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30 Best Food in Shilin Night Market You Must Not Miss

22 Mins Read

Growing up in Taipei during the ’90s, Shilin Night Market wasn’t just a tourist hotspot – it was my playground. Back then, before the tourist buses and Instagram crowds, Shilin was pure, unfiltered Taiwanese food culture at its finest. After two decades of eating my way through every alley and corner of this sprawling food paradise, I’ve witnessed its evolution from a local haunt to an international sensation. Some things have changed – new vendors have moved in, bringing fresh interpretations of street food classics. But what hasn’t changed is the soul of Shilin Night Market: that intoxicating mix of sizzling sounds, enticing aromas, and the warmth of vendors who still remember their regulars. In this guide, I’m taking you through my personal picks of Shilin’s absolute best eats – from the legendary stalls that have been serving the same perfected recipes for generations to exciting newcomers who are breathing…

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Local’s 14 Favorite Food Stalls at Keelung Night Market

14 Mins Read

Are you ready for a delicious adventure? Today, I’m going to take you on a food tour of one of my favorite places in Taiwan: the Keelung Night Market! As a Taiwanese who’s been exploring the island’s food scene for over two decades, I can confidently say that Keelung Night Market is a must-visit for any foodie. Keelung Night Market (or Miaokou Night Market 廟口夜市) is famous for its amazing street food. From savory snacks like oyster omelets and stinky tofu to sweet treats like bubble tea and shaved ice, there’s something for everyone here. But there’s a secret that many people don’t know about this night market… Source: foodieteller.com Did you know that some of the stalls at Keelung Night Market are actually run by different vendors during the day and night? That’s right! It’s not only a “night market” but a “day market” as well. You can often…

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10 Most Famous Bubble Tea in Taiwan: 100 Drink Recommendations

29 Mins Read

Growing up in Taiwan, I’ve basically lived on boba tea! With literally “thousands” of orders under my belt, I’ve seen the rise and fall of various brands and tried tons of different places. So, I’m here to share my insider knowledge with you. Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea, and there are SO many amazing options to choose from. In this post, we’ll dive into the most popular chains, their special drinks, and what makes each place unique. There are literally thousands to choose from, but hopefully by the end of this post, I can help you find your own favorite tea shops in Taiwan you cannot wait to try! Drink Like a Taiwanese If you want to experience a local Taiwanese’s food culture, you cannot miss bubble tea. You think there are way too many convenience stores in Taiwan? Well, there’s even MORE bubble tea shops than that!…

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20 Best Dadaocheng and Dihua Street Food Locals Love

20 Mins Read

Dadaocheng is a historic district in Taipei filled with hidden gems, especially when it comes to food. From traditional Taiwanese snacks to trendy cafes, there’s something for everyone. As lifelong residents of Taipei, we’ve always been drawn to the charm and history of Dadaocheng. Every year, as the Chinese New Year approaches, this is the go to place for buying and preparing for the upcoming celebration. We’re excited to share our favorite food spots in Dadaocheng and Dihua street with you. From traditional Taiwanese snacks to trendy cafes, this neighborhood has something to satisfy every palate. Join us as we take you on a culinary adventure through the streets of Dadaocheng. Dihua Street Nearest MRT Before we dive into the tasty stuff, let’s get the logistics out of the way. How do you get to Dihua Street via Taipei MRT? Dihua Street is located between several Taipei Metro Stations. Beimen Station…

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How to Plan the best Yilan Itinerary: 3 Must-Try Itinerary to Explore Yilan

10 Mins Read

Yilan, a hidden gem on Taiwan’s northeastern coast, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. With its lush mountains, pristine beaches, and hot springs, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, foodies, and those seeking relaxation. Here are two-day and three-day Yilan itinerary to help you make the most of your Yilan adventure: 2-day Yilan itinerary Discover Yilan’s culture and ocean Day 1 | Lan Yang Museum → Whale watching at Wushi Harbor or Waiao Beach → Jiaoxi Royal Hotel Day 2 | Jiaoxi Old Street → National Center for Traditional Arts → Kavalan Whisky Distillery Day 1: Immersion in Art, Adventure, and Relaxation Morning: Begin at the Lan Yan Museum (蘭陽博物館) Start your Yilan adventure with a visit to the Lan Yan Museum, one of the most architecturally stunning museums in Taiwan. Designed by world-renowned architect Kris Yao, this modern museum effortlessly blends with its natural surroundings.Located…

