Taipei: Eat and drink
Taipei excels when it comes to places to eat and drink. The variety you’ll find in this island-nation capital is incredible, both in regards to the food itself and the environment. From the streets to the rooftops, here is the best places to eat and drink in Taipei.
Where to have drinks with views of the former tallest building in the world: Frank
This spot was recommended to me by a friend who grew up in Taipei, and it did not disappoint. Frank is on top of an entertainment mall called ATT 4 Fun and it quickly became our go to spot. It’s fancy but not stuffy or overpriced. It’s trendy but not ostentatious. It’s local but also international. There’s a great balance at Frank, so I definitely would recommend going (especially to the rooftop, which is open Wednesday-Saturday and is worth the drinks-included cover charge). Make sure you dress decent enough-a friend of mine didn’t get in because he was wearing shorts.
Where to get some of the best street food in the world: Raohe Night Market
Shilin Night Market gets most of the attention, mainly because it is Taipei’s largest food market, but Raohe was my favorite. Smaller, less crowded, and just as tasty. Get the black pepper bun at the front of the market (and feel free to take a photo, they encourage it!)
Where to have low-key, creative drinks: Ounce
Walk up to a fridge, desk and 1990 Nintendo and tell the man how many are in your group. Walk through a hidden door and take a seat in an intimate, dimly lit bar where you won’t be given a menu-instead you just tell the waiter (who all speak great English) what you like and the bartender will do the rest. Slightly expensive for Taipei standards, but a steal of a deal for an Angelino like me.
Where to have a freaking great burger for a couple bucks: MOS Burger
So this is a Japanese burger chain which has tons of shops in Taipei, including one near the dorm I was staying in. It’s a better version of McDonalds, which tries too hard to be Asian whereas MOS is inherently an Asian brand. Flavors are amazing, and they serve burgers with a lime, which was definitely unique. Speaking of unique, get the rice patty burger-totally awesome.
Where to grab great pizza: Alleycat Pizza
Well known around Taipei is Alleycat Pizza, and for good reason. I know, I sound lame for putting a few non-Asian food places, but look, I like pizza, and regardless of where in the world I am, I’m always up for a slice. Plus, I had a Chinese style duck pizza so it was basically Asian food. Anyways, definitely consider Alleycat if you get a random pizza craving.
Where to party like a local: Any KTV place
I feel like I’ve mentioned this before in previous posts but Asia in general loves a good karaoke. No matter where you’re staying, there’s bound to be one near you, so go and have a blast.
Whatever you do, you HAVE to have this boba milk tea with brown sugar. Taipei invented boba tea, and this is the best of all the places I went to, hands down.