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Food lover’s guide to Taipei & Jiufen

July 15, 2014 by Sarah Menanix

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Last updated on September 19th, 2018

Taipei Tea Garden

Contrary to popular American belief, if you have a family of four with a fluffy dog, you don’t need a minivan. A scooter will do. Just one of the many fact jewels from our trip to Taipei.

Also, carry an umbrella at all times. And your friend’s light-weight waterproof jacket you can shove in your purse (because you don’t own one yourself). And maybe a poncho. In a pinch, you can snag one from the shopkeeper next to the bus stop who keeps a box for surprise storms. Business is great on rainy days.

Taipei Scooters

Juifen

We spent the first four days of our honeymoon last November exploring Taipei, a city Lucas knows oh so well. After 19 business trips to Taipei, he’s racked up quite the frequent flier miles and collected a list of many hidden gems he’s been dying to share with me. Four days was not enough, and we’ve promised that when I finally finish my dissertation, we’re jetsetting off to Taiwan again.

Taipei Daan Park

We put off our honeymoon for four months after our DIY backyard wedding so we’d have time to actually plan. Read: make restaurant reservations. You know, the important things. A girl’s gotta eat and no mealtime will go wasted. But first: spend a week watching Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations in your jammies on the couch with the cats.Then if you’re like me, spend the next three months compiling a mile-long spreadsheet of every possible thing you want to do. I’ll tell you more about my spreadsheets when Snixy Kitchen takes you to Tokyo.

Taipei Shopping

Travel abroad tip #1:

Once you’ve figured out where you want to eat, e-mail your hotel concierge ahead of time and ask them to make restaurant reservations for you. When necessary, they’ll even pre-order for you if it’s a restaurant with a choice of fixed price menus.

In a country where you don’t speak the language, the concierge can be your best friend. Each morning, we’d tell our hotel concierge all the places we wanted to go and they’d write out in Chinese all the necessary information so we could show bus and taxi drivers where we wanted to get off.

Travel abroad tip #2:

Don’t be afraid to explore. Some of our best days happened because we decided to walk off the beaten path. To go where the people weren’t. To figure out how to get to that point way over there – it looks pretty. I bet there’s a view. To climb this staircase in the rain that seemingly leads to nowhere.

Explore Juifen

Here’s a breakdown of our trip. Jump to the bottom for our eat, see, do, shop, and stay guide to Taipei!

Day 1:

Let’s take it easy – we just spent 14 hours on a plane. I haven’t changed my underwear in way too long and what day is it anyhow? We stumbled upon the pop-up Flower & Jade marts under the highway on our way to all the hip shops near our hotel. Our primary destination goal was the tea & candy shop that Lucas has been bringing me treats back from since his very first trip. A shop where my 5-year-old self definitely would have thrown a doily-covered tea party for my dolls. I wonder if the girl wearing the “F**K FAKE” t-shirt was heading to the same place?

Taipei Flower Mart

One of the top 3 meals of my life was at Yo Sushi on our first Taipei night. For a set $60 price, you can sit at the bar for 1½ hours while the sushi chef feeds you one delicately prepared piece of sushi at a time until you can’t possibly eat any more. I’ve eaten a lot of sushi in my lifetime and nothing holds a candle to Yo Sushi.

Yo Sushi

Yo Sushi Chef

Yo Sushi

Yo Sushi Nighttime

Day 2:

We caught a train to a bus to a secluded trail up to the Yangmingshan National Park visitor’s center where we’d catch another bus to the top of the park. And while we waited at the bus stop, we thanked our lucky stars we chose to grab our complimentary hotel umbrellas on the way out the door. Our plan was to hop off the bus at the top and hike down to a waterfall, but with about 2 feet of visibility and a down pour coming in all directions, we opted to ride the loop all the way around and head back to Beitou for some ramen and hot springs.

Yangmingshan National Park

As it turns out, we aren’t hot spring people. And rather than feeling relaxed, we mostly just felt itchy. Even still, the steam floating off the surface of the natural spring running through the town is a scene worth seeing. Dip your toes in.

Beitou Hot Springs

At the very end of Yongkang Street where the street lamps have dimmed sits a tiny, unassuming down-home Taiwanese restaurant. James Kitchen. There’s no English menu, but if you’re lucky, the owner will be enjoying a beer with his wife at the table next to you and will take over ordering your meal. And you won’t regret it one bit.

James Kitchen

James Kitchen

Day 3:

Since Studio Ghibli was closed for renovations when we were in Tokyo, we opted to do one better and visit Jiufen, the quaint town said to be the inspiration for Spirited Away. Locals might tell you this romantic storybook town is getting a bit touristy, but it’s worth the hype.

