first-timers to Taipei—a visit to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, who was the National Father to The Republic of China. It is a multi-purpose centre to learn more about Dr Sun’s contribution and his life.

The main entrance to the hall also contains a statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen. The renown guards-changing ceremony takes place hourly at the memorial hall’s entrance too.

#25 TRAIN RIDES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

You can take train rides to get from the city to more rural areas like Hualien. The trains are very comfortable, making the ride so much more painless. The trains will go past forests and mountains and rivers, and we love admiring those scenic landscapes along the way.

FOR MORE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO GO, READ OUR TAIPEI’S FOOD AND TRAVEL GUIDES.

If you don’t already know, Gudetama is an anthropomorphic Japanese egg yolk characterised by its laziness. It only made its debut in 2013, but has since gained “recognition” globally. We kid you not. From cushions to notebooks, Gudetama’s iconic sluggish body is now imprinted on almost every object thinkable.

So it is without surprise that an entire restaurant dedicated to the Gudetama has opened in Taipei’s Da’an District. The new Gudetama-themed restaurant—called Gudetama Chef—is currently Taipei’s latest craze and bookings are mandatory.

No expenses have been spared to ensure that an apathetic Gudetama is in both your central and peripheral vision at every possible angle. Food aside, even the ceiling lamps, furniture, plates and waitresses’ uniforms at Gudetama Chef are intentionally emblazoned with the world-famous lazy egg.

We dropped by Taipei’s newly opened Gudetama Chef restaurant on a Monday afternoon, only to be politely turned away.

“Gudetama Chef is fully booked for the rest of today,” the Taiwanese waitress—donning an egg-yolk hair clip—apologised. She then proceeded to apologise and reject several others who were all hoping to score a seat at the kawaii restaurant.

Time check? It was 1.45pm. We were expecting it to be quiet then, but the reverse was true.

Fortunately, we managed to score a reservation the following day at lunchtime. Interestingly, we watched the same saga unfold—endless people being turned away. Gudetama Chef’s overwhelming popularity is truly astounding. Everyone was on snap happy mode; patrons posed with the yellow-bricked walls as if the eatery’s façade was a Taiwanese landmark.

The menu features a comprehensive selection of salad, burger, pasta, pizza, risotto, pancakes and desserts. Needless to say, every dish will feature at least one idle Gudetama.

Our Tricolour Slush (NT$260) came in a Gudetama-printed plastic bottle. Yes, you can take the bottle home!

We had the Deep-fried Platter (NT$480) and Butter Fried Rice (NT$320)—the former comprises a basket of French fries, Taiwanese sausages, boneless chicken chunk and scotch eggs; the latter consists of Gudetama-shaped butter fried rice, fish and mixed vegetables. The menu claims that the fried rice would be ‘Best in the World’ but we beg to differ.

All in all, the food was fairly decent but there is honestly nothing much to shout about. Evidently, its success lies in the novelty of dining in a Gudetama paradise.

Taipei is too far away? Fret not. Singapore is jumping on the bandwagon and will be opening a Gudetama Café in Suntec City at the end of this November.

Gudetama Chef
No. 12, Lane 236, Section 1, Dunhua S Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2752 9520
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Dunhua

The quaint tree-lined Fujin Street is one of Taipei’s best-kept secrets. Spanning across 800 metres, this up-and-coming Taiwanese neighbourhood boasts an eclectic mix of chic boutiques, hipster cafes and furniture stores. It is also one of Taiwan’s most underrated but trendiest lifestyle destinations, and celebrities are often spotted in this vicinity!

Fujin Street is equivalent to Singapore’s hipster neighbourhoods Tiong Bahru and Haji Lane. The shops that line Fujin Street are tastefully designed and exude a mesmerising rustic charm; think brick walls, concrete floors and potted plants. The façade of these retail stores make a perfect backdrop for your OOTD and we felt like we were browsing through Pinterest—but in real life.

From boutique florist Botanica, Fujin Tree 353 Cafe by Simple Kaffa, Restaurant Pinecone to fashion apparel store BEAMS, here is our Guide to Taipei’s Fujin Street and the 15 Cafes and Shops To Check Out.

