Island Flavors: A Culinary Journey Through Taiwan

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast

They say breakfast in the most important meal of the day and the Taiwanese bark no argument at this. Enter a traditional Taiwanese breakfast shop, the most popular of which can draw lines for blocks. Steaming vats of soy milk (dou jiang) wait to be scooped into bowls, with sweeter and smokier variations on offer based on the shop. For the main dish, a selection of fried dough sticks (you tiao), baked sesame flat-brad (shao bing), egg and scallion omlettes (dan bing), turnip cakes (luobuo gao) and the classic soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) await. Take your pick and sit down with the locals for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of champions.

National Palace Museum

With 700,000 pieces spanning thousands of years, the National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world. Once located in Beijing’s Forbidden City, the museum’s collection moved to Taiwan in the 1940s. Now spread across four floors and a rotating series of exhibitions, many of the most important relics of ancient China are on show for the world to admire. Breathe in millennia of history and culture while wandering through the museum’s collection of well-kept treasures.

Din Tai Fung

The legend of Din Tai Fung needs no introduction; it’s a must-eat for everyone who visits Taipei. Waiting is part of the experience here, so take a number and explore the surrounds, but rest assured that once inside Taiwan’s most revered specialties await. Though Din Tai Fung has become a global dumpling sensation from humble beginnings as a Taipei hole-in-the-wall, it has remained true to its roots and never let slide its impeccable attention to detail, from the lucky 18 folds in each dumpling to diligent customer service.

Taipei 101

The world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010, Taipei 101 is a towering testament to symbolism and sustainability. Traditionally, the number 100 represents perfection, so adding another floor (100 + 1) represented a further breakthrough, of going beyond perfection. The 508-meter-tall skyscraper was also named the world’s greenest building in 2011, after receiving a Platinum rating (the highest) under the LEED certification system. Taipei 101 stands in the Xinyi District of Taipei, and its pagoda-like design has become iconic around the world. Admire the building from without and within, as its first few floors are home to a multi-story shopping mall with some of the swankiest shops in town. Then shoot up to the 89th floor for 360-degree views of all Taipei and its surrounding mountains.

Dadaocheng

Dadaocheng is the most historic area in all of Taipei. Here, age-worn shop fronts selling all manner of goods, produce, spices and medicines await. Dip in to a traditional pharmacy where an array of fragrant herbs sit on display, each with their own healing traits. Name an ailment and the pharmacist will compile a bespoke concoction promised to ameliorate. No ailments to speak of? Then why not purchase a hand-made lantern or a custom tea blend from the shop next door.

Dadaocheng Family Run Tea Factory

This century-old tea house is now run by the 5th-generation of the Wang family and is a popular destination for tea lovers. WangTea began life as a tea wholesaler, one of many in old Dadaocheng, the historic marketplace district of Taipei. Today, in a city transformed it has evolved into a sleek modern space where visitors can learn about, sample and purchase some of their remarkable brews. In a nation of religious tea drinkers, this family is the most devout, and their lab appropriately offers a ‘tea bible gift box’ for visitors to share in their beliefs.

Ningxia Night Market

The night market that runs the length of Ningxia Road in Datong District may not be the largest or best known of Taiwan’s fabled street food bazaars, but it is one of the most authentic, with 150-meters of percolating friers and crackling woks whose intoxicating scents drift lazily into the evening Taipei air. The culinary offerings here are traditional and myriad – from oyster omelettes to papaya milk – so get ready for a mouthwatering odyssey into Taiwan’s sometimes weird but always wonderful world of food.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 6:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Taiwanese Cooking Class

Begin the cooking journey where all the best chefs do – picking out the best and freshest ingredients at a local market. An explosion of colors, flavors and curious produce await. After, carry on to a local kitchen where the real lesson begins. The expert chef will have prepared a selection of Taiwanese dishes for today’s menu, each of which requires different skills and understanding of Taiwanese cooking methods to master. For lunch, dine on the finished products while learning more about the local cuisine and variations from the guide and chef.

Yongkang Street

In 2022 TimeOut Magazine polled 20,000 people living around Asia on the coolest streets on the continent. Yongkang Street emerged with a sizzling 4th place spot, and even a glance down the busy road makes it apparent why. Taipei’s residents come here for an array of culinary delights – from trendy coffee shops to creative tea spots to towers of shaved ice (a Taiwanese speciality dessert that’s well worth trying) to artfully crafted edible souvenirs to bring home. Step forth and prepare for a treat (or two) while you make your through one of Asia’s coolest (and tastiest, we might add) streets.

Taiwanese Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, often called “boba” abroad, is becoming ubiquitous globally, but the origins of this tasty drink actually hold humble roots right here in Taiwan. So, now might be the time to pick from the plethora of colorful shops selling Taiwanese bubble tea and try this famous drink in its homeland. The island-wide frenzy for bubble tea has seen an explosion of such shops, sometimes several on one block. A look at the menu reveals endless options for customization: desired sugar level, ice amount, tapioca pearls, various jellies, flavor infusions, and even a potential foamed cream cheese topping. Ask your guide which is their favorite, as the “best” bubble tea shop is always a heatedly contentious topic among locals.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Step inside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Standing as a symbol of the Kuomintang and Taiwan’s first president, Chiang Kai-shek, the massive commemorative monument is said to mirror the national anthem, with its architecture embodying the “clear blue sky, white sun, and a wholly red earth.” Make your way up the 89 steps – how old Chiang was when he died – to reach the main hall that houses a bronze statue of the former leader. On the hour, watch the changing of the guards before heading back to the main square to wander down the promenade flanked by the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.

