Welcome back to our exploration of Taipei, Taiwan! If you’re eager to discover more of this vibrant city’s culinary wonders and exciting attractions, you’ve come to the right place. And if you’re just joining us, you can catch up on our previous adventures by visiting Taipei, Taiwan: Part 1. Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Taiwan’s capital, from bustling night markets to serene mountain views and legendary dumpling houses.
Discovering Taipei: A Culinary and Cultural Journey
Taipei is a city that truly awakens at night, especially in its legendary night markets. These vibrant hubs are not just places to eat; they’re cultural experiences, a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and, most importantly, incredible aromas. Asia is renowned for its night markets, and Taiwan’s offerings are truly exceptional. They offer an unparalleled opportunity to sample an array of local street food, find unique souvenirs, and soak in the lively local atmosphere, all without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an authentic meal and shop simultaneously!
Taipei’s Enchanting Night Markets: A Feast for the Senses
Among Taipei’s many fantastic night markets, two stand out as must-visit destinations for any traveler. Each offers a distinct flavor of the city’s nocturnal charm, promising an unforgettable adventure for your taste buds.
Shilin Night Market: The Iconic Hub
Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) is arguably the most famous and largest night market in Taipei, drawing massive crowds every evening. Its immense popularity is well-deserved, offering an extensive variety of food stalls, merchandise vendors, and entertainment options. Navigating its labyrinthine alleys can be an exhilarating experience, with endless choices from traditional snacks to modern Taiwanese treats. Getting there is convenient via Taipei’s efficient MRT system; simply take the red line directly to Shilin Station, and you’ll be right at the heart of the action.
Tonghua Night Market: A Local Gem
For a slightly less overwhelming but equally authentic experience, Tonghua Night Market is a fantastic alternative. Often favored by locals due to its more manageable size and relaxed ambiance, it provides a wonderful glimpse into everyday Taiwanese life. Situated conveniently, it’s often within easy walking distance for many residents and visitors alike, making it a perfect spot for a casual evening stroll and a delicious meal.
Must-Try Night Market Delicacies
The true essence of a Taipei night market lies in its incredible street food. Here are some indispensable culinary experiences:
Oyster Vermicelli: This comforting bowl of delicate vermicelli noodles swimming in a thick, savory broth, generously studded with fresh oysters and often tender pig intestines, is a Taiwanese staple. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of textures and umami flavors, making it a deeply satisfying street food experience.
Stinky Tofu: Don’t let the pungent aroma deter you – stinky tofu is a beloved Taiwanese delicacy that promises an incredibly unique flavor profile. Typically deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s served with pickled cabbage and a chili sauce that beautifully complements its distinctive taste. It’s an essential part of the Taiwanese culinary adventure!
Fried Squid Cubes: Crispy on the outside and tender within, these bite-sized fried squid pieces are a popular and addictive snack. Often seasoned with a savory blend of spices, they are easy to eat on the go and perfect for sharing (or not!).
Sweet Escapes: Taipei’s Refreshing Desserts
Beyond the savory delights, Taipei also excels in offering refreshing and innovative desserts. One particular highlight is the shaved ice scene, which reaches new heights of deliciousness here. We recently stumbled upon an amazing shaved ice place that offered an incredible array of flavors. Our picks included luscious strawberry, rich coffee, and a delightful combination of green tea and red beans. Each spoonful was a perfect cool-down, making it an absolute must-try during your visit.
Another iconic Taiwanese street food that you simply cannot miss is the Gua Bao. Often dubbed the “Taiwanese hamburger,” this fluffy steamed bun encases a succulent piece of braised pork belly, complemented by pickled mustard greens, fresh cilantro, and a dusting of sweet peanut powder. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, along with the soft bun, creates an exquisite culinary experience. We highly recommend seeking out 石家割包 on Tonghua Street for an authentic and incredibly satisfying gua bao. Its popularity speaks volumes about its quality.
Ximending: Taipei’s Vibrant Youth District
Ximending is a bustling pedestrian zone often referred to as the “Harajuku of Taipei,” thanks to its eclectic fashion, trendy boutiques, vibrant street art, and lively entertainment options. It’s a magnet for young people and tourists alike, offering endless opportunities for shopping, people-watching, and soaking in the energetic urban culture. From cinemas to karaoke bars and street performers, Ximending truly comes alive, especially after dark.
A Word of Caution: The Modern Toilet Restaurant
While exploring Ximending, you might encounter the Modern Toilet restaurant. Its concept, where food is served in miniature toilet bowls and customers sit on actual toilet seats, is undeniably quirky and can be an amusing photo opportunity. However, from a culinary perspective, it falls short. Despite its unique theme, the food quality is generally disappointing, and it often feels like a tourist trap. We recommend saving your appetite and your money for the countless other fantastic street food stalls and authentic eateries that Taipei has to offer. The city is brimming with genuinely delicious and memorable dining experiences that far surpass what Modern Toilet provides.
