Ximending is a popular area where tourists and local Taiwanese people love to visit. To maximize your time there instead of roaming around not knowing what to eat, we listed down 8 food you need to eat during your visit to Ximending.
1. Ah Zong Mian Xian
It's not difficult to find this store, as the queue starts a few streets down the road during peak hours. However, as the queue moves quite fast, you should be able to get your piping hot mian xian, which is flour rice noodle or also known as mee sua, quicker than you think it'll take you. The flavorful thick gravy blends exceptionally well with the soft rice noodle and you can also choose to add pork intestines if you fancy pork organs.
Note: Ladies, there are shops around this store selling cheap and good facial products, and you can keep yourself busy shopping while your partner waits in the queue.
Address: No. 8-1, Emei Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
2. Soya Milk at Yonghe Chinese Type Breakfast Shop
We went to a few other similar shops, but still find this the best. On top of the soya milk (dou jiang) which comes in sweet version (typical ones which we are used to) or salty version (which comes with you tiao), the breakfast variety served there were equally good.
Address: No. 30 Hankou Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
3. Ru Rou Fan at Tian Tian Li
As compared to Jing Feng Ru Rou Fan, Hu Xu Zhang Ru Rou Fan, Tian Tian Li's Ru Rou Fan is legit the tastiest among all. An uncle (another tourist) sitting next to us ordered at least 3 bowls of Ru Rou Fan before he finally call it off.
Address: No.1, Lane 32, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
4. Guo Tie at Ba Fang Yun Ji
Dumplings are a common staples among Chinese, be it rice dumplings, Xiao Long Bao, Guo Tie, Gyoza. As such, it is not difficult to find nice dumplings in Taiwan, and many people visit Ding Tai Fong for its famous Xiao Long Bao. Additionally, you can visit Ba Fang Yun Ji to taste nice dumplings. The Guo Tie at Ba Fang Yun Ji were pan fried to its perfection, without a need to queue and very affordable too.
Address: No.56, Section 2, Hankou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
You'll see this store with striking red signboard once you exit from Exit 6 of the MRT station. Touted as Taiwan's No 1 popcorn chicken, the tender and juicy meat which were well marinated will leave a lingering impression in your mind.
Address: No. 121-1, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
A must try when you are in Taipei. Opened by Taiwanese celebrity Nono, this big chicken steak (雞排) is so juicy at every bite that will leave you wondering how they marinate the chicken breast so well that the flavors are all locked in. Even though Nono is a comedian, this chicken steak is no joke and makes other chicken steak like the famous one in Shilin Night Market pale in comparison.
Address: No. 118, Section 1 Zhonghua Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
Just by imaging the combination of hot potato with bacon bit, corn and sliced egg toppings, and then drenched with hot cheddar cheese sauce, I'm sure you're already tempted to give this cheese potato that will melt in your mouth a try.
Address: No. 49-3, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
8. Shaved Ice at Ximen Mango Shaved Ice
To be honest, this shaved ice isn't too cheap, but worth every cents of it with plentiful fresh mango toppings and refreshing and fine shaved ice. A good "investment" if you visit Ximending in summer or during a hot afternoon.
Address: No. 17, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Nearest MRT Exit: 6