#1 BEAMS

You might know BEAMS—a fashion apparel store selling both womenswear and menswear—from Japan.

Trendy finds and eclectic designs are part of the norm at BEAMS, and Fashionistas should definitely make a stop here to check out what BEAMS has to offer.

No. 340, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 8.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#2 BEANS AND BEATS

Taiwanese hip-hop music label Kao! Inc shares the same space as Beans and Beats.

The former was created first, but its soaring popularity has since then encouraged its owner to start serving coffee and food to its customers. Today, Beans and Beats is a 2-in-1 concept coffeehouse.

No. 346, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2765 5533
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7pm
Sat and Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#3 BOTANICA

Botanica is such a beautiful boutique florist that you wouldn’t be able to walk past it without doing a double take. From mini bouquets to stalks of roses, the head-turner sells a variety of flowers that will brighten up any girl’s day.

No. 470, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 749 1533
Nearest Station: Nanjing Sanmin

#4 CAFE MODE

Cafe Mode was established in 2013 and the spacious cafe has a unique theme: Wooden rocking horse.

The cafe has an open kitchen where you can catch all the preparation in action. Treat yourselves to Mont Blanc Chestnut Tart (NTS$150) or Chocolate Waffle with Fresh Banana (NTS$180).

No. 376, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2748 6333
Daily: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#5 DE’A

At first glance, de’A resembles a modern furniture store. But set foot inside and you will soon realise that it is in fact a Zakka store which sells bags, watches and more.

For the uninitiated, Zakka is a Japanese terminology which refers to absolutely everything and almost anything that seeks to improve your life and the aesthetics revolving around it.

No. 348, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10588
Tel: +886 2 2747 7276
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#6 FUJIN TREE 352

Fujin Tree 352 is a furniture shop brought to you by the Fujin Tree Group. Actually, many shops here are operated by the same group and you can pretty much attribute the street’s gradual gentrification movement to Fujin Tree Group.The pretty space is extremely

The pretty space is extremely Instagram-worthy and all design enthusiasts should drop by for some creative inspiration.

No. 352, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10583
Tel: +886 2 2767 5196
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 8.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#7 FUJIN TREE 353 CAFE BY SIMPLE KAFFA

As its name suggests, Fujin Tree 353 Cafe by Simple Kaffa is yet another successful business venture by the Fujin Tree Group. This cafe is definitely the most popular one in the Fujin vicinity.

Coffee is serious business here and you can choose your beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya or Indonesia. Craft beers and Asian-inspired cafe nosh are available too. And occasional pastries include Swiss rolls and matcha cakes.

353, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2749 5225
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#8 FUN FUN TOWN

Turn into one of Fujin Street’s alleyways and you will chance upon Fun Fun Town. The multi-concept venue has a lot of stuff going on; expect a curated collection of mini potted plants, indie-looking postcards, traditional handicrafts and even imported artpieces.

No. 2, Alley 1, Lane 359, Fujin St
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2766 5916
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wed to Sun: 1pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#9 HAVE A NICE

If oriental intricate handicrafts excites you, then Have A Nice will be your ultimate paradise. The shop—also a brainchild of the Fujin Tree Group—promotes numerous independent Japanese boutique brands and showcases their very limited stocks. The venue is also a popular space for private events.

The shop—also a brainchild of the Fujin Tree Group—promotes numerous independent Japanese boutique brands and showcases their very limited stocks. The venue is also a popular space for private events.

No. 479, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2760 0709
Daily: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Nanjing Sanmin

#10 KYUSHU PANCAKE CAFE

Kyushu Pancake Cafe’s pancakes sell out like hotcakes. The popular chain originates from Japan and you can sample their original Kyushu Pancake Plain (NTS$180) or opt for something savoury, such as the Kyushu Pancake Egg Benedict (NTS$290).

No. 413, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2749 5253
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat and Sun: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport / Nanjing Sanmin

#11 PAUSA

Pausa is a minimalistic cafe that specialises in coffee and confectionery. Order a Cappucino (NTS$150) and complete your tea break with a Matcha Red Bean Roll (NTS$150) or Matcha Waffle with Ice Cream (NTS$250).

No. 344, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 27657996
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#12 PETIT PROVENCE

Petit Provence resembles a facade of a quaint French country cottage; it is every bit photogenic.

