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Come here, I will tell you what to eat in Taipei

A travel journal to Taipei by sengweetoh

There are three things you must do in Taipei--eat, eat, and eat. Some food tastes like heaven, but some might be a 'Fear Factor' for you. If you want to know what is to die for, even if it should be in the Fear Factor, read this.

  • 8 reviews
  • 3 stories/tips

Come here, I will tell you what to eat in TaipeiBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Eat, eat, eat all you can eat.

Quick Tips:

One of the things you can only find in Taiwan is its night markets. People hang out here, you don't have to go to some fancy restaurants to taste stuff that can only be found in heaven. The museums are great too, if you need a break between meals.

Best Way To Get Around:

Take the MRT, transportation is never a problem in Taipei. You can rent a scooter or car as well, if you can drive like a real Taiwanese. Forget what you learned from driving school, it's not going to work in Taipei.

Sliced IceBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Shihlin Night Market"

Don't tell people you've been to Taipei if you did not visit this place. This is the biggest night market in Taipei. You will wish you had a bigger stomach (like the Japanese in the July 4 Hotdog eating competition).

The Night Market could be divided into several sections. One of them is the Chinese herbal cuisine section. You can try the very special herbal soup on that very street.

On the other side, you will find some real Taiwanese food. If you have a small stomach, here are something you must try:

1. that huge sausages (I mean really huge, it should be considered as a family meal)
2. fried chicken fillet
3. stewed pork organs (must try! You might think it's for Fear Factor, but they taste like paradise)
4. steamed dumplings/buns (of heaven)
5. stinky Tofu
6. sliced ice

This is the real Taipei food. You should try everything you see. Besides the food, you can buy some cheap but nice stuff there. This is one of my favorite spots in Taipei.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sengweetoh on June 15, 2004

Sliced Ice
Throughout Taipei Taipei, Taiwan

Ah Chong Rice NoodleBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is perhaps one of the best cuisines in Taiwan. Do not tell me you have been to Taipei if you haven't tried this one.

No seats are available, but there is always a long line. People just stand or squat when they have their rice noodles. Please imagine how amazed I was when I first saw people with nice suits squatting around and eating. But a bowl of noodles explains all the doubts.

There are some pig's inner parts involved (big intestine), so some people might not like it.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sengweetoh on June 15, 2004

Ah Chong Rice Noodle
ChungHwa Road Taipei, Taiwan

Sliced IceBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

One of the best, sliced ice looks like snow flakes, and they add all sorts of stuff on it: fruit, jelly, beans, syrup, juices, you name it.

Taiwan grows great mangos. Mango ice is one of the most famous ones, and the one on Yong-Kang Street is simply the best in town.

Sliced ice is a lifesaver in the summer, but you should try it even if you're visiting during the winter.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sengweetoh on August 13, 2005

Sliced Ice
Throughout Taipei Taipei, Taiwan

Steamed Dumpling / BunBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Steamed dumpling/bun"

This is not what you usually have in dim sum restaurants; it's better. The seasoned ground meat is juicy and tender.

Shihlin Night Market has one of the best in town, and the one at NTNU Night Market tastes totally different, but equally good. I would say that buns from these two places are two of the best stuff I have ever had.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by sengweetoh on August 13, 2005

Steamed Dumpling / Bun
NTNU Night Market Taipei, Taiwan

TofuBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Stinky Tofu"

This is something you will find on "Fear Factor." The name tells it all. Stinky tofu is definitely a one-of-a-kind side dish in Taiwan. You can have it fried or grilled. To me, it's not stinky at all. It's crispy outside and tender inside.

You can find it in most of the night markets, and the ones in Tamshui are pretty good.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sengweetoh on August 14, 2005

Tofu
Throughout Taipei Taipei, Taiwan

National Palace MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

A great place to go. Please allow one-day to explore this showcase of 5000-year Chinese culture. I am almost certain there are some audio aids for non-Mandarin speakers, and some staff or guide that provide comprehensive information on the exhibits.

The architecture is fascinating by itself, definitely one of the must-go places in Taipei. After the tour, a visit to Shihlin Night Market is highly recommended.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sengweetoh on June 15, 2004

National Palace Museum
221 Chih-shan Rd. Sec 2 Taipei, Taiwan

Xi-Men DingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a Taiwan-Japanese style shopping area. A major hang-out for teenagers. You'll be able to explore hundreds of unique stores here. Shopping here is just like doing some treasure hunts, you would never know what you can get unless you really walk into the shops.

A lot of activities on weekends and it will be flooded by people. This is the place where teenagers show their youth, individuality, and creativity.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by sengweetoh on June 21, 2004

Xi-Men Ding
Chong Hwa Road Taipei, Taiwan

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial HallBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Fascinating place to go. One of the landmarks of Taipei, built in memorial of their former President. Magnificant Chinese-style buildings. There are two great theaters in addition to the museum. It is a must-see place if you visit Taipei.

TamshuiBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

This once-a-small-fishing-village becomes a hot spot today. To taste the real food of Taiwan, this is another place you must come beside Shihlin Night Market.

You can taste some fantastic seafood and local food here. The grill squid is very very good. But the most popular food here are 'iron egg' and crispy shrimp sticks. Iron egg is the one you will find in Fear Factor, but people just die for it.

There is a breathtaking sunset scene and plenty of artists performing.

Taipei 101 Shopping AreaBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Recently built, looks like a giant bamboo. Still the tallest building in the world. Great location, a fabulous shopping area, it is much better than the Taipei Main Station shopping area. A well planned spot with convenient transportation.

About the Writer

sengweetoh
sengweetoh
Boston, Massachusetts

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