Taiwan's Sweet and Savory Delight, Lu Rou Fan Dive into rice with tender pork braised in a sweet and savory soy sauce! While the paper bowl might seem a bit lackluster, it's understandable given the throngs of tourists in Jiufen. When I glance at the store's wall, I spot graffiti in the shape of a heart. Surely, it's a nod to sweet flavors. If I were to write about my life, it would end up sweet and savory, so perhaps it's best not to.
Jiufen's Famous Dessert, Taro Ball The red bean soup is piping hot, and the colorful taro balls look just like earlobes! While I was eating, the couple next to me muttered, "It's more ordinary than I thought..." I almost wanted to say, "Cuisine abroad isn't just about taste! It's about imagining the country's ingredients, climate, and history!" Although I totally agreed about the taste.
Upon arriving in Jiufen, a town that was once a gold mining area, I stepped off the bus and was immediately convinced of victory by the overwhelming scenery. Overcome with excitement, I decided to cool down with a hot coffee. The abundance of Ghibli merchandise made it hard to keep my wallet in check. No wonder it's often said to be the setting for Spirited Away. Miyazaki: "That's just a rumor." What!?
Experience Taiwanese Izakaya: Lu Chao! Try the stir-fried oysters here, and you'll find yourself drinking more with the garlic and ginger flavors. The beer will come pouring like rain, creating a rainbow in your view! What's unique about this place? - Over 100 menu items! Just like 151 Pokémon! - Free self-serve rice! Feel free to indulge! - All-you-can-drink beer! Spend as much as you want!
When you come to Taipei, Taiwan, make sure to visit Xing Fu Tang! Even after the boom has passed, it's a beloved spot that's continued to win hearts through its quality. This bubble milk tea is a standout with its piping hot tapioca at the bottom, creamy milk, and the punchy sweetness of caramelized brown sugar. However, is it just me, or has the sweetness been toned down compared to two years ago? Well, I guess when there's no competition, you tend to relax a bit. I'm on my fourth cup of the day, so I'm pretty relaxed myself!
KUNG FU TEA: The Starbucks of the Bubble Tea World! With over 300 stores across the United States, KUNG FU TEA is a powerhouse in the bubble tea industry. Although their brown sugar milk falls slightly short compared to other stores, they manage to survive in the highly competitive Taipei market thanks to collaborations with famous characters and a diverse menu. As I reach my third cup, I find myself pondering how to manage both my time and stomach during this trip.
The second stop in my Ximen bubble tea investigation is COMEBUYTEA. I was delighted to find that they brew rich black tea on the spot, allowing you to customize your preferred blend. This time, I ordered Ceylon tea with milk and tapioca. As expected, the freshly brewed tea boasts an extraordinary aroma. It's a delightful tea with a smooth balance of bitterness and astringency, complemented by the brown sugar tapioca. The clear differentiation in taste explains why it can thrive even near Xingfutang.
When it comes to Ximending in Taipei, Xing Fu Tang is the go-to spot for boba. But this time, I decided to explore some new places off the beaten path, including some backstreets. First stop: Samurai Tea Master's Barley Black Tea Latte The barley aroma is truly relaxing, and the brown sugar adds a coffee-milk-like flavor. The tapioca is wonderfully chewy and soft! However, I must say that wandering foreign backstreets can be intimidating. You never know when you'll encounter some armed white devils.
New Year's Day in Taipei + Rainy Sanhe Night Market The sound of rain fills the air, turning the night market into a world of its own. Amidst it all, a lively stall greets you with a cheerful “hello” as you enjoy a cup of papaya milk! The smooth milk combines with the tropical sweetness of papaya, and suddenly my spirits are lifted as if under clear skies! Oh, so 木瓜 means papaya. What would we call it in Japanese? ⇒ 乳瓜 (Chichi Uri) Thank goodness we just call it papaya!
Sanhe Night Market in Taipei. It's quiet because of the rain. A couple, looking rather bored, is minding their stall. Seeing this, I feel a sense of urgency. They say when the money's gone, so is the love, so how about I be their customer today? The sweet potato fried balls, or "Di Gua Qiu," are sweet, crispy, and chewy! I did a good deed today. There was a possibility they were siblings, but let's stick to the couple narrative.