From candles, ceramics, scents to tableware, it is a retail store with a comprehensive variety of home decor items that are imported from Italy and Southern France.

No. 447, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 27681618
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 7pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport / Nanjing Sanmin

Petit Provence

#13 PERFIT

Find the perfect fit at sporting goods shop Perfit. The tastefully designed store boasts rows of backpacks, running shoes and even a yoga studio.

We totally dig the entire set up and their shelves of sports apparels!

No. 393, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2767 1266
Daily: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport

#14 POPOVER

Popover is Fujin Street’s newest addition, and the modern-looking dessert shop’s primary focus is on handcrafted sweet treats. Look forward to lemon curd choux pastries, fork-shaped baked pastries and whatnot.

No. 446, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2761 2298
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport / Nanjing Sanmin

#15 RESTAURANT PINECONE

Restaurant Pinecone is an Italian restaurant—probably the only one on that street—and props to the trattoria for such a gorgeous and rustic-looking interior and exterior!

The menu features handmade pastas, gourmet risottos and several other classic Italian delicacies.

No. 449, Fujin Street
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2765 0386
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat and Sun: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Songshan Airport / Nanjing Sanmin

For more recommendations, read our Taipei food & travel guides here.

Animal cafes may not be something new to us anymore but an alpaca cafe is definitely something worth talking about! If you are an animal lover and have not heard of Oia Cafe in Taipei, you have to mark this place down for your next visit to Taipei.

Oia Cafe is home to a few alpacas and they roam around freely in the cafe. Yes, you get to play with these adorable white creatures and feed them with carrots or food that are approved by the cafe’s owner—this is also the best way to get the alpacas to take a selfie with you.

Only some alpacas are allowed inside the cafe itself though, so if you want to take a look at the other alpacas, just walk out to the small farm that is situated beside the cafe.

If you are going for lunch, the cafe serves a broad range of dishes from steak to baked rice and Italian pastas – mostly priced between NT$280 to NT$520.

Photo Credits: Oia Cafe

Cute as the alpacas may be, these furry animals have a tendency to chew on anything they can get their mouths on. Unless you do not mind leaving the cafe in a crumpled shirt, make sure you do not put on your favourite top when visiting the cafe!

Oia Cafe
252, Sanzhi District
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2636 3766
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tamsui

Think Taipei is all about Taipei 101 and Shilin Night Market? Not really. Addiction Aquatic Development is the place to visit when in Taipei.

Addiction Aquatic Development is a massive space that houses fresh seafood and aquamarine products, a large Japanese-style supermarket, and many themed restaurants and food kiosks under one roof. It is developed by Mitsui food and beverage enterprise group, who also owns several established Japanese restaurants in Taipei, including Mitsui - our favourite Japanese restaurant in the city.

Sitting near the Songshan Airport, and what used to be the old Taipei Fish Market, it is now an upscale and classy market with Addiction Aquatic Development. It stands head and shoulders above other famous seafood markets in the world such as Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market, Sydney’s Fish Market, and Perth’s Fremantle Market.

LIVE AQUAMARINE PRODUCTS

At the main entrance, you will be received by the Live Aquamarine area.

The idea is to remove the middleman and to deal directly with consumers. With this, Addiction Aquatic Development is able to pass on the savings through providing reasonably priced live seafood from all over the world.

Expect a spread of fresh oysters, king crabs, lobsters, abalone, uni, scallops and more.

SEAFOOD BAR

The Seafood Bar at Addiction Aquatic Development offers an array of fresh seafood. You can eat to your heart’s content here.

MEAT, GROCERIES AND FLOWER MARKET

Apart from seafood, you can also get imported and local fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. The sheer variety is crazy, and if we were living in Taipei, we know we would be doing our grocery shopping here every week!

Pasta, noodles and grains. Beef, pork and chicken. Oranges, berries and melons.

Salt, sugar and pepper. Butter, cheese and cream. Juice, milk and tea. Anything that you might need in the kitchen; anything at all.

It is one trip to the grocer you’d be happy to take. The choice are aplenty, and any culinary fanatic will have a whale of a time with these groceries!