Longshan Temple

Located in the heart of old Taipei, Longshan Temple has seen its fair share of history in its nearly 300 years of existence. This colorful, lively, inclusive temple has survived earthquakes and bombing raids, largely because of the strong community that has developed around this sacred space. Wander through the active temple complex, keeping an eye out for the dragon in the lake, the young and old locals reading scripture, and the small booths of fortune-tellers.

Bopiliao Historic Street

A walk down this street is like a stroll through Taiwan’s last two hundred years. The origins of the street trace back to the Qing dynasty (1800s) and much of the architecture hails from that period. During this time, Bopiliao was the center of the island’s commerce and development. After this time however, traces of Taiwan’s following era’s can also be seen in the architecture from Japanese to ROC brutalist to modern Western influences. The local government has honored this streets history by preserving and restoring it, while ensuring the approval and involvement of the locals who call it home.

Herb Alley

This 45-meter-long alley packs a fragrant punch for the senses, the first sign that a jaw-dropping array of herbs can fit into a small space. So, make sure to take a deep breath as you set foot in this narrow alley, as a medley of medicinal smells await to appease and confuse. For over 100-years Herb Alley, also known as “live saving alley” has been serving concoctions to patrons, many of whom stop by the nearby Longshan Temple to pray first. This aromatic stop provides a spectacular glimpse into the world of natural remedies, of which herbal teas are one. Sip first-hand or merely observe, the choice is yours.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 6:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

High Speed Train to Yunlin (~1.5hrs)

Your WildTaiwan guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the train station and help you check in for your high-speed train to Yunlin. Your guide will escort you on the journey (~1.5 hours) and upon arriving in Yunlin, your new private chauffeur will be waiting to greet you and escort you to your vehicle.

Wood-Fired Black Bean Soy Sauce Experience

Founded in 1958, Yudingxing soy sauce is a family-run enterprise passed down three generations and counting. For more than 60 years, the owners have persevered producing the highest-quality soy sauce using only natural fermentation, brewing and processing methods. Learn from the third-generation owner himself each step of the process, from harvesting in fields to steaming, koji making, fire burning, taste-testing and the inner-most family-secrets of making the best, all-natural soy sauce.

Lunch at Xiluo Old Street

Embark on a stroll down Xiluo Old Street, an homage to Taiwan’s political and natural history. The architecture here is a conglomeration of Japanese-era colonial buildings and mid-century Chinese ones, crafted during a rebuild when an earthquake raked destruction here. After stretching the legs, pick out a lunch option from one of the many storefronts selling all range of Taiwanese foods, from local snack stalls to Omakasi sit-downs.

Drive to Alishan

The ride from Yunlin to Alishan will take around 2 hours.

Next Stop: Alishan National Scenic Area

Mountains need not be the tallest to be the most beloved; to hold the largest stake in a nation’s cultural imagination. This is no truer than with Alishan – an enchanting range of forested 2,000 meter peaks ensconced in the island’s mountainous heart. So step forth into the world of Taiwan’s most sacred tourist site, where giant cypress trees, historic railways and a legendary sea of clouds await.

Alishan High-Alititude Coffee Plantation

So far, tea has been the feature of Taiwan, from high-mod bubble tea to traditional tea ceremonies. But to consider tea the only caffeinated drink at the heart of this island would be in error. The world-wide coffee craze is also in full-effect in Taiwan, with urban pop-ups, trendy coffee cafés, and even award-winning roasters claiming a significant part of the urban refreshment scene. The high-alitutde coffee plantation of Zou Zhuyuan falls into the former category, written up by Coffee Review with tasting notes of “crisp baker’s chocolate and heavy, lush, cherry-like fruit and brandy hints in aroma and cup. Wine-toned acidity; lightly syrupy mouthfeel. Rather heavy, sweet-salty finish.”
This experience journeys from bean (plantation) to cup (factory) detailing each step that goes in to making this highly sought after coffee. Finish with a tasting of six different types of coffee produced right here in this spot.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 6:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

High Speed Train to Yunlin (~1.5hrs)

Your WildTaiwan guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the train station and help you check in for your high-speed train to Yunlin. Your guide will escort you on the journey (~1.5 hours) and upon arriving in Yunlin, your new private chauffeur will be waiting to greet you and escort you to your vehicle.

Wood-Fired Black Bean Soy Sauce Experience

Founded in 1958, Yudingxing soy sauce is a family-run enterprise passed down three generations and counting. For more than 60 years, the owners have persevered producing the highest-quality soy sauce using only natural fermentation, brewing and processing methods. Learn from the third-generation owner himself each step of the process, from harvesting in fields to steaming, koji making, fire burning, taste-testing and the inner-most family-secrets of making the best, all-natural soy sauce.

