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Good whiskys and whiskeys at the Malt in Taipei. Nice little bar tucked away off a small street in Taipei. They have a great selection of whiskeys and bourbons. They even had Pappys. I should have gotten more pics but I was feeling under the weather. . . .
Had barbecue with my relatives at one of the most popular American Barbecue restaurants in Taipei. As a visitor to Taipei, I don’t look for western fare while overseas. But my friends know that I am a
Japanese food in Taiwan, is arguably the best outside of Japan. I doubt anywhere else has the diversity, quality of fish, and abundance of great Japanese restaurants than Taiwan. This neighborhood Japanese restaurant does not disappointment, located in the east district 東區 of Taipei 大和 is a favorite of an old friend that I’ve known for over 49 year, our moms went to college together. It was great to catch up with him and his family and of course his mom. . . .
Costco in Taipei. Had to check it out. I had some free time and my buddy was going - so I decided to check it out - on a Saturday afternoon, the busiest day of the week. Yeah, I know I’m crazy. But what the hell. Anyways. The $5 chicken there but slightly higher priced. But they also had some other good deals for hot foods - like pork knuckle. Their hot dog and soda deal was there too. They said their hot dogs came from the US. . . . .taiwan
Taichung Night Market. Lots of yummy things to eat. Lots of people, families, and kids. It has been a long time since I have been to a Taiwanese night market. Enjoyed it but I don’t think I could stay too long. It was a warm night. Plus some of the things were a bit questionable even though they smelled good. . . .
Tainan oldest department store 林百貨 also known as Hayashi. Lots of interesting items from local purveyors. 5 floors of clothing, housewares, and trinkets. The rooftop had a couple of eateries to go along with the great views. The building interior and exterior looks great and well preserved. . . .
Beef Noodle Soup, dumplings, and tofu + thousand year old egg with my cousin in Hualien. This is one of favorites growing up in Hualien. The beef noodle soup has a nice hearty but not overpowering broth. The noodles have a nice “Q” or bouncy texture. The beef chunks were tender but somehow a little dry. Overall I dig it. . . .🍜 🇹🇼
Local dumpling joint not far from where I am staying. Steamed dumplings with both puffy bread-like skin and thin skinned dumplings. I prefer the thin skinned ones. They more on the menu that I want to try. . . . 🇹🇼
Taroko National Park entrance. Due to the recent earthquake, the park is shut down for at least 6 months. This iconic park brings back memories when I was kid visiting with my family, then later on with the Taiwanese Study Tour (Love Boat). My cousin’s wife has a little shop midway up to the final stone temple. Now she is forced to close and her employees are now without work. Hualien’s local economy was already suffering. Now with this earthquake - I was told the government wasn’t or hasn’t provided any financial assistance to the community. With the lack of tourist from China, the no go decision to extend the HSR to Hualien, and now this earthquake- Hulalien will be looking at some lean times. I feel for my relatives and community that I adore. . . .
Ying Yang hot pot. Neighborhood/mom&pop hot pot place. This where locals in the neighborhood get their hot pot fix. . . .
My favorite meal is breakfast and Taiwanese breakfast is one of the best. With the rice balls, egg pancakes, and others. I try to find an egg pancake every morning. I used to have the rice ball with egg, oil curler, and pork floss - every morning but now I realize it is quite heavy and a bit much for me nowadays. You can find these treats almost everyday and almost every other corner. So good. In Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and everywhere in between. . . .
Wagyu Beef Yakiniku at Zonzen Yakiniku 燒肉中山. One of the best meals I’ve had in in Asia. Outstanding beef - marbling, flavor with just salt, and tender buttery texture. Decor was cool. They even have a robot server. . . .