I was captivated by the adorable poster girl and decided to try the Taiwanese fruit, sugar apple. The texture was slightly crisp, resembling a mix between a persimmon and an apple, while the taste was sweet like a blend of persimmon and pear. However, it's a bit tricky to judge the freshness of cut fruits at street stalls, and unfortunately, the freshness was somewhat compromised. Nevertheless, I managed to snap a great shot of the poster girl, and now I'm grinning as I gaze at it in my room. Her name is... Duck.

The pungent smell that can be picked out even amidst the hustle and bustle of Shilin Night Market. Yes, it's stinky tofu. However, by the second time, it becomes an addiction, and I find myself ordering it. Coated with a sweet and sour sauce, the fried tofu is warm and fluffy, yet still exudes that "stink"! Surprisingly, it goes down easily. Stinky, indeed! By the second time, it becomes an addiction. Much like love, I suspect that by the third time, I might just fall for it. Even composing a poem about stinky tofu, I find myself "stinky"!

Rare Food Stall Discovery at Shilin Night Market! Niu She Bing (Cow Tongue Pastry) Shaped like a cow's tongue, this pastry has a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of sweetness. The aroma of freshly baked wheat is unforgettable, making it a pity that it can't be captured in photos. It seems to be a specialty from Yilan, located to the southeast of Taipei. Adding yet another destination to revisit, the more you eat, the more it feels like a culinary RPG adventure.

When you're craving a hearty bite of meat, go for Hong Rou Fan (Kong Rou Fan)! It's like braised pork belly in a bowl, a variant of Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice). The pork belly is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, even without teeth. The slightly sweet sauce seeps into the rice, offering a burst of flavor along with the aroma of herbs. Satisfaction guaranteed! At the bustling Shilin Night Market, which is brimming with game stalls and adorable children, you can savor this delightful dish and have a great time.

The Shilin Night Market with over 100 years of history The area still retains remnants of Japanese rule, making it a place ripe for exploration and contemplation. First, let’s start with some aiyu jelly to refresh the palate! When you sip it through a straw, the chilled jelly and mildly sweet citrus juice are incredibly invigorating! Oh, I see there's a frog and its eggs depicted on the cup. Could there be a connection? Ah, I guess the texture is similar... better not overthink it.

The third entry in my exploration of Little Philippines in Taipei was going to be the halo-halo. However, I realized it was meant for 2-3 people. So, I negotiated to have them adjust the portion to a single serving and pay the full price, to which they agreed. I present to you a single-serving halo-halo for 280 NT dollars (about 1,280 yen)! This is the authentic taste of halo-halo! ...Wait? I haven't actually tried the one from the Philippines yet!

Try Filipino Cuisine: Inasal The chicken glistens with a rich, sweet sauce, offering a juicy yet slightly dry texture to perfection. The bulalo soup is so rich and packed with consomme flavor that you'll exclaim "salty!" with just one sip. It's likely designed for replenishing salt in the hot climate. That’s all from Taipei, Taiwan.

Investigating Sisig in Taipei's Little Philippines! The pork, rich in fatty parts, has a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with garlic rice, truly capturing the taste of the Philippines. The restaurant, Cres-Art, has been serving the taste of home to Filipinos working in Taiwan since 1996. Coincidentally, a journalist was doing a feature when we visited. The word I expressed after the meal was, of course, "Masarap!"

Jiufen's Cat-Friendly Store: "Tree Cave Strange Wood House" After finishing drinks at a second spot at night, I stumbled deeper into the alley while still tipsy and discovered a shop where time seemed to stand still. The beauty of the interior sobered me up, and the fried rice awakened my senses. With perfectly firm and fluffy rice grains gliding down my throat, the dish's quality made me forget about my beer and finish it completely. I also forgot to pet the cat.

Jiufen, which is typically bustling with crowds, actually has some hidden spots where you can relax. I discovered a quiet bar slightly off the main path, perfect for enjoying a cocktail and taking a breather. The terrace seating offers a panoramic view of Jiufen's nightscape, and strangely enough, no one else was there!? I felt lucky to have it all to myself! However, being up in the mountains, Jiufen was quite chilly. After just one sip, I hurried back indoors. And then, there was no one left.