Taiwan - Food Lover's Paradise (Blog 1)
Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, is a bustling metropolis known for its modern infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant street life. The City is home to several iconic landmarks that showcase its unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. It is famous for its lively night markets, where you can experience the city’s vibrant street food culture and bustling atmosphere. Keelung night Market is the most well-known, offering a vast array of food stalls, shops, and entertainment options. The market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of culinary delights. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, you’ll find an abundance of options to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local favorites such as xiao long bao (soup dumplings), beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, and bubble tea when you visit here.
The City is rich in cultural landmarks that reflect Taiwan’s history and heritage. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a grand monument honoring the former President of the Republic of China. Longshan Temple, a significant Buddhist temple, is known for its intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance. The National Palace Museum houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
Despite being a bustling metropolis, Taipei City is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor escapes. Yangmingshan National Park, located just outside the city, offers lush forests, hot springs, and scenic hiking trails. Beitou District is famous for its hot springs and is a popular destination for relaxation and wellness.
Here’s what we during our recent visit to Taiwan.
Keelung Night Market :
Keelung Night Market is one of the most renowned night markets in Taiwan and is located in Keelung City, just a short distance from Taipei. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food, Keelung Night Market offers a unique and exciting culinary experience.
The Market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of Taiwanese street food. From seafood specialties like grilled squid and shrimp rolls to local delicacies such as oyster omelets and fried dumplings, there’s something to please every palate. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous Keelung Miaokou Braised Pork Rice, which is a local specialty.
Keelung is a coastal city, and one of the highlights of the night market is its fresh seafood options. You can feast on freshly caught fish, crabs, clams, and other seafood delicacies prepared in various ways. The bustling seafood stalls and restaurants showcase the region’s rich marine bounty.
The Market is known for its unique local specialties that you won’t find elsewhere. Look out for Keelung-style tempura, which features a wide range of ingredients deep-fried to perfection. You can also try Keelung-style milkfish soup, crispy taro balls, and peanut ice cream rolls, among other local treats.Â
During the night’s, the Market is a lively and bustling place, especially in the late evenings. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by the sounds of vendors shouting out their specialties and the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. The night market is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, creating a lively and energetic ambiance.Â
In addition to the delectable food, Keelung Night Market offers a range of shopping options. You can find stalls selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and other unique items. It’s a great place to hunt for bargains and experience the local shopping culture.Â
While visiting Keelung Night Market, you can also explore other attractions in the area.
Keelung Harbor is a short distance away and offers beautiful waterfront views.
The iconic Zhongzheng Park and its statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, provide a serene escape from the bustling night market.
The narrow streets are filled with food stalls, vendors, and eager food enthusiasts. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful signage, and aroma of various dishes create an exciting sensory experience as you stroll through the market.
Here are some top food stalls that you can try visiting;
Lao Zhang Beef Noodles : This stall is famous for its hearty and flavorful beef noodles. The beef is tender and the broth is rich, creating a satisfying bowl of noodles that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Ah Yuan’s Oyster Vermicelli : Ah Yuan’s stall is known for its delicious oyster vermicelli, a classic Taiwanese dish. The noodles are served in a flavorful broth with fresh oysters, giving it a rich and savory taste.
Jiufen Taro Balls : Jiufen Taro Balls is a popular stall that serves taro balls in various forms. These chewy and sweet taro balls are often served in desserts, with toppings like red beans, grass jelly, and crushed ice.
Wang Ji Fried Tofu : Wang Ji is a must-visit stall for stinky tofu lovers. This deep-fried fermented tofu has a strong aroma and a crispy exterior. It is served with pickled cabbage and spicy sauce, creating a unique and flavorful combination.Â
Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns : Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns is known for its aromatic and juicy pork buns. The buns are filled with seasoned pork and black pepper, then baked to perfection. The result is a crispy bun with a delicious filling.
Fresh Seafood Stalls : Keelung Night Market is renowned for its seafood offerings. You’ll find stalls selling a variety of fresh seafood, including grilled squid, oysters, shrimp, and fish. These stalls often allow you to choose your seafood, which is then cooked on the spot for you to enjoy.Â
Ice Cream and Desserts : For a sweet treat, there are several dessert stalls offering ice cream, shaved ice, and other sweet delights. You can find unique flavors like taro, matcha, and sesame, as well as various toppings and syrups to enhance your dessert experience.
In the market, you’ll find stalls selling various local products and souvenirs. These may include items like keychains, postcards, small trinkets, and handicrafts. It’s a good opportunity to pick up some unique gifts or mementos of your visit to Keelung.Â
Here’s what you can expect when it comes to shopping at the market.Â
Clothing and Accessories : Some stalls at Keelung Night Market offer clothing and accessories, including trendy and affordable options. You might find items such as t-shirts, dresses, hats, belts, and inexpensive fashion accessories. These stalls cater to local shoppers and tourists looking for budget-friendly fashion finds.
Shoes and Footwear : A few stalls specialize in shoes and footwear, offering a range of styles from sneakers to sandals. These stalls may have different sizes and designs available, allowing you to browse and try on shoes if you’re interested in purchasing a pair.
Â
Bags and Luggage : You may come across stalls selling bags, backpacks, and luggage at Keelung Night Market. These stalls often offer a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, catering to different needs and preferences.Â
Household Items : Some stalls within the market may sell household items and small kitchenware. These could include items like cooking utensils, bowls, cups, and basic household necessities. It’s worth exploring these stalls if you’re looking for some functional and affordable items for your home.Â
While the shopping options at Keelung Night Market are not as extensive as dedicated shopping districts or malls, it still offers a small selection of products and souvenirs to explore. Remember that the primary draw of Keelung Night Market is its incredible street food scene and vibrant atmosphere. So, be sure to immerse yourself in the gastronomic delights and the lively energy of the market while enjoying your visit.
Food Opera :
Food Opera is a popular food court in Taipei. It is known for its wide range of culinary options and casual dining atmosphere.
Food Opera offers a diverse range of cuisines, allowing visitors to explore different flavors and culinary traditions. You can find stalls serving Chinese, Malay, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Western dishes, among others. From local Taiwanese favorites to international delights, there are plenty of options to choose from.
They also provide an authentic hawker center like experience within a mall setting. Many of the stalls offer traditional hawker-style dishes that are affordable and delicious.
The place provides a casual and comfortable dining environment. The food court is spacious and typically furnished with communal seating, allowing you to dine with friends, family, or fellow visitors. It’s a lively and bustling atmosphere, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in the local dining culture.
While there is an emphasis on local Taiwanese cuisine, Food Opera also offers international dishes to cater to diverse tastes. You can find popular dishes from various cuisines, ranging from Chinese dim sum and Malay nasi lemak to Japanese sushi and Korean barbecue.
We end our first day with a lot of fun, here are some extra phots from Day 1.
