Bored at the airport late at night? Create your hot dog at 7-Eleven! Grab a dog roll, choose from three rotating sausages, and select from over six sauces at the dedicated corner. It’s juicy and delicious! Oddly, making a hot dog has become a cherished travel memory.

Airports are essentially bars. They make the return flight feel less sorrowful, with beer adding to the enjoyable airport atmosphere. The lively environment, filled with various airline uniforms, alleviates loneliness. Let’s get to the point: Taiwan Beer Classic has a strong alcohol flavor, refreshing and perfectly paired with... not uniforms, but snacks!

Nearing the end of my Taiwan trip, I headed to Taoyuan Airport. Finding no open food courts at midnight, I wandered to the arrival area and discovered a 7-Eleven oasis! There, I enjoyed "tea eggs," steeped in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, tea, and spices. The perfectly marinated egg was a sublime ending to my journey.

Encountering a deceptive yet delightful gourmet dish, I was confused by "zhu xie gao" (pig's blood cake). Made by steaming pig’s blood mixed with glutinous rice, it had a chewy texture. The peanut powder and cilantro demanded my brain to process the flavors. While it’s delicious once accustomed, the initial experience requires some courage. Don’t judge by first impressions; the second try is the real test.

Look, it’s like the moon, said the father. "It’s round and beautiful," replied the daughter. "It’s a gourmet made of fried sweet potato," explained the father. "It’s crispy, sweet, and chewy," the daughter exclaimed. "Eat lots and grow up strong," encouraged the father. "But there are seven, so I’ll give you one," said the daughter. "Oh, my daughter..." Such a lovely scenario brought to life by Taiwan’s delicious "di gua qiu." Highly recommended! 😭

Taiwan’s safest gourmet option: danzai noodles. The springy noodles have a pleasant texture, and the broth is so well-balanced it makes you want to flip the bowl in satisfaction. The supportive minced meat and cilantro deserve utmost respect. It began with Tainan fishermen making it as a side job. Maybe the best danzai noodles hint at a combination of Tainan + seafood? Got a reason to go to Tainan now!

A Chinese gourmet dish with a life-saving history: tanghulu. The sugar-coated grapes glistened like jewels against the night sky. They were crispy and juicy, initially made with hawthorn but now featuring various fruits over centuries. The story behind it adds to its charm.

A must-try gourmet experience in Taiwan: asparagus juice. At first, my throat rebelled against the cultural shock of the sweetened asparagus extract. But gradually, I began to enjoy it. This unique and healthy flavor made my travel happiness peak.

Widely beloved family dishes are simple yet profound. I finally met the much-rumored "Lu Rou Fan" (braised pork rice). The sweet-salty stewed pork was irresistible, making the rice flow like tea in an ochazuke. Apparently, it’s easy to make at home. Well, I don't have a home, so I'll just have to go back to Taiwan!

When you want a filling dessert, Taiwanese douhua (tofu pudding) is a top recommendation! The silky tofu is rich in protein and filling yet healthy. One of the toppings, white fungus, is low in calories and packed with vitamins D and fiber, offering the best of mushrooms’ nutrients. You can eat as much as you want guilt-free!