For those curious, here are some photos illustrating the unique (and perhaps inappropriate for some) dining experience:
Indeed, this is the seating arrangement.
Exploring Ximending’s Night Life: After experiencing the unique dining options (or opting for better alternatives), Ximending truly shines at night. The streets become even more illuminated and alive, offering a fantastic atmosphere for an evening stroll, shopping, or simply enjoying the bustling energy of Taipei’s youth culture. It’s truly a beautiful sight!
Ascending Elephant Mountain: Panoramic Views of Taipei
For breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei City and its iconic skyline, a morning hike up Elephant Mountain (象山) is an absolute must. While the ascent is undeniably steep and consists of numerous stairs, the effort is incredibly rewarding. Within about 30 minutes, we reached a point that, though only halfway up, offered stunning vistas that stretched across the entire city, including a fantastic view of Taipei 101. You can continue even higher for more expansive outlooks. It’s a challenging but highly recommended activity for anyone wanting to capture the city’s grandeur from above and get some exercise amidst nature.
A Taste of Tradition: Exquisite Peking Duck
For a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine, we highly recommend a visit to Taoranting (陶然停), a renowned Peking duck restaurant in Taipei. On a Sunday, we enjoyed a delightful family meal there, and the Peking duck was exceptionally good. The ducks served here were notably larger and yielded more succulent meat compared to those often found in the US, making for a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience. The crispy skin and tender meat, expertly carved and served with thin pancakes and savory sauces, are a testament to their culinary mastery.
Shenkeng Old Street: Taiwan’s Tofu Capital
One of my absolute favorite spots in Taipei, and a definite must-visit, is Shenkeng Old Street. This charming area, historically an agricultural and mining town, has transformed into Taiwan’s undisputed “tofu capital.” The entire street is lined with an incredible array of shops and vendors dedicated to all things tofu, offering endless delicious variations. Beyond the food, I was captivated by the stunning aesthetics of the street itself and its beautifully preserved storefronts, which exude a unique historical charm. Just take a look at these captivating views!
Dining Under the Big Tree
The most popular restaurant in Shenkeng is affectionately known as “the restaurant under the big tree” – quite literally named after the prominent tree shading its entrance. On weekends, the lines often stretch out the door, a testament to its delicious offerings. The menu predominantly features dishes crafted with tofu, making it an absolute paradise for tofu enthusiasts. Even if you’re not typically a huge fan, I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new here! After all, you’re on vacation, and what better place to discover a new favorite flavor than in the heart of Taiwan’s tofu capital?
Unique Tofu Creations and Local Flavors
One of the standout dishes we tried, though its appearance might not immediately scream “delicious,” was a red braised tofu. Its literal translation might be simple, but the flavor was incredibly rich, savory, and deeply satisfying – a true testament to the versatility of tofu.
Beyond tofu, another local delicacy I adore is bamboo. The quality of fresh bamboo in Taiwan is incomparable to what’s available in the States. Whenever I return, I make sure to indulge in as much of it as possible – its crisp texture and subtle, earthy flavor are simply irresistible!
One particular tofu street vendor caught my eye. He offered tofu on a stick, expertly grilling it to perfection before adding various delightful toppings. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy tofu on the go.
Shenkeng’s Sweet Potato and Taro Mochi Shaved Ice
Shenkeng also boasts specialized shaved ice shops where you can customize your dessert with up to three toppings. The real stars, however, are the freshly handmade sweet potato and taro mochi-type pieces that are generously placed on top. I was initially skeptical of these chewy morsels, but they quickly won me over. Their incredible chewiness and subtly sweet flavors are absolutely divine – I could honestly eat them all day!
Here’s a glimpse into the meticulous process of making these delectable sweet potato mochi pieces.
And speaking of amazing desserts, doesn’t this look absolutely incredible?! The delicate white jelly pieces are almond-flavored, and they are incredibly good. I simply adore the distinct, sweet taste of almond in desserts!
The Legendary Din Tai Fung: A Dumpling Masterpiece
No visit to Taipei is truly complete without experiencing the world-renowned Din Tai Fung. Originating in Taiwan, this culinary institution is globally celebrated for its exquisite soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao. The artistry involved in crafting each dumpling is truly remarkable; every single one must adhere to a strict standard of a specific number of delicate folds to be deemed “up to par” for guests. Those that don’t meet this meticulous criterion are set aside, ensuring only perfection reaches your table. We visited the branch in Taipei 101, but Din Tai Fung boasts various locations both within Taipei and internationally, making it accessible for many to savor this exceptional dining experience. It’s a truly unmissable culinary highlight that defines Taiwanese gastronomic excellence.
Beyond Xiaolongbao: Dan Dan Mien and More
While their soup dumplings are legendary, Din Tai Fung also excels in other traditional dishes. Their Dan Dan Mien was absolutely phenomenal – a rich, spicy, and nutty noodle dish that perfectly balances complex flavors. It’s an incredibly satisfying complement to the delicate dumplings and another testament to the restaurant’s culinary prowess.