SUSHI BAR

Our first thought upon seeing the tanks of fish was sushi. So you think Tsukiji Market is the only legit place for fresh nigiri sushi? Addiction Aquatic Development is another!

Beautiful sliced fishes in all sorts of colours sit atop vinegared rice, all prepared fresh before your eyes and awaits at the sushi bar. There are sashimi options too.

SUSHI & SASHIMI TO GO

Well, you can have both the sashimi and sushi to go, too. We bought a box and took it outdoors where the morning air was dewy and fresh, and you bet our breakfast was more than wonderful.

COOKED FOOD DELI

You have your bento sets here, alongside several other mains of the day. This counter boasts a wide selection of cooked food for takeaway, and it is so convenient because you just pick whatever you like, then head out to the large outdoor dining area to enjoy your hot food.

Best suggestion: buy something from the cooked food deli, buy a box of sushi and/or sashimi, grab some drinks from the grocer, then have a communal party at the outdoor dining area with your companions. Everyone gets to eat a bit of everything!

HOTPOT DINING AREA

If raw fish ain’t your thing, there is a hotpot option as well. Think huge pots of seafood goodness, with everything coming fresh from the sea. Expect nothing short of a soup so sweet that bears the essence of the freshness from all the seafood.

A seafood pot starts from NT$980.

OUTDOOR CHARCOAL GRILLED SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

This is one fond experience we would always remember of Addiction Aquatic Development. We had such an amazing meal at the outdoor restaurant where we sat under fairy lights and dined with the best company.

It is simple – you just order whatever you want from grill stalls, and your seafood will be grilled to order and served hot. Those big pots you see are actually charcoal-lit, where your seafood will sit and be kept warm.

That sheer simplicity of fresh, flavourful seafood, complete with red wine and a touch of winter breeze. It is one quintessential meal when at Addiction Aquatic Development.

Addiction Aquatic Development
No. 18, Alley 2, Ln 410, Minzu E Rd
Tel: (02) 2508 1268
Daily: 6am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Zhongshan Jr. High School Station/ XingTian Temple Station

For more recommendations, read our Taipei city guides on the best places to eat, see, and do.

Everyone knows Beauty In The Pot (in Singapore), but do you know that the concept is inspired by Taiwanese brand, Wu Lao Guo? More interestingly known as “elixir health pot”, this is one of the most popular hotpot places in Taipei, and there are three outlets across the city – every one is packed daily and reservations are most definitely required.

And you may wonder why they are so popular. That’s simply because they are more than just a hotpot restaurant. If you’ve been to Beauty In The Pot and you are familiar with the works – ingredients, soup and post-meal palate cleanser – then you must know that Wu Lao Guo was the one who created this trend.

The million dollar question – is Wu Lao Guo worth a visit when in Taipei?

Without a doubt, yes it is. For one, we always need to understand the original product before we can assess and do a fair comparison, right?

But apart from that, Wu Lao Guo won our hearts in many ways.

THE AMBIANCE

Comfortable, spacious and private. Every group has their own booth and space, so there is no need to eat elbow to elbow, nor worry that someone else would be staring at you while you stuff your face with food.

And at every booth, you can help yourself to the wet towels and toothpicks with no additional charge.

THE SERVICE

Taiwanese are known to be friendlier and service-oriented, and though we do not experience this everywhere in Taipei, we sure did here at Wu Lao Guo. The staff are eager to help, and they make sure you are comfortable with everything that you would need for your meal.

Intermittently, they go around from table to table, and generously dunk chunks of pig’s blood (don’t gag yet) into your broth. We know it is not something for everyone, and you really don’t have to eat it (though those who do really truly madly deeply love it) because it is meant to keep your broth sweet and flavourful.

If your soup has “lost its flavour” from the addition of a complicated mix of ingredients, just call for the staff and they will gladly add in the necessary herbs and spices to your broth to recreate the taste.

And yes, they have the signature post-meal palate cleanser that is complementary, too. For the uninitiated, when you are done with your hotpot feast, the staff will bring you a jug of calamansi ice-blended drink. Refreshing to say the least, this palate cleanser is the best way to cleanse your palate so that you won’t leave the restaurant feeling all thirsty and sick from all the savoury food.

THE BROTH

There is the regular broth, and there is the mala (spicy) broth.

