One of my top favorite countries.
- Taipei
- Kaohsiung City
- Taichung City
Taipei
Did you know? If I had to choose one cuisine to eat for the rest of my life, it would probably be Taiwanese food! I love their dumplings.. soup.. bakeries!
Accommodation
This trip started out pretty rocky. Tim and I chose our accommodation through Airbnb. It was unbearable and extremely unsafe. There was mold above the bed, attached to the a/c. The bathroom was scary, I don’t even think I used it. The location was hard to find. The neighborhood would make you feel uneasy. Even the Uber driver was confused. It took the next 24 hours to get the accommodation settled. By the end of it, we received a refund and got a discount for the next. 100% better quality at a hotel downtown. A full 180 change of environment. We were at a great score for convenience. We were within the Daan District right as you pop out, there were nearby stores, restaurants, bakeries. We found out later that there was a club on the first floor too.
In between finding a new place to stay, the first meal we had on our rough day was soup. Tim and I each selected a different choice of protein (smoked duck and boneless chicken chop). We were in a district that seem to be where a lot of students would visit. Definitely near a school or on that route. Once we arrived downtown, we enjoyed a snack from a bakery.
By morning I tried a drink from Starbucks that I’ve never seen sold in the States. It was a strawberry pie pure matcha latte. For brunch, Tim and I had dim sum. The restaurant is called Dian Shui Lou address No.64 Huaining Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 100 Taiwan. Afterwards for dessert, I had bubble tea from Sharetea (one that we have in the states and honestly, I just wanted to compare). It tasted exactly the same haha.
By Evening
The bigger night market is known as Raohe St. Night Market. Tim and I had an amazing bun that was Michelin rated. It was rated 4 times, twice with Michelin The Plate (2021, 2020) and twice for Michelin Bib Gourmand (2019, 2018). To this day (01/20/2024), I am not knowledgeable to what the different tiers mean. The line was very long but quick to get to the front. Definitely worth the wait and cost. It appeared to be made with a special process. It looks like a tandoor style oven was used to heat the bread.
That same evening Tim and I met Winnie’s sister and her boyfriend. She made many suggestions and from all the options we selected an all you can eat hot pot which was delicious! It is called Xindian Hotpot, near the Taipei 101 – address: No. 12號, Songshou Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110.
Afterwards we visited the Xinyi District – address: 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Songgao Rd, 19號1樓. Which is super cool hangout area with outdoor drinking. There were different vibes of bars for cocktails. The place we tried was called Draftland. I loved seeing the different elements in the cocktail such as oolong tea, lychee, and osmanthus.
Afterwards, we visited a bar called the Third Floor. It was different and set a bohemian vibe. If you’re feeling a lil’ scavenger hunt surprise, check the second floor bathroom magazine!
We had amazing recommendations that followed soon after / following days.
- Yongkang Beef Noodles (local remonnded + michelin rated, SO GOOD. TIM AND I LOVED) ADVISE TO GO a bit before opening time, there was a line)
- No. 17號, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
- Chinese breakfat and soymilk (local recommended, a typicaly taiwanese breakfast)
- No. 64, Yanji St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
- Bubble Tea called Daily Dae
Another day we spent exploring markets, all nearby in one street.
- Jianguo Jade Market (I have never been to such a large Jade Market)
Jianguo Elevated Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 - Jiangui Holiday Flower Market (down the street from Jade Market)
Not far, further down you’ll meet a beautiful large park. Lots of people of all ages. Tim and I experienced a live violin performance from a local artist. There are multiple picture spots.
For a beautiful sunset,
Tim and I hiked the viewpoint of Taipei 101 building. Known as the Xiangshan Taipei. After we went straight to the night market and got the same baos from the Raohe night market. That’s how you know this spot was delicious!!
The next day by April 3, 2023, Tim and I enjoyed Din Tai Fung – originated in Taiwan, one of my favorite restaurants. After this experience, it is extremely impressive how consistent it is globally (we have many locations at our hometown). Here it had a smart robot to help deliver food and deliver silverware or dishes. Technology felt way ahead of its time when we came to this country.
