7-Eleven
If there’s one place that defines convenience in Taiwan, it’s 7-Eleven. We found ourselves making multiple trips, whether for quick snacks or unique finds like the limited-edition mojito in a tetra pack.
One highlight was reuniting with a Coke Slurpee at a branch in Yilan. It felt nostalgic in the best way.
Whether you’re grabbing food to go or dining in, 7-Eleven offers a wide variety of options. The dine-in areas are clean and well-maintained, with tissues and wipes available so you can tidy up after eating. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference for the next customer.
Starbucks Reserve Dream Plaza Taipei
We visited the Starbucks Reserve Dream Plaza, and it’s easily one of the most impressive Starbucks branches we’ve seen.
The space is massive, with dedicated sections for coffee and tea. They even serve cocktails. Yes, I had an Espresso Martini at 9 AM, no regrets.
Seating is abundant, so it’s easy to find a cozy spot. It’s a great place to people-watch, unwind, or simply pass time with your favorite drink. We paired ours with a pork tenderloin frittata sandwich, and every bite was satisfying. The meat was tender and packed with flavor.
Taipei Night Markets
Choosing which night market to visit in Taipei can feel overwhelming, so we kept it simple and went to those near our location.
Our Jiufen–Shifen tour ended at Raohe Night Market. It was packed from the entrance, with long queues for the famous pork black pepper buns. Of course, we joined in. The buns were freshly made and worth the wait.
We also went hunting for XXL fried chicken and found one of Taiwan’s iconic oversized cutlets. Juicy, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. We ended up enjoying it back at the hotel since it was already late.
Next stop was Ximending. Here, we had one of the best beef noodle soups at Lao Shan Dong. The hot broth was perfect for the chilly weather. We also tried fried chicken from Shi Yun, along with fish cakes, string beans, and tofu.
And of course, the famous crispy milk donuts. Expect a queue, but they’re worth it. The area is vibrant, filled with neon lights, music, and a youthful energy that makes it fun to explore.
At Shilin Night Market, the crowd was more manageable. We tried barbecue chicken and the well-known Hot Star Large Fried Chicken, each with its own distinct flavor. The best part? We found crispy milk donuts with no queue.
Taipei’s night markets are a full sensory experience. Bright lights, loud sounds, and incredible food all come together to create something unforgettable.
Simple Kaffa Sola at Taipei 101
What’s it like dining at the top of Taipei 101? We found out at Simple Kaffa Sola, the highest café in Taiwan.
We walked in without a reservation and were seated within minutes. I tried their 10th Anniversary Coffee, and the staff recommended sipping from different sides of the cup to experience the varying flavor notes. It actually works, although the taste becomes more consistent as the coffee cools.
We paired it with Zhou Zhou, a honey castella cake that complemented the coffee perfectly.
Emperor Palace Hot Pot Buffet
For our final lunch before leaving Taiwan, we went all out at Emperor Palace Hot Pot.
The ambiance feels like a traditional Chinese palace, with dim lighting and wooden interiors. We chose spicy pork soup and chicken soup as our bases, then loaded up on Angus beef slices, dumplings, vegetables, and more.
The drink selection is extensive, ranging from soft drinks to alcoholic options, so there’s something for everyone. For dessert, I indulged in Swiss chocolate ice cream from Mövenpick and a refreshing fruit slushie served in a beautifully designed silver pitcher.
We definitely left full and satisfied.
Crispy Milk Donuts
No trip to Taipei is complete without trying crispy milk donuts. Yes, they’re indulgent, but absolutely worth it.
Each bite starts with a sweet, milky powder coating. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and almost melts in your mouth. Whether you eat them hot or cold, they’re delicious.
One piece is never enough. If the queue in Ximending is too long, check other branches around the city. You might get lucky like we did.
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| Why Taiwan is a Foodie Paradise: Must-Visit Spots Every Tourist Needs to Try |
WILL: Taiwan is much more than just a quick stopover; it’s a vibrant intersection of Japanese precision and Chinese tradition. For Western travelers looking for high-quality "foodie" experiences without the gourmet price tag. Based on our recent trip, here are the four places that truly defined the "Taiwanese taste" for me.
1. Starbucks Dream Plaza: Coffee with a Twist
You might think you know Starbucks, but the Dream Plaza Reserve in Taipei is a different breed. While you can get your standard latte, this location specializes in:
• Exclusive Alcoholic Infusions: Coffee-based cocktails that are perfect for a sophisticated afternoon break.
• Elevated Dining: Their sandwiches are massive—far beyond the standard "grab-and-go" fare.
Travel Tip: Go here for the architecture and the exclusive "Reserve" menu you won't find back home.
2. Emperor Palace Hot Pot: The Luxury Buffet
Hot pot is a staple in Asia, but Emperor Palace takes it to a level of indulgence that Western tourists will love. Forget standard soft-serve; this is a full-scale luxury experience.
• The Highlights: Unlimited Häagen-Dazs and Mövenpick ice cream.
• The Game Changer: Unlike most buffets, they offer unlimited wine and cocktails.
3. Raohe Night Market: The Michelin-Level Street Food
While Shilin is famous, Raohe Night Market is where the locals (and savvy tourists) go for the best flavor-to-queue ratio.
• Pork Black Pepper Buns (Fuzhou Ancestor): Watch them bake these in traditional clay ovens. The smoky, peppery crunch is unforgettable.
• Stall 95 (XXL Chicken): A staple of Taiwanese street food.
Our Regret: I only bought one of each. Trust me—get two. You’ll crave them the moment you leave.
4. Crispy Milk Donuts: Don’t Believe the "Fad" Hype
In a world of overhyped Instagram trends, the Crispy Milk Donut is the real deal. It’s not just a donut; it’s a texture experience—crunchy on the outside, airy and milky on the inside.
There is a long queue for a reason. It is the perfect walking snack while exploring the streets of Taipei.
Ultimately, Taiwan is a masterclass in culinary fusion. It honors its heritage while constantly pushing the boundaries of what 'street food' can be.
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