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8 Best Braised Pork Rice in Taipei + Most Accessible

11 Mins Read

As a lifelong Taipeian, I’ve had the privilege of growing up surrounded by Taiwan’s most delicious street food. And that includes the best braised pork rice in Taipei. Let’s face it, plain white rice can be a bit boring. But elevate it with a rich, savory braised pork sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s simply irresistible. The tender, fatty pork, slow-cooked to perfection, is the perfect complement to the fluffy rice. Source: 天下雜誌 Trust me, I’ve tried ’em all, from the hole-in-the-wall joints to the Michelin-starred restaurants. So, if you’re ready to try out Taiwan’s most iconic dish, braised pork rice, minced pork over rice, Lu Rou Fan or whatever you want to call it; grab your chopsticks and let me guide you to the best braised pork rice in Taipei. As with my other food guides, I try to prioritize the accessibility of the restaurant so you can…

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Complete History and Development of Taiwanese Cuisine

6 Mins Read

Ever wondered why Taiwanese food is so damn good?  I mean, it’s not just about the deliciousness. There’s a whole story behind it, a history as rich and flavorful as the dishes themselves. Growing up in Taiwan, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a melting pot of flavors. From the humble street food stalls to the Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s always something new to tantalize my taste buds. But what truly sets Taiwanese cuisine apart? I have always struggled to define what really is Taiwanese cuisine? I want to dedicate this post to this question. Source: 鏡週刊 It’s more than just a collection of dishes. It’s a reflection of Taiwan’s unique history and culture. A blend of indigenous, Chinese, and Japanese influences and more, it’s a culinary journey through time. As a Taiwanese native who spent years studying the island’s history and geography, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate relationship…

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12 Best Beef Noodles in Taipei + Most Accessible

11 Mins Read

Hey food lovers! I’m a local Taiwanese and I’ve been slurping up bowls of beef noodle soup since I was a kid. There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of rich, flavorful broth with tender beef and chewy noodles. Taipei is a city full of amazing food, and beef noodle soup is the most iconic Taiwanese dish you should try. To be honest, every Taiwanese has their own favorite beef noodle joint, and every neighborhood has its own local champion. There are countless variations, from rich, braised beef noodles to lighter, clear broth options. You’ll find noodles in all shapes and sizes, from thin and silky to thick and chewy. All these options can be quite overwhelming. Source: GOMAJI I understand you might not have time to go all the way to my elementary school district just because the beef noodle there is my favorite. So I prioritized the…

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20 Best Sushi in Taipei: Conveyor Belt to Omasake

13 Mins Read

Want to get some sushi in Taipei, you’re at the right place. If you haven’t noticed already, Taiwanese culture is heavily influenced by Japan. It can be traced back to the era when our country is colonized by Japan. But even after decades, Taiwanese are weirdly fond of Japanese culture, and food especially! We have visited Japan for more than 10 times combined by now! 80% of my Taiwanese friends or family have been there at least once. Many more, including our family, visit almost annually. Taiwan also donates a disproportionate amount to Japan whenever they suffer from heavy typhoon or earthquake destruction. We love Japan too much. This is why you can find so many sushi restaurants in Taiwan. The market is huge! Growing up in Taiwan, we had tried countless sushi restaurants all over the country. Surrounded by ocean, we are never unfamiliar to seafood. The great news…

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Navigating Taiwan’s Typhoon Season with Local Advice

14 Mins Read

Traveling to Taiwan? Don’t be deterred by the looming threat of Taiwan’s typhoon season. For adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts, knowing how to prepare can turn potential disruptions into unique experiences. Typhoon season in Taiwan is no ordinary weather pattern—it’s a dramatic event that can significantly impact your travel plans. But with a touch of savvy planning, you can ensure a safe and memorable trip. Source: 數位果子 As local Taiwanese, we have firsthand experience navigating the annual onslaught of typhoons, averaging about 4.7 each year—a number that’s unfortunately on the rise. This unique perspective equips us with a deep understanding of how these storms affect daily life and travel plans. Over the years, we’ve learned how to track a typhoon’s progress, adapt to the power outages, flooded streets, and transportation disruptions that accompany typhoon season. In this post, we will share this knowledge to help you and other visitors enjoy…

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