Taipei offers some of the finest examples of Taiwan cuisine with bustling night markets, hot pot restaurants and beef noodle soup shops lining its streets. But proper planning and logistics are crucial if you want to experience everything the city has to offer!
Din Tai Fung is unquestionably the best-known restaurant in Taiwan (and perhaps worldwide). Specializing in Shanghai-style xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), each bao has 18 folds that must be eaten a certain way for maximum enjoyment.
2. MUME
Prunus mume is a tree with fruit known for its tart and juicy taste reminiscent of both plum and apricot; sometimes described as being somewhere between plum and apricot in terms of tartness and depth of flavor. Prunus mume trees can be found throughout East Asia, and its fruit used in various culinary preparations – it is most widely consumed in Japan (umeboshi with red shiso leaves) or Korean cooking as sanmaum (dried prunes). Chinese medicine uses dried Prunus mume fruits to relieve lung/coughing as well as to promote body fluid production while combating thirst – according to several research reports [1] [2]. [1]
At MUME, the tart, salty flavor of ume is balanced with an equally light dressing to allow each ingredient to shine through its true identity and taste.
4. Mountain & Sea House
At this upscale Taiwanese restaurant, guests can experience some of the finest regional cuisine in peaceful, light-filled quarters. Established in 2014, this eatery aims to give local ingredients the stage they deserve; owners own Nan’ao Fengyuan Farm as an ingredient repository; any additional produce required comes from certified organic farms.
Owners spent two years revamping traditional methods using local ingredients in order to recapture the delicious taste of traditional Taiwan cuisine. Furthermore, they consulted retired master chefs and used time-honored processes in creating their gourmet menu.
As well as traditional dishes such as sweet-and-salty “three cups” chicken and steamed pork meatballs with salted egg, the restaurant also offers seasonal specialities like cold squid salad with fresh squid and mint for summer dining.
Restaurant has also succeeded in revitalizing many traditional dishes and ingredients which were once on the verge of extinction, such as Kinmen native chicken – with thin skin similar to goose skin and an exceptionally rich, meaty flavor – from its near extinction status. Due to this commitment to maintaining Taiwanese culture, restaurant has earned itself a renown as an exceptional venue to discover new culinary treasures as well as an ideal destination for commemorating special events such as graduations.
