One rule my husband and I try to adhere to when we travel is to plan something at the beginning of our trip to show us the lay of the land. I used to snub those Big Bus tours, but then I learned to appreciate them because they can give you a bird’s eye view of an entire city in a day—a great way to get oriented fast! And not to mention that if you’ve just gotten off your flight, the fresh air on the top deck is like much needed oxygen. But what’s the best primer for a Taipei first timer?
Instead of a bus, we decided on a food tour in Taipei because the food scene is overwhelming especially with a heavy layer of jeglag. Since we do not read or speak Mandarin we figured that a local food tour with an English speaking guide will help us out. Google translate will only get you so far. There are nuances to ordering, seating approaches that only a local can provide. A food tour is also a sure fire way to learn about a culture.
Armed with a local transit pass, we strolled through the humid Taipei streets and met our tour guide. After some introductions, our guide explained the itinerary and food sequence. She asked if anyone had diet restrictions and I stated, “anything but pig intestines”. After a group laugh, we were assured that this little piggy went to market without innards. Our first stop was the East Market, where local purveyors displayed their specialties.
As it turned out, after a couple of days battling jet lag, it was the perfect official start to our trip. I had gotten some sleep the night before, so I felt in sync with the local time. The grogginess that had been my constant companion seemed to have finally dissipated, which was a relief. Feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I was now eager to dive into the city’s culinary heart.
We walked past the throng of locals lining up for hot soup and headed straight to a fresh fruit vendor. There were fruits we were familiar with and others we were not. Enter the fresh green jujube fruit aka Taiwan green apple. Resembling a granny smith apple, it is crisp and juicy but super sweet. (second fruit with red skin). We began to stroll away from the stand, munching away and the air was suddenly filled with a funky, rotten egg smell.
There sat a vendor with all kinds of immaculate cut pork that was vacuum sealed. The foul smell was from a display of light brown squares in an open plastic bag. This was the famed stinky tofu. A person in our group had tried it and said it was really good. It was not on our sampling itinerary, so we will give this a nose pinched try a bit later in our trip.
Next we tried the famed scallion pancake from Tian Jian. Crisp and flaky outside, creamy crunchy inside with a healthy dollop of a red sauce that was both spicy and sweet. This is a perfect to go packet. The only thing missing was an ice cold beer.
Instead we rinsed this down with our very first bubble tea. Clearly there is some lore about who invented it first here in Taiwan, but it was a refreshing hit after all of the hot food we had just consumed. To be perfectly honest, although it tasted fine, it is not something we’d search out again.
At home, we leave soup eating to the fall and winter months. Not so in Taipei. It was hazy, hot and humid during our tour but everyone everywhere was eating soup. We tried a fresh hot and sour soup at the Dumpling House was fresh and tasty. Our second soup was beef and noodle with with a nice sized dollop of tomato. This soup really hit the mark. We did not leave a single drop!
We then tried udon with pig blood and a vermicelli soup (sans intestines). I loved the flavor of the udon. This vendor only serve those two items. Jimmy clearly knows what he is doing.
Our last stop was for some mango and taro shaved is. These fluffy, silky and creamy confections served as an appropriate belly washer for 2.5 hour sprint.
This food tour really served as a strategic first hit to help us bridge the cultural differences, the language barriers and the unavoidable jet lag. We also gained a few new friends as a result. That is always a plus.
taipei first timer recap
The Five Must-Try Dishes
Taiwanese food is a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by a mélange of Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and even American cultures. Here are the five standout dishes that you must try when in Taipei. We’ve listed the top ranked spot to have your first experience (linked to Google maps for you to save it):
- Dumplings: A staple of Taiwanese cuisine, these parcels of joy were a revelation. Mouthwateringly juicy and perfectly seasoned, each bite was a testament to the art of dumpling making.
- Our Stop: Dongmen Dumpling Restaurant
- Bubble Tea: No visit to Taiwan is complete without trying the birthplace’s iconic bubble tea. The perfect blend of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls was refreshing and satisfying.
- Our Stop: Tea to Tea
- Scallion Pancake: This flaky, savory pancake was addictive. Each layer was infused with the fragrant aroma of scallions, making it impossible to stop at just one.
- Our Stop: Tian Jin Onion Pancake
- Vermicelli and Tripe Soup: This might sound daunting to the uninitiated, but trust me, it’s a must-try. The rich and hearty soup with tender tripe and silky vermicelli was comforting.
- Our Stop: Jimmy Mi-Swa (not on google maps), so here’s where you’ll find it. No. 10, Lane 79, Section 2, Xinyi Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
- Tomato Beef Soup: To anyone who lives in an area where soups are a thing for cooler weather, having soup on 90 degree day may sound crazy. However, I now have an appreciation for broth anytime of the year because it was still just as comforting in the heat when you are off your game. This soup was one of my favorites.
- Our Stop: Yi Pin Ramen & Sliced Noodle
- Shaved Ice: A delightful end to our culinary adventure, this sweet treat was the perfect palate cleanser. It was light and indulgent and topped with various fruits and syrups.
- Our Stop: The Taroking
Beyond the Ultimate Food Tour: A Visit to the Flower Market
With our bellies full and spirits high, we decided to walk off some indulgence by heading to the nearby flower market. A mere fifteen-minute walk from the Dongmen neighborhood, this visit was the cherry on top of an already fantastic day. The flower market was a riot of colors and fragrances, each stall more enchanting than the last. It was a serene contrast to the bustling food streets, offering a moment of repose and beauty amidst our culinary escapades.
Concluding the Ultimate Food Tour in Taipei
Taipei truly is a heaven for food enthusiasts, and my third day here spent savoring its culinary delights, will remain etched in my memory. From the rich history embedded in every bite of dumplings to the innovative sweetness of shaved ice, each dish was a discovery. As we strolled through the flower market, basking in the simple beauty of nature, I realized that Taipei had much more to offer than just its food. But for a food lover like myself, the city’s vibrant culinary scene captivated my heart.
FAQ’s
- How do you recommend dealing with jet lag for such a food-focused trip? Adapting slowly to the local time zone before your trip can help. Once in Taipei, try to sync your activities with local time as much as possible and stay hydrated.
- Are food tours in Taipei suitable for vegetarians? Absolutely! Taipei is very accommodating to different dietary preferences. Be sure to inform your food tour guide in advance, and they can adjust the stops to include vegetarian-friendly options.
- What’s the best time of year for a food tour in Taipei? Taipei is excellent year-round, but spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer comfortable temperatures perfect for walking tours and outdoor dining.