Eating my way across Taiwan
Even though the streets were filled with English coming out of the airport, I’ve never felt so lost in a developed Asian country before. Trying to figure out where to eat (or what was even good) was confusing!
I now understand why so many of my friends’ parents wanted them to be literate—you wouldn’t be very independent in Taiwan without being able to read a few words. I actually discovered that my cousins learned simplified Chinese in Singapore and actually couldn’t figure out the traditional characters either. It made for some very interesting experiences. (Also, Singaporeans have a very different mandarin accent—must be from all those other dialects that get smushed together.)
Kind of a mashup of Vietnam and Hong Kong—it may not have been as clean as Singapore but it was a lot cheaper and had a lot more character overall. The history of the country is a little strange (well I mean, it’s hard to really say who was right or wrong when you consider what happened in the last century as both Japan and Chiang Kai Shek did do some good for the country).
For Foodies:
Overall most things were pretty tasty and cheap. I’m still biased towards my Singaporean roots, so not every Taiwanese-style dish I tried was my favorite. However their fried donut (yu-tiau) was probably the best I’ve ever had, Ding Tai Fung is definitely better in Taiwan, and the night markets are unlike anywhere else I’ve been. But don’t go looking for fishballs here-- those are better in Singapore.
Breakfast
Best place for traditional breakfast? You can't miss it (with the woks and the lines in the morning)-- it's directly across the street from a fruit vendor and just past the local wet market on the opposite side of the street.
Approximate Location
Lunch/Dinner
Jin Din Rou
Ding Tai Fung
Where consistently good xiao long bao can always be found. I swear it's better here than the branches in LA and Singapore. Taipei 101 has a decently large place but be prepared to wait!
Mah-lah Huo Guo (numbing spice hot pot) is a big deal here. This place was pretty good (good beer selection and good plum drink, too. Chicken feet has my seal of approval. Also, yutiau with spicy savory soup is pretty tasty! DING WANG MALA GUO near the Daan MRT Station (Detailed review and our inspiration came from here)
Addiction Aquatic Development
This place is amazing. It smells like a fish market from the parking lot below it, but you can find everything up above. From live octopi in crates to durian inside of deep-fried yams, and sashimi and grilled meats served at a hipster-esque stand-up sushi joint (or an outdoor BBQ table or hot pot), you can find great food in a wide variety of styles.
Dessert
Ice Monster
Shaved ice is taken very seriously here! Ice Monster (this particular branch is within 2 blocks of Taipei 101) is really well known for its mango ice.
Night Markets
Raohe Night Market
This night market had more food than the other ones we had been to. Definitely worth going to for the fresh mochi, fried pancakes, and pan fried chicken. (There are also outfits for your lap dog....)
Shilin Night Market
Food, street performers, and clothes and stuff. Highly recommend the frog eggs drink and the torched beef here. Fried chicken was pretty decent, too.