Taiwan’s capital city of Taipei has never truly registered on my radar until recently. I didn’t know too much about it, and it’s not exactly on the path that most people take when they go across Asia. My buddy Timothy just relocated there and started sharing a ton of pictures of amazing cuisine, which piqued my curiosity in the location. After that, I learned that there was a low-cost airline that offered direct flights from Chiang Mai, which is where I was living at the time, and my interest in the topic increased significantly. Since one of our other friends was able to take some time off from work and come along with us, we decided to make a plan.
If you’re more into doing fun things than eating excellent cuisine, I’ve compiled a list of seven authentic Taiwanese dishes that you really have to try (spoiler alert: there are more dishes!)
What to See In Taipei
As is common for me, I didn’t actually put in that much effort into the research. We are really fortunate that Timothy stepped in and made arrangements for things for us to see and do each day.
Taipei 101
The one thing about which I was absolutely certain that I wanted to get experience was the Taipei 101 Tower. If you ask different people, various people will tell you that the building is either the third or the fifth biggest in the world. Taking in the view from the observation deck on the 91st floor cost a reasonable 500 New Taiwan Dollars, which is equivalent to $15 US Dollars. The skyscraper also has the world’s quickest elevator in its structure. To go to the 89th story from the ground level only takes around 38 seconds. In order to prevent you from experiencing painful popping in your ears throughout the journey, the elevator is equipped with atmospheric pressure regulating devices.
Additionally, the bar on the top floor of the W Hotel offers some very spectacular views of the 101 Tower:
Hiking Elephant Trail:
My buddy led us on a trip down Elephant Trail since it was evident that he despises me and he wanted to see me endure pain. On the trek, you may choose between two different trails: one of them is simpler, while the other is more challenging. Naturally, by the time the day was up, we had completed both of those activities. The trek wasn’t truly all that difficult, but the payoff in terms of the sights was definitely there.
Shilin Night Market:
This night market is the most popular one in Taipei due to its size and popularity. Even on a weekday, the market is quite active and packed with customers, as we discovered for ourselves when we went there. I just can’t see doing it on the weekend.
There were an overwhelming number of shops, kiosks, and carts offering every conceivable good and commodity. However, we had not gone there for the purpose of shopping; rather, we had come in order to eat.
I was aware that it would be impossible for me to leave Taipei without first sampling the city’s infamous smelly tofu. If you’ve never come across it before, aged tofu is a kind of fermented tofu. And it smells. A lot. You have at least a half block of head start to smell it before you really see the stall. The natives are under the impression that a stronger odor indicates a higher quality product. I took one little taste simply to be able to claim that I did it. I don’t mean this in a complimentary manner, but it tastes exactly the same as it smells. Cross that one off the list; there’s no reason for me to give it another go.
To our relief, the market offered a wide variety of different options, including:
Where to Stay
The Amba Ximending Hotel was an excellent choice for our vacation, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The hotel has a superb location, putting a wide variety of attractions and activities within easy reach on foot. There are a great number of eateries and other establishments in the area. After learning about my blog, the staff made care to compile for me a list of all of their favorite local spots, which I felt obligated to visit. The rooms are spacious, spotless, and really comfy, and the whole staff is outstanding. There is also a breakfast that is provided for free, and it serves a variety of foods from throughout the world. It is beyond a doubt that I will be staying at the Amba Ximending once again during my next trip to Taipei.
In addition, you can reach Theater Row in only a few minutes from the hotel. Because my buddy and I are both geeks, we felt obligated to see the newest Avengers movie on its opening night. This was a really valuable piece of information. #teamblackpanther
What to eat
Everything and each and every item This was my technique for obtaining food when I was there. Before I arrived, Timothy asked me what I wanted to do while I was in town, and I responded that eating was at the top of my list. It is evident that he heard me. Each and every meal was a performance. We ate at everything from food carts on the street to restaurants with Michelin stars. Our Peking Duck and our dishes prepared in the hot pot are two of my absolute favorites. Both of them were fantastic. However, soup dumplings have quickly become my new favorite kind of meal. Soup. Filled. Dumplings. I could easily consume them on a daily basis. I did it for the most part when I was there.
Are you looking for something to do in the time between meals? Simply click this link to read everything about the most exciting and entertaining activities there are to do in Taipei.
One Night in Hualien
I learned that the Amba Xiamending has a sister property in the vicinity of Hualien while I was in the process of making my reservation there. We had a couple of days off, so we thought it would be fun to take the train to one of Taipei’s seaside towns and spend some time there. I had no idea that there was such a beautiful national park so close by, and I really regret that we had more time to explore it, but at least this gives us a reason to come back.
The employees at the Andante Hualien went above and above to ensure that our brief stay would be one that we would never forget. Pennie, the property manager, was so impressed when she learned that I had a food and travel blog that she even set up a walking food tour for us.
It is highly recommended that you go to Hualien if you have the opportunity and the leisure to do so. Although it was a little town, it had a nice atmosphere, an intriguing history, a beautiful beach, and some of the greatest cuisine we had the whole trip.
FAQs
What food is Taipei known for?
- Beef Noodles. One of the most well-liked dishes often eaten in Taiwan is beef noodle soup.
- Dumplings in a soup. The well-known snack was first created in the Changjiang region’s southernmost county.
- Rice with Minced Pork (Rice Braised with Pork)…
- Intestine and Oyster Vermicelli. …
- Oyster Omelet. …
- Stinky Tofu. …
- Breast Fillet of Chicken…
- Bubble Tea (Pearl Milk Tea)
What foods are famous in Taiwan?
THE DISHES YOU HAVE TO KNOW
- Soup with Beef and Noodles
- Hot Pot
- The Gua bao, often known as the Taiwanese Hamburger
- Sticky Rice Dumpling, also known as Zong Zi
- Taiwanese Fried Chicken
- Fried Rice with Braised Pork
- Oyster Vermicelli Noodles
- Scallion Pancake
What do people eat for breakfast in Taiwan?
The breakfast meals available in Taiwan may be loosely divided into two categories: those that are traditional and those that combine western and eastern influences. A breakfast in the traditional manner often consists of fried bread and cake baked in the oven. Rice Balls , Egg Pancakes , Steamed Bread with Eggs , and Porridge , along with a variety of side dishes.
What is unique to Taiwan?
Delicious street cuisine, the Shilin Night Market, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, pineapple cakes, and Taipei 101 are among the things that have made Taiwan renowned across the world. Additionally, residents in Taiwan are recognized for their warm hospitality, and the city itself is famed for its cultural tolerance and diversity.
What is the national dish of Taiwan?
Soup with Beef and Noodles
Because of its cultural significance, Taiwanese beef noodle soup is often considered to be the country’s signature dish. In point of fact, Taipei has an annual beef noodle festival, during which chefs and restaurants vie for the honor of having the “best beef noodles” in all of Taiwan.