Blog

Touchdown in Tapei

After 12 and a half hours wedged into a cramped airplane seat (my legs are still mad at me), I finally made it off the plane and into Taipei Taoyuan Airport — and that smell hit me. I can never describe it perfectly… a mix of warm soy sauce, airport A/C, and something sweet and earthy in the background. I always forget about it until I’m here, and then bam — instant Taiwan flashback.
Outside, typhoon season was doing its thing. The air felt like stepping into a steamed bun — hot, heavy, and weirdly comforting. My shirt stuck to my back in seconds, but I couldn’t even be annoyed. I was too busy buzzing with excitement.
Then I saw them: the vending machines. Only in Taiwan can something so basic look so good. Bright rows of colorful cans and bottles — sweet winter melon tea, salty lemon soda, icy milk. I grabbed a peach green tea and just stood there sipping, jet-lagged but grinning.
In a few weeks, I’ll be starting at a high school that focuses on culinary arts. And being in Taipei — where food is everywhere, and even the air smells like night market magic — feels like the perfect place to kick it all off. Let the cooking (and eating) begin.

First Bites in the Heart of Taipei

After settling into our hotel near Taipei City Mall and the bustling Taipei Main Station, my first foodie mission was—of course—a visit to the nearest 7-Eleven. Taiwan’s convenience stores are a dream come true for any teen foodie: I snagged a couple of tea-soaked eggs (so savory and comforting), soft handmade buns with surprise fillings—porky goodness in one, greens in another, and even one shaped like a little cartoon pig with sesame filling. The fresh soymilk 🥛 was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
We explored the area a bit, spotting a nearby Louisa Coffee ☕️ where my parents got their caffeine fix, and I wandered into Starbucks just to check out their Taiwan-exclusive merchandise. I was not ready for the adorable Snoopy collab and mugs inspired by local Taiwanese culture—it made the whole place feel special and uniquely “Taipei.”
This first taste of the city—a little bit traditional, a little bit modern, and full of flavor—was the perfect intro to what’s going to be a summer of serious eating (and baking inspiration!).

Watsons = My Daily Obsession

One of my guilty pleasures in Taipei? Watsons. I seriously can’t walk past one without going in—even if I was just there the day before (okay… or earlier that day 😅). It’s like a skincare and beauty wonderland!
From rows of colorful sheet masks to such a variety of acne patches, and shelves full of K-beauty and J-beauty finds, everything feels like a hidden gem—and honestly, way cheaper than back in the U.S. I found super nice cleansers, toners, even some beautiful lip glosses for my dear friends back home!
Let’s just say… it quickly became my “daily routine” to pop in, just to browse (but let’s be honest—I always left with something 📦💄).

First Bowl in Beitou: A Hidden Gem with Family Roots

Our first real meal in Taipei took us to Beitou District, where my grandaunt escorted us to a tiny, tucked-away noodle shop that’s been around for generations. No big signs, no tourists—just neighborhood regulars slurping noodles under buzzing ceiling fans (because yeah, there’s no air conditioning).
We ordered classic wonton noodle soup and fish balls, and every bite felt like a hug. The broth was light and clear but full of deep umami, the handmade wontons were stuffed with juicy pork and just the right amount of ginger, and the noodles had that perfect springy bite. My favorite part? My dad used to eat at this exact place when he was a kid.
It wasn’t fancy—cheap, simple, no-frills—but that’s what made it taste even better. This little spot in Beitou, totally off the beaten path, gave me my first unforgettable bowl of the trip.

A Day of Fun: Slurps, Street Treats, and Sparkly Nails

Today was basically a highlight reel for my inner foodie—and future high school self! The adventure continued with a bowl of pork intestine thin noodles (大腸麵線). If you’ve never had it, don’t let the name scare you…it’s like a warm, garlicky, sticky broth loaded with chewy noodles and super tender bits of pork intestine. I must’ve looked wild slurping it up, but honestly, it was epic and totally hit the spot.
After fueling up, I did something completely new: I got gel nails for the first time! Sitting in a bright, cozy Taipei salon, I picked a fun color—thinking about all those food pics I’ll be taking once school starts at my fancy culinary high school. They’re seriously the cutest, but I’ll have to say goodbye soon (goodbye, perfect nails—hello, dough kneading).
Wandering the city, I kept eyeing the fruit stands. Taipei street vendors sell cherries and grapes so fresh and plump they’d make supermarket fruit back home look weak. I bought a little bag and snacked as I walked—they tasted like summer and were so juicy, I almost needed a napkin.
Dinner was major: a family-style feast loaded with stir-fried greens (literally picked that morning from local farms) and plates of fresh seafood. From silky sautéed water spinach to sweet, perfectly cooked clams, everything tasted like it was made just for our table.
Every bite, every little errand, even my new nails felt tied to this crazy, awesome season of change. Taipei really is the best place for a teen foodie (with sparkly nails) to find inspiration!

