My Favorite Food City

My trip to Taiwan was the trip I did not know I needed. With everything in life, it takes planning and when I did my status match from Delta to United, I picked Eva Air to handle a six destination trip throughout Asia. With this trip I managed to add a ten hour layover in Taipei and let me be the first to admit, this was my first mistake. Taipei has so much to offer and I can't wait to be back but let's dig into how my ten hours flew by.

I landed around seven in the morning after having a two hour delay coming out of JFK. My transit now moved from ten hours to just a mere eight. I quickly exited the airport and found the closest ATM. That didn't work out and so I moved to another with the same result. The MRT train only accepts cash and without a functioning card, I was in a pickle. I had cash but didn't want to over exchange and be left with extra money with only being there for the day so I tried the next best thing.

I went to the information desk and asked about day tours. Normally they suggest these tours be reserved in advance but there were a few slots left for late comers. I registered using the bar code and was on my way.

We were escorted outside to a bus that went to the other terminals before heading into the city of Taipei. The drive is about forty five minutes in which you get to learn the history of the country along the way.

The first stop was the Lungshan temple. The temple dates back to 1738 and is the religious center of the city dating back to the Qing dynasty. It looks differnt to every building that surrounds it and it's a magical place worth visiting. Inside we got guides and learned about the goddess of mercy and other Bhuddist traditions. The thing here is to throw two moon blocks on the floor to determine your fortune. I felt lucky enough to be in Taiwan so that alone said it all.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

From there we drove to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. We arrive in the middle of the changing the guard ceremony but its a great thing to witness while here. The hall is a monument to the former President of the country and is surrounded by parks and a memorial square. On the inside there are miniture replicas of the square, gift shops and food stalls. I took the chance to pick up souvenirs and have a boba team.

After spending a few hours at the hall we moved to our final stop on the half day tour, Yongkang Street. We pulled up to Din Tai Fung to submit our orders for dim sum. Anyone who visits knows this is the place for din sum in Taiwan. There is also a dine in restaurant a few minutes away for those who prefer sit down meals. The orders take twenty minutes so we wandered the rest of Yongkang Street. Picking up pineapple bread and other treats was amazing. By time I got the dim sum it was time to head back to the airport.

Best Dim Sum in Taiwan

The only other item I had on the agenda was Taipei 101 but I didn't think it was worth missing my flight. I made it back to the airport and through security in no time. I spent the next few hours being a fatty in the Oriental Club Lounge. They had great dim sum as well but some amazing beef noodle soup. Then headed over to Mazu village for some deserts and boba tea. I definetly overate in Taiwan but it was some of the best food i've ever had and can't wait to plan another visit. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'd be taking Eva Air again and my luggage didn't make it with me. (Another story for another day)

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