Flagship store (@ the Taipei 101 Tower) – prepare for a wait time
110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, City Hall Rd, 45號B1
Kaohsiung City
Accommodation: Qianzhen District we stayed in D’well Hostel. It was an interesting experience for us. Majority of the people were students. There was an older guy staying who got had a drinking problem and would blabber for so long. Another distinctive memory is a guy who dormed with us was super cool but clearly stated he ate raw eggs. I remember hearing him jolt out of bed in the middle of night and I’m sure it was to run to the bathroom.. haha!
The hostel offered laundry service and an outdoor patio which would have great potential for a night scene but definitely was unused.
Outside we were located at a convenient street for multiple bubble tea choices/stands, street food and or restaurants. This night, Tim and I discovered that the garbage men play tunes similar to an ice cream truck with picking up trash.
- Wu Pao Chun Bakery – DELICIOUS! – No. 19號, Siwei 3rd Rd, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 802
- Ruifeng Night Market – One of the best spots!!! Zneg’s Fujian chaomian – No. 410, Nanping Road, Zuoying, Kaohsiung 813 Taiwan Here we enjoyed stir fry noodle with (from the next door food stall) Xiaolongbao
The coolest train stop to checked out is called Dome of Light – address: No. 115號, Zhongshan 1st Rd, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800. There is an unique architecture design. Nearby is Liouhe Night Market. Hopped back on the train to get to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – address: No. 9號, Liantan Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813. Very vibrant and colorful. At one spot you are able to walk into the Dragon’s mouth and through the tunnels were paintings. A huge turtle pond was nearby.
Pier2 Art Center – No. 1號, Dayong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803 On the way to the pier Tim and I had hot pot for breakfast and randomly came across a fun market and enjoyed more bubble tea.
After taking the ferry
We arrived by Qi Jin Old Street. Passed by many food spots and people trying to steer you towards the restaurant. We took note to watch sunset at Sunset Bar and walked along the whole strip. You may recognize the Rainbow Church and shell that are picturesque spots. For dinner we enjoyed fresh blue lobster. Walk through the art pier (which looks completely different from day time). I loved seeing the different messages from the art. Please see below.
Next day,
LOCAL SPOT and would recommend:
臺灣麵。雞飯
No. 111號, Lingya 2nd Rd, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 802
nearby we found street for fresh xiaolongbao (the best deal we found)
The next day we had a chill day. I would say lazy but each time we step out Tim and I will walk for more than 3 hours minimum. We head towards the Qianzhen District. I wanted to take a stroll around Ikea – I wanted to see if there was anything different from the States. Anything new? None. Tim and I would dream or visualize our tiny home with the walk through. The idea came to mind more often as home was approaching. Costco was exciting because in their food court they had bulgogi bake versus at home we have chicken bake. On the way back we got bubble tea from Macu Tea
Taichung City
Accommodation: GetCha Hostel & Bistro – No. 166號, Yizhong St, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan 404
Chun Shui Tang – No. 30號, Siwei St, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403 Chun Shui Tang is known to be the original bubble tea. We tried the original black tea and then the one with milk (creamier). The tapioca was smaller than usual and tastier!! At home, I got tired of Boba so I never buy it but with this one it was delicious.
Feng Chia Night Market – Wenhua Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407 – played market games, ate popcorn chicken. Stumbled upon another stir fry noodle place posted below.
No. 535號, Fuxing Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 40743
Tim tried his first shaped pancake Korean snack with filling of your choice (for example, red bean)
Bungeoppang is a Korean name for Japanese taiyaki, a fish shaped pastry that is particularly popular in winter streets of Korea
https://mykoreankitchen.com/bungeoppang/
KingDaFa – 新北里 404, Taiwan, Taichung City, North District. Tim and I came to this hot pot 2-3x and it was also our last meal (when we visited it was open 24/7)
Beyond Rose 
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