Day 2 in Taipei: From Dan Bing Queues to Temple Markets & Unexpected Surprises

Today was a total whirlwind—and basically a level-up for my inner foodie and explorer. It started with wandering out into Taipei’s city streets, huge skyscrapers above me, and a mission in mind: dan bing (蛋餅), Taiwan’s crispy egg pancakes. I found a long line just wrapped around the corner, proof that you always trust the queue here. The smell of batter sizzling on flat grills, with fresh scallions thrown in, almost made waiting fun.
On the way back, I spotted another 7-Eleven—this one Tomica themed (mini cars everywhere!). Taiwan seriously knows how to make convenience stores an experience—some are decked out with Hello Kitty or Snoopy and now, apparently, collectible car decor. Inside, the wall of instant noodles looked nothing like the boring selection back in the US. Here, there are flavors like spicy beef hotpot and oyster vermicelli—plus so many brands I’ve never seen before. My snack-collecting side was screaming.
Then—grandaunt to the rescue! She led us through twisting side streets to an open-air market, the most Taipei scene yet. Porridge stands, skewers of chicken liver, little bites of savory goodness at every turn, all right by a temple with lanterns bobbing in the breeze and incense floating in the air.
We passed a beautifully restored hospital-turned-Starbucks Reserve (only in Taipei!), so of course, we ducked into the AC. New summer drinks? Yes, please. I snagged a peach cream frappuccino with jelly in a real glass mug, which felt extra fancy. It was cold, sweet, and so refreshing after the heat and humidity outside.
Next, tea shopping! I tasted and picked out tieguanyin (鐵觀音) and baozhong (包種) teas—their sweetness and freshness is nothing like what I get at home. It’s like drinking a clear mountain stream.
The wandering continued along a “dried goods street” in Japanese-era brick building with stands selling everything from black fungus and shiitake mushrooms to almond nougat and various local candies. I even spotted little shops full of cute bags and pouches made from Taiwanese textiles and a vendor selling anything associated with kitchenware. Some vendors had the cutest earrings—tiny bowls of shaved ice, fruit charms, the perfect souvenir.
And because I’m still kind of a kid, I waited in line at Popmart to get a Labubu blind box (no luck, but the hunt is half the fun).
We wrapped up with dinner at a famed beef noodle soup spot (it even won awards!). The broth was totally clear but packed with flavor, the noodles were perfectly chewy, and the beef with tendon just melted in my mouth. If there’s a better way to end a Taipei day than full of noodles and new memories, I haven’t found it yet.

Yilan-a slower pace

If you want to chill out and see some super pretty places, Yilan is THE place. My cousins often visit Yilan to relax. Beach walks, awesome food, and zero rush—what more could you want?
Beach time & Turtle Island views:
The sand at Waiao or Honey Moon Bay is so soft! You can literally spot Turtle Island just chilling way out in the ocean.
Lunch in the hills + local wine:
Go up the mountain to Cang Jiu Winery or Toucheng Farm—the food is yummy and you get to taste the wine (parents only, though). Take in the view, snap a pic, breathe. It’s so relaxing. The best part? There’s a little trail past tons of cute farm animals and even some inspiring artwork. Saw spiders spinning webs and snails slowly crawling around—nature is kinda awesome when you’re not rushing!
Museum that’s not boring:
Lanyang Museum actually looks cool and doesn’t feel like homework. The displays walk you through Yilan’s mountains and sea stuff—perfect for a slow afternoon. Plus, the café had Basque cheesecakes with epic flavors like black sesame. Not too dense or sweet, way lighter than New York cheesecake. Total win.
Oh, and their popcorn is NEXT LEVEL—think pineapple, oolong tea, and all kinds of wild Taiwanese-inspired flavors. It’s like a snack party in your mouth.

