Taipei Yakitori Experience

I was in Taipei for a quick 3 day getaway. It was more of a sightseeing excursion but we did manage to squeeze in a few culinary adventures along the way! This is the 10th of 10 parts. 

I wish I could say that we left Taipei with a mind-blowing last meal but it was not the case. 

We were looking for a popular hotpot joint but ended up in an eat-all-you-can yakitori restaurant.

For 499NT++, it actually wasn't so bad...

but we got stressed making sure our meat didn't get overcooked!

Overall, I'm glad to have visited Taipei with Murtle and Curly, but I think we're one in saying that we don't have plans of coming back. Taipei is a good city to visit once or twice but it's easy not to look back.

Ching Guan Market

I was in Taipei for a quick 3 day getaway. It was more of a sightseeing excursion but we did manage to squeeze in a few culinary adventures along the way! This is the 9th of 10 parts.

We visited the Ching Guan Market thanks to an inspiring post by jinlovestoeat. I think it would been better though if we went to Ching Guan at night since some stalls were closed.

At least the goose place was open!

Roasted Goose

I found the goose salty but it was tender and had a clean taste.

Next stop was this noodle stall...

Sesame and Peanut Noodle Soup

Not a fan of beansprouts but enjoyed the strong sesame and peanut flavors. Didn't care for the thick consistency of the soup though.

We also explored the dry goods market and chanced upon this small bake shop.

Fried Doughnut with Milk

I'm a sucker for any kind of fried bread and this was no exception. Crispy and sweet!

How I wish we skipped this pancake stall...

Cheese and Corn Pancake

 It might look appetizing but it was served with a strand of CURLY hair! Eww!!!

Needless to say we got traumatized and left the market soon after.

For those who want to experience the flavors of a small neighborhood market, Ching Guan might be the place for you. Just skip the pancake stall.

Ching Guan Market is located at Lane 2, NóngĀn St, Jhongshan District, Taipei (near Zhong Shan N Rd, Sec 3). From the Minquan W. Rd MRT red line station, take a 5 minute cab ride.

Taipei 101

I was in Taipei for a quick 3 day getaway. It was more of a sightseeing excursion but we did manage to squeeze in a few culinary adventures along the way! This is the 8th of 10 parts. 

It's impossible to escape Taipei 101 when in Taiwan. It's the 2nd tallest building in the world after all standing 1,674 feet tall.

When I was younger, I actually joined a youth group and we went on a three week coast to coast exploration of Taiwan (see adventure here), so I no longer joined Murtle and Curly in ascending the top floors of Taipei 101.

Based on the pictures Murtle and Curly shared, not much has changed from my visit 6 years ago. (Wow! It has been that long... time surely flies!!!)

Line Going Up

Sending A Postcard is A Must

View From the Top

I spent my time waiting for Murtle and Curly at Taipei 101’s food hall, Grand Market.

I was craving for Tom Yum soup that day so I bought tom yum noodles from this outlet:

I wasn’t surprised that the flavors were not authentic but I was at least able to satisfy a craving. 

After what felt like forever, Murtle and Curly finally joined me at the food hall. These were what they ordered:

It goes without saying that Taipei 101 is a must visit for first timers.

Taipei 101 is located at No. 7 Sec. 5 Xin Yi Road, Taipei Taiwan.

Murtle & Mr. J

I was in Taipei for a quick 3 day getaway. It was more of a sightseeing excursion but we did manage to squeeze in a few culinary adventures along the way! This is the 7th of 10 parts.

This post is dedicated to all Jay Chou fans!

I’m sure the number one reason Murtle wanted to go to Taiwan was to see Jay Chou in the flesh. 

Sadly, Jay Chou was nowhere to be found so Murtle settle for the next best thing: A trip to Mr. J, Jay Chou’s "French- Italian" restaurant!

We went to the branch found within the Taipei Medical University Hospital complex (odd choice of location, I know) where the theme of the restaurant was inspired by his movie Secret.

Since we already had lunch, we no longer sampled the food of Mr. J and instead spent most of our time choosing what overpriced memorabilia Murtle ought to buy. In the end, Murtle opted to be the proud owner  of a  Mr. J keychain which easily broke after a few months use. (fan trap alert!!!)

Regardless, I’m sure Murtle considered going to Mr. J as one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Mr. J has three branches in Taiwan. The branch we visited was just 10 minutes away from Taipei 101 via cab.

Shilin Night Market is a Must Visit

 I was in Taipei for a quick 3 day getaway. It was more of a sightseeing excursion but we did manage to squeeze in a few culinary adventures along the way! This is the 6th of 10 parts.

One hasn't fully explored Taipei without visiting the mother of all night markets, Shilin! 

Shilin Night Market is the biggest and most famous night market in the city with hundreds of kiosks and stores selling food and  non-food items (clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.). Arcade arenas, karaoke joints, and theater houses also surround the area. 

Don't be deterred by the huge crowds as the frenzied and chaotic environment is part of the Shilin experience.

Our first stop was the popular chicken stall Hot Star.

Hot Star has one of the longest lines but wait time isn't bad...

thanks to a very efficient system!

Chicken Getting Floured 

Fry Station

Ready to be Served

Deep Fried Chicken Fillet

Juicy with an addictive flour coating, I could eat this jumbo chicken all day long!

A few stalls from Hot Star is Ladu Alibaba...

Making the roti in full view of passersby is a brilliant strategy as it drew us in.

Kebabs Anyone?

Curry Beef Roll

Sadly, there was nothing remarkable about this roll. Hot and filling but not much else.

A food kiosk not be missed is the stall below. It's home to the best scallion pancakes in Taipei!

Scallion Pancakes

This fried dough with egg didn't picture well but was oh so good! Salty and greasy making it perfect for midnight snack. Best eaten piping hot.

Our last food stop at Shilin Night Market was Cheng Zu.

I could not resist these buns!

Small Meat Buns

Loved the crunchy bottom bits and the very soft and flavorful meat inside. 

Curly also tried the intriguing "froggy" drink...

but got disappointed. She said it tasted weird.

We also joined the long lines of this 50 year old establishment.

Everyone was queuing for this drink....

and it tasted like grass!

Oh well, at least we also had milk tea which wasn't so bad!

Shilin Night Market is open from 4 pm to 2 am daily. Get off the Jiantan Station (not Shilin!!!) of the Danshui MRT.