Fires and ghost stories haven’t prevented the proliferation of Southeast Asian restaurants surrounding a historic shopping center from creating a novel blend of cultures and cuisines. When a fire broke out on Chenggong Road in Taichung’s Central District in mid-November, it brought back vivid memories of a mid-1990s spate of blazes that destroyed property in…
Known for its tolerance of different religious beliefs, Taiwan is also home to countless restaurants catering to those of faith. Taking a stroll through any of Taiwan’s enchanting night markets is a golden ticket to the sensory rollercoaster of smells and tastes of local edible delights. The sounds of sizzling oils, meat grilling, and the…
A burgeoning market, creative concoctions, and passionate bartenders are ushering in an era for gin on the island. Gin enthusiasts were long a niche group in Taiwan, where whisky famously dominates the liquor market. Just a decade ago, they would often be left disappointed, encountering the same three brands on nearly every bar shelf. But…
An excellent hotel breakfast ensures every bite shapes a traveler’s experience, fostering a sense of uniqueness, comfort, and convenience. While it is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a good hotel breakfast should also be the most enjoyable. This morning ritual is an integral part of the overall guest…
Made in Taiwan, published by a division of Simon & Schuster underscores the rightful place of Taiwanese food on the global culinary stage. Admittedly, I shouldn’t be the best choice to write about a cookbook. My experience in front of a stove is largely limited to boiling water for tea or coffee, plus the occasional scrambling…
From beef noodles at Wego to donuts at Kura Sushi, Taiwanese establishments brim with culinary surprises. I have a confession to make. The term “danwu shop” is something I made up for this article after struggling to find a translation of the Taiwanese phrase 被耽誤的店 (bei danwu de dian). Consider it a descriptor for a…
A quest for the perfect sashimi experience leads to the discovery of hidden gems in Taipei’s vibrant culinary landscape. Less is more when it comes to sashimi. That’s according to Mayuko Perkins, a Japanese national who moved to Taipei in 2019. In Japan the fresh raw fish is finely sliced, allowing you to “enjoy the…
Long recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, Taiwan is a remarkable ecotourism destination that straddles the Tropic of Cancer. Between June and September, the country’s lowland landscapes swelter. In winter, by contrast, its rugged uplands receive dustings of snow. Between these two extremes, there are a dozen different environments, and each has distinct fauna and flora. …
Taiwan has resumed warmly welcoming overseas visitors, and Taiwanese are once again enjoying overseas vacations. The country’s airports and hotels are bustling. Attractions like Ximending and Taipei 101 are reporting a steady flow of foreign tourists. Another sign that the travel and hospitality industries have finally put the pandemic behind them is the anticipation surrounding…
If the world’s cycling enthusiasts pooled their ideas and designed a country that is ideal for bicycle vacations, they would likely come up with a place remarkably similar to Taiwan. Taiwan is 394 km long and 144 km across at its widest, so end-to-end or around-the-island rides can be accomplished within a vacation of normal…