We are familiar with the creamy collagen soup in Singapore’s Beauty In The Pot. But the original broth at Wu Lao Guo is actually more herbal than milky. It is still smooth and sweet, except that there is a distinct underlying herbal note that leaves a lingering aftertaste.

But what blew our minds was the “key ingredient” that gave the soup flavour – milky curds that they call ‘tofu ice cream’. Yes, they are made of Japanese milk ice cream, and they are hardened before being added to the soup. It does not melt completely even when stirred, but that is how we were advised to eat it – with it being slightly soggy and airy, like marshmallow.

Totally mind-blown. How does ice cream not melt, and still sweeten the broth?!

Then there is the mala one, which is your usual Sichuan-style soup with lots of peppercorn, dried chilli, star anise, cloves and what-have-you. We always know Sichuan mala soup as, well as its Mandarin name suggests, numbingly spicy. Not too huge a fan of that, but Wu Lao Guo’s rendition didn’t burn and numb our tongues. Instead, it has a slightly thicker consistency and is very drinkable – all these while still boasting a robust flavour that has an addictive primary note of peppercorns.

THE MEATS

The selection is pretty standard – you’ve got your chicken, the different types of beefs and porks.

Then, there is the signature hand-beaten meatballs that we loved so much for its bounciness. Go for the platter of four flavours; we loved the beef ball and shrimp ball the most.

THE OTHERS

Vegetables, mushrooms, dumplings… Pretty much the usual ingredients that people would ask for. And your staples such as rice and noodles are in the menu as well.

Except that we missed our luncheon meat. We were genuinely shocked and disappointed upon flipping the menu for a few times and still not find it at all. All hotpot meals must have luncheon meat; anyone’s with us on this?

Oh, they have quite a range of desserts as well.

THE BEVERAGES

Now, what is hotpot without some beer? We love Wu Lao Guo for their variety.

Dinner wouldn’t have been better without some Taiwan Mango Beer. We paid NT100 per bottle – that is less than S$5! – and it was one of the smoothest and tastier beers we’ve ever had.

Otherwise, there are your regular soft drinks, and a series of teas to pick from – think oolong tea and citron tea.

THE PRICE

Wu Lao Guo may not be the cheapest hotpot restaurant in Taipei, but it sure offers great value for money. The quality is generally more premium, and the individual item cost is reasonable.

One thing to note – a base charge is applicable and it goes by per pax, and it depends on the type of broth you order. But it is not any exorbitant amount; just about NT180 per pax.

Wu Lao Guo Elixir Health Pot
No. 124, Section 1, Xinsheng S Road
Tel: +886 2 3322 5529
Daily: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Xinsheng

No. 143, Section 3, Civic Blvd
Tel: +886 2 2731 7928
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Fuxing

Oh, the glorious Taiwanese Oyster Omelette, or orh-ah-jian as they call it. Where do we even begin about this? As much as we love the Oyster Omelettes in Singapore, the ones found in Taiwan has undoubtedly racked it up a few notches.

Whether we are talking about the heavenly union of the gelatinous sweet potato starch and the pan-fried omelette with the freshly poached oysters that will melt in your mouth or the signature red sauce that you can only find in Taiwan – we are extremely certain that once you try them, you cannot (and will never want to) go back.

Not only is it a crowd favourite dish amongst the locals in Taiwan, many tourists have also sworn by it.

HOW IS IT PREPARED?

Primarily, the 3 main ingredients of this dish are Sweet Potato starch, Eggs and Oysters. Yes, three simple ingredients that will deliver a truly amazing concoction. The sweet potato starch is first mixed with water, topped off with salted and pepper before pouring into the heated pan.

After which, fresh oysters are gently added in to the mixture then stir-fried. The finishing step involves cracking in a beaten egg and tossing the ingredients together before they become a delicious mess.

However, the addition of a key ingredient makes the oyster omelettes served in Taiwan different. A sauce made from tomato ketchup, soy paste and sweet chilli is then drenched over the oyster omelette, giving the dish a harmonious combination of sweet and savoury. Sometimes, Taiwanese A-Choy vegetables are mixed in for a healthier choice.

HOW MUCH IS IT SOLD FOR?