Unplanned detour from Alishan to Taizhong

Was excited for Alishan—wanted to taste their famous tea, see massive trees, and hike the trails. But just as I was about to board the 2.5-hour bus from Jiayi, bam—all transport got canceled because of crazy flooding. Seriously, schools and stores closed down; it was instant ghost town vibes.
Ended up at Evergreen Hotel, right across from the National Museum’s southern branch. With everything shut, I just chilled—pulled some blind toy boxes (got a cat and a capybara, not mad!), browsed the hotel’s fancy tea collection, and explored the only open spot: 7-Eleven (grabbed a peach drink and rose pocky, lifesavers). Had this ube pastry next door in a box covered with the area’s tile patterns—Jiayi is famous for those, and they even have a tile museum!
At least I could check out the museum’s outdoor garden: spotted sleek black swans, fallen tree limbs with nests and eggs on the ground, and snails everywhere—nature kind of doing its own thing.
With Alishan off the table, we sped to Taizhong the next day. The high-speed rail there is honestly a game-changer—felt like magic how fast it was. Taizhong is a foodie paradise! Went to Miyahara Ice Cream (it looks like Hogwarts, no joke) and tried their sorbet-style ice cream—light, super fresh, but melted way too fast. Due last minute change of destination, unable to make reservations and missed out on the Minimalist Michelin-star ice cream (in fact, the only Michelin-star rated ice cream) which featured set courses with ice cream. We still found epic snacks at the train station (so easy to explore here).
Also visited the Natural Science Museum—there was this wild exhibit on how drugs mess with your brain, using art pieces that changed faces to show all the bad effects. It was kind of trippy and definitely makes you think.
Not how I planned the trip, but Taiwan always finds a way to surprise you, even when it means swapping giant trees for blind box toys and rose Pocky!

Tapei 101

Riding the elevator to the Taipei 101 observatory feels like a mini space launch—you’re swept up to the 89th floor in 37seconds! When the doors open, the view is spectacular: Taipei sprawled out beneath you, city lights and mountains stretching all the way to the horizon.
Center stage is the famous tuned mass damper—a giant golden globe that quietly keeps the building steady during typhoons and earthquakes. It’s engineering magic and makes for a pretty cool photo op.
The food scene upstairs is just as impressive. Imagine tasting guava lemon mousse cake and munching on fresh dragon fruit while admiring the skyline. You order meals by scanning QR codes, and the sukiyaki is so savory you’ll want seconds. Plus, there are fun discoveries: mochi matcha bagels (a first!), bow-shaped croissants, and creative Taiwanese scones that add to the adventurous spirit.items

Besides the amazing views and food, Taipei 101 is home to a really beautiful mall filled with fancy shops and designer brands. Walking through it feels like stepping into a sleek, elegant space where everything is polished and inviting.
One of my favorite stops was afternoon tea at TWG. It’s such a peaceful spot to unwind, with an incredible selection of teas served alongside delicate pastries and finger sandwiches. Sitting there, sipping tea while watching people shop below and the city stretching out beyond the windows, felt like a perfect little moment of calm and luxury. There seems to be an obsession for bag charms- there is a store dedicated to only selling these
So Taipei 101 isn’t just about getting to the top — it’s this whole experience of style, great taste, and relaxing energy all wrapped into one amazing place. Whether you’re shopping, snacking, or just soaking it all in, there’s something special around every corner.

Hsinchu-Taiwan’s Silicon Valley

We hopped on the high-speed rail from Taipei—just a breezy 30-minute ride. My parents grabbed Mr. Brown coffee at 7-Eleven before boarding (honestly, you can’t start the day without a caffeine fix!), and in what felt like the blink of an eye, we were rolling into Hsinchu.
Right as you arrive, it’s hard not to notice Hsinchu’s big reputation as Taiwan’s tech powerhouse. The city isn’t just historic—it’s famous for its Hsinchu Science Park, a sprawling innovation zone that’s home to giants like TSMC and hundreds of startups. Hsinchu is where Taiwan’s brightest engineers and inventors create the chips, electronics, and telecom breakthroughs that power devices and industries around the world. Local universities and research centers keep the energy high, with collaboration and creativity everywhere you look. Walking through the city, you’re just steps away from cutting-edge labs and the pulse of global tech.
Lunch was a highlight: a cozy restaurant inside a historic building that once housed police families back during the Japanese occupation. The place had so much character—old tiles, faded brick, and stories hiding in every corner. The meal itself was all about fresh flavors: seafood front and center and the kind of local dishes that make you want to savor each bite. We ended with handmade mochi for dessert—soft, chewy, and just the right touch of sweet.
After lunch, we traded city views for winding roads leading into the mountains. Here, tucked away from the tech buzz, was a classic Hakka village—single-story homes and shopfronts lined the quiet path, all selling goods straight from the land. We spotted freshly cut bamboo shoots, perfect and crisp.
One shop invited us to try a hands-on Hakka tea experience. You grind peanuts, sesame seeds, and other ingredients into a fine powder—arms working, laughter bouncing around, and the room full of that sweet, nutty aroma. It took a good 20 minutes, but mixing it into the tea was worth every second. Hearty and filling, with a little bit of sweetness, it tasted like comfort in a cup.
For dinner, we zipped back to Taipei on the high-speed rail and landed at the Regency Hotel for a vegetarian feast. Soft bean curd stole the show, served alongside silky-sliced bamboo shoots drizzled with mayonnaise—delicate and fresh, the kind of meal you want to eat slowly and enjoy.
From speedy trains and tech-packed city streets to bamboo forests and hands-on tea grinding, Hsinchu served up a day full of contrasts and surprises. I left feeling like I’d tasted—literally—a slice of Taiwan’s past and present, where innovation and tradition live side by side.