Especially if you ditch the crowded area after a bit to weave through the neighborhood. Even better if it’s raining so hard you need a poncho; You’ll feel like you’re wandering around a real-life spirit world. With spiders. At the very least, go there for street eats and tea. And the cats.

Juifen Landscape

Juifen Staircase

Juifen Masks

Juifen Shops

Juifen Street Eats

Juifen Tea Shop

Juifen Tea Pour

Sarah & Lucas Tea Juifen

Juifen-cats

Then head over to the Keelung Miaokou  Night Market on your way back to the city to sample a tasting of Taiwan. We’re clearly highly motivated by food.

Keelung Night Market

Day 4:

On our last day, we rode the glass-bottomed Maokong Gondola up to the top where we took in spectacular views of the city. At the top, we embarked on a path less travelled and strolled through the tea gardens. I think Beatrix Potter’s Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle lives here. If I were a washerwoman hedgehog, I’d definitely live in a teeny tiny cottage right about here.

Maokong Gondola

Maokong Gondola

Taipei Tea Gardens Salesman

Taipei Tea Gardens

Taipei Tea Gardens

Taipei Tea Gardens Working

Taipei Tea Gardens

Food lover’s guide to Taipei

Eat

  • Yo Sushi: Best sushi of my life for $60 fixed price per person. Make a reservation ahead of time. Address: No. 7, Lane 7, LiShui Street, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan
  • James Kitchen: Traditional Taiwanese cuisine. They don’t speak much English, but the owner came to order for us. Address: 65 Yongkang Street, Da-an District, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Orange Shabu Shabu: Hot pot restaurant known for their orange-flavored dipping sauce.
  • Pork dumplings at a little shop early in the morning (Look for the shop with the orange sign) Address: No. 57-9, Andong St, Daan District, Taipei, Taiwan
  • Ice Monster: Thinly shaved ice with fruity flavors. Strongly recommend the mango dessert.
  • Din Tai Fung: Taiwanese soup dumplings, xioalongboa.
  • Keelung Miaokou Night Market: Food-heavy night market where you can sample all kinds of Taiwanese eats all in one place.

See & Do

  • Da’an Forest Park: Walk around the park or go for a run!
  • Beitou: Take in the scenery or visit a hot spring spa.
  • Moakong Gondola and Tea Gardens:  Ride the gondola to the top and explore the tea plantations.
  • Yangmingshan National Park: Take the train to the bus up to the park. Make sure you get off the bus at the first stop for Yangmingshan so you can enjoy the serene 15-minute walk up to the main visitor’s center. From there  you can catch the bus that loops around the park. Note: the bus loop is not worth it if it’s raining hard and visibility is bad.
  • Villa.like Tai Massage: Enjoy a relaxing Thai massage complete with snack and hot tea.

Shop

  • Pop-up Flower & Jade mart: open on Saturdays & Sundays under the highway right next to Da’an Forest Park.
  • Da’an Zhongxiao East road shopping area: There are lots of hip shops in this area, including a Lomography shop, lots of restaurants, and, my personal favorite, the Vvg Bon Bon candy shop
  • Yongkang Street: Inexpensive clothing shops that are open late line both sides of the street. Grab a dessert at one of the many dessert shops or pop into the cat-themed boutique.

Stay

  • Dandy Hotel Da’an Park: I will always stay here from now on when in Taipei. In addition to each room being inspired and designed by a different artist, the hotel offers complimentary breakfast and laundry, and has incredibly friendly English-speaking staff. It’s very reasonably priced and conveniently located by the train and directly across from the park. They made all of our restaurant reservations for us before we arrived and even wrote down directions to hand to cab drivers for us. Note: cabs are dirt cheap in Taipei.

Jiufen: A day trip from Taipei

See & Do

  • Jishan/Old Street: Enjoy the small local shops, cheap street eats, and quaint romantic character of the winding neighborhoods.
  • Take in a view of the sea at the top of Old Street (as long as it isn’t pouring rain!)
  • When you get to the top, keep walking and explore the neighborhood. We found a stairway that offered breathtaking views with no one else around.
  • Say hi to all the neighborhood cats! Seems like nearly every shop has its own cat.

Eat

  • Street eats all the way up Old Street.
  • Grandma Lai’s Yuyuan (Ah Gan Yi Yu Yuan 阿柑姨芋圆): Most famous shop for sweet taro balls. You’ll pass many taro ball shops, but save yourself for Grandma’s, located at the top of the hill. To get there, turn up the stairs on your left as you walk up Old street, you’ll find her shop at the top right before the school.

