Eating in Taipei

Eating in Taipei is a Foodie's dream. Food is everywhere.

Salty soybean soup with oil sticks for breakfast. Okay, the description is not appealing but give it a try. It's delicious.

Bao with pork stuffing.

Oil stick wrapped with sesame bun

Dessert filled with sweet pudding

Night markets are full of food stands. This is Rice Stuffed Intestine. Give it a chance. When the rice is well made (not mushy), it is so good. Think of it as Taiwanese boudin.

My favorite is the oyster pancake, which is ubiquitous in the night markets.

In addition to night markets, you'll find covered food markets. Walk from stall to stall and order what looks good.

Rice with braised pork

Fresh bamboo shoots

Bitter melon soup--not to my liking but some people love it

Winter melon soup. Much better. The winter melon is light and is a refreshing soup.

Braised tofu

Taiwan is known for beef noodle soup. The meat is tender and the noodles chewy, all in a flavorful broth.

You can opt for stir fried noodles with beef if you don't want soup.

Taiwan is known for xio-long-bao, also known as soup dumplings. These are dumplings stuffed with minced meat and there is a pop of juice when you bite into them. Be careful that you don't burn your tongue. It's super hot when it arrives at your table. The best way to eat it is to pick up the dumpling and put it in a soup spoon. Poke a hole on the side or bite the top off. Let it cool for 15 seconds before eating the rest of the dumpling. Don't forget the ginger and soy sauce/vinegar sauce.

Din Tai Fung is the most famous place to have the dumplings but we found Dumpling Tiger Northern Chinese Delicacy Restaurant in the neighborhood, which made a good substitute. It's located at No. 145 Siyuan Rd.

Dumpling Tiger also had Braised Beef Rolls--another one of my favorites. The flavorful, thinly sliced beef with cucumbers and cilantro is so good.

Don't forget dessert. Shaved Ice in Taiwan is finer than the Shave Ice without the "d" in Hawaii. Add whatever you want on it. I like boiled peanuts and red beans.

This Shaved Ice has mochi balls and tapioca pearls.

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