Shopping trends

Seriously, malls lately are wild! Yesterday, I stumbled right into a total pop-up zone — first, there was a massive Winnie the Pooh display literally being assembled as I walked by. Not kidding, boys, girls, and families were already lining up before the paint even dried. These pop-ups show up fast…and disappear just as quickly. Blink and you’ll miss it.
I ended up window shopping, and somehow adorable phone charms and cute soaps kept catching my eye. Who knew soap could be so cool? The pop-ups don’t stop at fandom either — there were so many beauty booths it felt impossible to keep track of every brand. I tested a bunch of colors (still can’t pick a favorite), and now my hands look like a pastel rainbow.
But the best part? I found this cozy little shop tucked away on the second floor — totally off the main drag. My friend’s niece, who trained in France (yes, she’s basically a pastry wizard), let us try all her creations. Mango pomelo sago cream cake, brown sugar milk drinks, mango basque cheesecake… everything tasted so fresh and light. The mango cream cake was perfect for a hot day — honestly legendary.
To top it off, the 7-Eleven in the mall was rocking a full Mofusand theme. If you’re obsessed with cats, this is basically paradise: plushies, cups, packs, and snacks all covered in cats. No way was I leaving without grabbing something.

Last Day in Taipei: Cute Pop-Ups, Street Food, and a Lucky Pull

Can’t believe this was my last day in Taipei — my uncle and grandaunt were my tour guides, and they really made sure I went out with a bang. We kicked things off at one of the city’s old-school night markets, the kind that’s been around forever. First stop: Wang’s Broth Braised Pork Rice — yep, the Michelin-rated one. It was everything I dreamed of: rich, savory, and pure comfort in a bowl.
After that, we popped over to pick up my grandaunt’s repaired phone…and ended up running into not one, but two super popular pop-ups — a Maltese (cutest little dog ever) and Lulu the Pig (also ridiculously cute). Honestly? I think I like Lulu even more than Labubu. I went for the teddy bear Lulu figure and somehow pulled the rare one — only 1 in 87! Still can’t believe my luck.
Next stop was Huashang, which I found out used to be a winery. It’s been turned into this amazing arts space, but you can still feel the building’s history in the walls. While wandering around, I stumbled onto a Miffy pop-up — yes, another one! The line to get inside wrapped like a snake around the shop, and once you got in, you had to queue again just to browse. Wild.
Wrapped up the day (and my trip) with a massive bowl of mango shaved ice — seriously, it was like a whole orchard’s worth of mango piled on top. Sweet, cold, and the perfect ending to one very packed last day.

Reflections

A week in Taiwan went by in a blur, but it was packed full of flavour and surprises. My uncle and grandaunt showed me way more than the usual tourist stops — from legendary street eats like Wang’s braised pork rice to hidden cafés serving mango pomelo sago cake and mango basque cheesecake. And yes, I ended it all with a mountain of mango shaved ice.
Pop-ups were everywhere — Winnie the Pooh, Maltese dogs, Lulu the Pig (scored a super rare one!), even Miffy with lines that wrapped around the store. Every mall visit turned into a mini shopping spree with cute phone charms, soaps, and beauty booths I couldn’t walk past without trying something.
What I loved most was how Taipei blends tradition and trends. One minute you’re wandering an old winery turned art space, the next you’re surrounded by cat-themed snacks at 7-Eleven.
It wasn’t just the big sights — it was all the little moments, random finds, and shared laughs that made the trip unforgettable.