Memorable Snack from Taiwan: Traditional Dried Tofu (Garlic Flavor) Literally translated as "Traditional Dried Tofu." The taste and aroma are boldly dominated by garlic, and the texture is akin to soft jerky. Its strong, distinct flavor can be a bit challenging unless accompanied by a beer, but it's precisely these unique foods that awaken a sense of adventure and leave you with an unforgettable taste.
What should you try when you get off at Taipei Station? Lao Cai's Shui Jian Bao pork buns! They are juicy yet tightly packed with meat, a level of organization that would impress even Marie Kondo. It's a pity that the thickness of the dough and the position of the filling can be uneven, but that might be due to mass production considerations. The price is just 20 yuan. Even with the yen depreciation, it's still under 100 yen—a surprising deal. I've personally given it a Bib Gourmand nod!
In the underground streets of Taipei, there's an Indonesian gourmet street, surrounded by conversations in another language and cheerful music. Let's dive into the Indonesian vibe with Nasi Rendang! The slow-cooked beef, enriched with creamy coconut milk and spices, makes the rice irresistible! When I said "terima kasih," the response was "sama-sama." This place was definitely a slice of Indonesia.
While strolling through Taipei, I was drawn in by the lively chatter from a shop and ended up enjoying a bowl of shrimp wonton soup. The broth was light and filled with plenty of wontons. You can adjust it to your taste with soy sauce or pepper. It's a simple dish that's the perfect example of "this is exactly what I want" gourmet. Since it was so delicious, I wanted to express my gratitude to the staff. Me: This is exactly what I want! Staff: Keep that to yourself!
The drink I secretly got a tip about from someone living in Taiwan is the grapefruit juice from Guiji Mingpin, known as Hong Yu Feicui! The straw is filled with perfectly sized bits of fruit, providing an incredible sensation. The sweet and bitter balance of the citrus is exquisite, keeping it enjoyable to the last sip, leaving you blissfully happy! When I was hesitant while ordering, a Taiwanese woman proficient in Japanese helped me out. Nothing else happened, of course. And, ah, happiness!
I discovered a dessert shop with a long line at Liaoning Street Night Market in Taipei and eagerly joined the queue. The red bean douhua I ordered can be described as a douhua oshiruko. It's piping hot, delicately sweet, and comes with zero guilt! Douhua looks quite similar in any country, but its contents vary greatly. Just like people, it's what's inside that counts, not the appearance! Saying pretty things like this somehow gives me a guilty conscience.
The most compact night market in Taipei, Liaoning Street Night Market. The goose meat I tried was so smoky with its smoked aroma that it seemed perfect for pairing with beer. Its texture was exquisite, firm yet adorned with just the right amount of fat. Even Nvidia's CEO has visited this small yet big-on-flavor and reputation night market. Though the market is small, my appetite was anything but small.
Next, I took a culinary detour from Kaohsiung to Taipei and visited the xiao long bao restaurant, Li Yuan! Xiao long bao is a delicacy where the perfection of the thin dough and the balance of the soup and fillings are key. When you pop a simple pork xiao long bao into your mouth, the delicate skin bursts and floods your mouth with piping hot, flavorful soup. As the wrapper bursts, I guzzle down beer, and it feels like my soul is bursting too.
Warm dishes are especially delicious during the chilly season in Taiwan. In the port city of Kaohsiung, the seafood is exceptional. So what’s the ultimate combo? Seafood congee! A congee packed with oysters, squid, fish, clams, and shrimp, seasoned perfectly with salt, cilantro, and garlic—it's irresistible! Its piping hot and nutrient-rich nature ensures it’s a surefire remedy for colds. If you catch a cold, head to Taiwan! Taiwan: "Let's head to the hospital!"
Discovered an irresistible Taiwanese dish that's simply fried mushrooms! The outside is crispy while the inside is packed with flavor, making the king oyster mushrooms tender and juicy. If my child disliked mushrooms, I'd want them to try this to overcome it. What a family-oriented person I am, if I may say so myself. Now, let's enjoy this with a beer in hand, and off to play some pachinko!