Most Taiwanese Oyster Omelettes are sold at an affordable price of NT45 to NT60, which translates to approximately S$1.60 to S$2.80 per plate – depending the exchange rate. It might not be the cheapest Street Food around, but we assure you it will be worth every penny (and calorie) once you take a bite into this irresistible plate of goodness.

For those who have a penchant for spicy food, you can request for additional dollops of chilli and they will kindly add it for you.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?

It can be found almost everywhere, whether is it in their restaurants, popular shopping districts such as Xi Men Ding, or even at their local night markets. You can spot tourists and locals consuming it almost everywhere, so why not take the leap and join in the crowd? We promise you will not be disappointed.

Jiufen is a mountainous attraction located at the Rui Fang District in New Taipei City. With the discovery of gold in the village during the Japanese Occupation, it has slowly boomed since then and is now one of the most favoured destinations among locals and tourists.

Other than being a popular filming spot, Jiufen is home to many incredible snacks and food, and traditional homemade snacks which you can bag home at really affordable prices.

Here are some of the Jiufen Must-Eats which you have to try at least once in your life!

# 1 YU WAN BO ZAI 

Located at the first food stretch of Jiufen, you can easily spot this shop with its bustling crowd. Priced at NT60, the signature set comes with a bowl of piping hot vermicelli and unique balls of fish paste that are freshly beaten daily and boast a springy texture.

#2 LAI AH PO YU YUAN 

Much like Blackball in Singapore, patrons can choose from the hot and cold selections, and every serving comes with handmade taro, sweet potato, green tea balls and kidney beans. It is sold at a very affordable NT35, and is the combat for the scorching sun.

#3 KUROBUTA SAUSAGES 

You will be able to find this snack at almost every corner of Jiufen. When bitten into, the texture of the grilled meat is slightly more tender than usual sausages and it makes the best grab-and-go snack.

#4 AH ZHU PEANUT ICE CREAM 

This stall encourages photo-taking and even has a set-up ready for you to snap your pictures. Every Instagrammer-cum-foodie should be grateful! That said, let’s focus on the goodness of this iconic snack – smooth taro ice cream is served on traditional popiah skin and sprinkled with shaved peanut bits, Ah Zhu Peanut Ice-cream is an all-time favourite and one that we think of immediately every time we reminisce good times at Jiufen!

#5 Grilled Sea Snails

For the more adventurous foodies, you might want to give this a shot! Sharing the same family tree as escargots, the sea snails are grilled freshly and then seasoned with 5-spice sauce before serving. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

#6 CURRY FISH BALLS

The fish balls here at Jiufen are sold at NT20 per stick. Drenched in spicy curry sauce, these springy fish balls are a delight to munch on, and good for sharing. Its robust flavour is unforgettable.

#7 GRILLED MUSHROOMS

Mushroom may sound like a nightmare to many, but trust us when we say you have to try the jumbo mushrooms here at Jiu Fen. They call it the “chicken drumstick mushroom”, simply because they are huge. Grilled and coated with a sweet sauce, then cut into bite-sized pieces, this is a real treat!

#8 AH LAN HAKKA GLUTINOU RICE CAKE 

The traditional glutinous rice cakes sold at Ah Lan are lovingly handmade every day, and comes in sweet red bean or salted vegetable fillings. There are many stalls selling glutinous rice cakes actually, but you just have to spot the long queue and there you have it – the most famous stall at Jiufen – Ah Lan. It is one traditional delight that you must try when you are at Jiufen.

Other than these delectable eats, you might want to visit their Japanese-inspired traditional tea houses to indulge in the art of tea, or simply stop and take in the magnificent sea view. What impressed us most was the picturesque sight of Jiufen’s ascending mountain top.

TO GET TO JIUFEN FROM TAIPEI 

Hop on the train from Taipei Main Station to Rui Fang Station and board the Kee Lung Transit bus headed to Jiufen. It takes approximately an hour to get there.

Alternatively, you can also board Bus 1062 from Zhong Xiao Fu Xing Station. It takes slightly longer, but it will be great if you want to enjoy the scenic view of Northern Taiwan along the way.

For more recommendations, read our food & travel guides on the best things to see, do and eat in Taipei.