Thanks for reading Snixy Kitchen! To stay up on what’s coming out of my kitchen, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin’, or Pinterest, or subscribe via e-mail to get new posts right to your inbox.

Snixy Kitchen Wedding Posts:

  • Our engagement story and ring
  • Engagement photos
  • Wedding Part 1 – First look, backyard reception, & vows
  • Wedding Part 2 – Backyard BBQ reception details and bride & groom portraits
  • Honeymoon Part 2 – Food lover’s guide to Tokyo
  • Honeymoon Part 3 – Food lover’s guide to Kyoto
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19 Comments

  1. Anna @ Bashful Bao -

    July 15, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Sounds like you guys had a great time! Taiwan is such a fun place to visit-I love reading about other peoples’ experiences there. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 15, 2014 at 9:11 am

      Such a great time that look at these photos my husband and I both agreed we need to go back again soon. We’ve barely touched on all the fun adventures Taiwan offers! Thanks for reading!

      Reply
      • Anna @ Bashful Bao -

        July 15, 2014 at 9:23 am

        I feel like I could go back twenty more times and still find new things to do!! Someday I would love to make it to cities like Kenting and Gaohsiung.

        Reply
  2. Anna @ One Prickly Pear -

    July 15, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Now I want to go to Taipei! Beautiful pictures and I absolutely love your travel abroad tips. They’re so true! :)

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 15, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      Aw – thank you! I hope you do! I thought for sure I’d enjoy it, but spend most of my honeymoon memories on Japan…but Taipei stole my heart too.

      Reply
  3. Kelly @ A Side of Sweet -

    July 15, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    These photos are amazing! I feel like I just took a mini vacation looking at them. Taipei is definitely at the top of my travel list!

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 15, 2014 at 9:15 pm

      Thanks girl! I can’t wait to see your travel pics when you and Pat get back from Taipei;)

      Reply
  4. Jessica M -

    July 15, 2014 at 9:45 pm

    Japan is probably the highest spot on my list of places I haven’t been to — but it’s so far and so expensive I don’t know when I’ll make it, but when I do I’m so glad I have this list! You’ve given me a lot to dream about with this beautiful guide through your misty honeymoon =)

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 15, 2014 at 9:58 pm

      Thanks, Jessica! These pictures and list are actually for Taiwan, which is still far, but MUCH MUCH less expensive than Japan…with just as much charm. I told my husband when I finally finish my dissertation, he has to take me back, but if I had to choose between Japan and Taiwan, I’m not sure I could pick! I’ve got my Japan travel guides (in two parts – Tokyo & Kyoto) coming up soon! xoxo.

      Reply
  5. Carla (@charliesue) -

    July 16, 2014 at 8:17 am

    Well, THIS is something we’ll have to discuss! Alyssa went to Taipei about a year ago and sent me many (mean and cruel) photos of the boba tea. You make it look amazing– now *I* need to go!

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 16, 2014 at 9:39 am

      Yes! You certainly need to go…on your way to visiting Alyssa in Tokyo:) In the meantime, I’d love to have you over for some boba tea just to get your fix in.

      Reply
  6. Allie -

    July 17, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Gah – for lack of a better word, these pictures are just frickin’ beautiful!! I’d absolutely love to visit there someday.

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 17, 2014 at 9:34 pm

      You are too sweet! I hope you do visit – can’t wait to hear all about it;)

      Reply
  7. Tiffany -

    July 18, 2014 at 9:38 am

    Hi,

    I just found your blog and these photos have taken me away! So beautiful :) Thanks for taking me on a little trip through your photographs. Lovely blog as well!

    Tiffany

    http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 19, 2014 at 9:02 pm

      My pleasure, TIffany! Thanks for coming and for your sweet comments;)

      Reply
  8. Kirbie -

    July 18, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    That is amazing you got to visit Taipei for your honeymoon. On your next trip, you need to stay with a friend or friend’s family in the city to really take you around for food! The culture there is to basically feed you every second of the day. Every time I visit, it’s like 10 meals a day. haha. but it’s so much fun and your photos are gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 19, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      YES! When we go back (after I finally finish my dissertation), we’re trying to drag my friend Angi along and we’ll all stay with her family. Lucas showed me a lot of the hole in the wall spots the factories took him in the years he was working there, but I’d love to stay with a local. Maybe you can come next time;) And thank you, Jennifer!

      Reply
  9. Thalia @ butter and brioche -

    July 19, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    wow ive always wanted to go to china.. these photos are beautiful. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sarah Menanix -

      July 19, 2014 at 9:06 pm

      Thank you, Thalia! I highly recommend taking a trip to Taiwan – the countryside is so much prettier than you can even imagine.

      Reply

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Sarah Menanix

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