Lunch at Xiluo Old Street

Embark on a stroll down Xiluo Old Street, an homage to Taiwan’s political and natural history. The architecture here is a conglomeration of Japanese-era colonial buildings and mid-century Chinese ones, crafted during a rebuild when an earthquake raked destruction here. After stretching the legs, pick out a lunch option from one of the many storefronts selling all range of Taiwanese foods, from local snack stalls to Omakasi sit-downs.

Drive to Alishan

The ride from Yunlin to Alishan will take around 2 hours.

Next Stop: Alishan National Scenic Area

Mountains need not be the tallest to be the most beloved; to hold the largest stake in a nation’s cultural imagination. This is no truer than with Alishan – an enchanting range of forested 2,000 meter peaks ensconced in the island’s mountainous heart. So step forth into the world of Taiwan’s most sacred tourist site, where giant cypress trees, historic railways and a legendary sea of clouds await.

Alishan High-Alititude Coffee Plantation

So far, tea has been the feature of Taiwan, from high-mod bubble tea to traditional tea ceremonies. But to consider tea the only caffeinated drink at the heart of this island would be in error. The world-wide coffee craze is also in full-effect in Taiwan, with urban pop-ups, trendy coffee cafés, and even award-winning roasters claiming a significant part of the urban refreshment scene. The high-alitutde coffee plantation of Zou Zhuyuan falls into the former category, written up by Coffee Review with tasting notes of “crisp baker’s chocolate and heavy, lush, cherry-like fruit and brandy hints in aroma and cup. Wine-toned acidity; lightly syrupy mouthfeel. Rather heavy, sweet-salty finish.”
This experience journeys from bean (plantation) to cup (factory) detailing each step that goes in to making this highly sought after coffee. Finish with a tasting of six different types of coffee produced right here in this spot.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 6:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 10:00 am to start the day.

Alishan Forest Railway for Sunrise

There was a time, nigh on a century ago, when people looked upon the giant old-growth cypress trees of Alishan and saw not a landscape to be protected but a resource to be sold. The logging industry wound up here in the 1970s, but it left behind what would become the jewel in Alishan’s crown: 50 miles of narrow-gauge railway that wriggles and weaves through tunnels, under bridges and between some of the best scenery this part of Taiwan has to offer. So step aboard the iconic red locomotives for a stretch of serene sightseeing and a journey through the island’s Japanese and indigenous past.

Alishan Hiking

Lace up those hiking shoes and take to the trails for an alpine adventure amid the soaring red cypress trees and mist-wreathed slopes of the Alishan National Scenic Area, the recreational core of this sprawling mountain wilderness. Once exclusively home to the Tsou, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups, and later the domain of Japanese loggers, the forest paths are signposted and well-maintained throughout, not to mention uniquely delightful in every season.

Sunset on Alishan

Sunrise and sunset are what these mountains do best, with spectacular solar performances staged above the island’s central range most mornings and evenings. As dusk rolls in, head to a viewing spot to catch your own variation of this daily show, where the area’s distinct climate guarantees unique choreography between the sun and clouds every time.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 7:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Tainan Confucian Temple

Erected in 1666, the Tainan Confucian Temple was the first Confucian temple in all of Taiwan. Amidst the expansive grounds are the old student study halls where the pillars of Confucianism still stand written in stone. The Dacheng Hall is also worth special note for the unique pagoda architecture that remains as originally constructed. In addition to the historical significance of this site, it also serves as a modern gathering spot for locals who stroll and exercise below the antique red-painted walls of the temple.

Shuei Sian Temple Market

Shuei Sian Temple is one of Tainan’s oldest, and serves the same function today as it did on its first: a place for locals to pray for safe sailing and fair weather. Opposite the temple is the Shuei Sian Temple Market, a tight-knit conglomeration of fish mongers, produce sellers and historic hole-in-the-wall restaurants. There is such an array of food on offer here that the market is sometimes called “Tainan’s kitchen”. So, get stuck in, ask all the “what’s thats”, and of course, try a bit of everything!

Try a Tainan Specialty: Milkfish

Milkfish is a source of city-wide pride in Tainan with milkfish-selling fishmongers getting up before dawn to bring in the overnight catch and sample it to ensure the highest level of freshness before putting it out for sale. Tradition for the fishmongers is to eat the head of the milkfish, so that both the meat and the maw can be tasted at once. Once the quality check is complete, and sun slowly rises over the horizon, restaurant owners come pick up their fish and take it back to the kitchen to be prepared. In Tainan, the most popular milkfish dish is milkfish congee, which is exactly what’s on the menu today!

Hayashi Department Store

In the early 1910s, a young Japanese man named Hayashi Houichi came to Taiwan in hopes of making his own way in the world. His luck started with a humble accounting gig at a small clothing store in Tainan and grew from there into Hayashi opening the second department store in all of Taiwan: the Hayashi Department Store. Its opening in 1932 marked Taiwan’s entrance into the modern era: electric lamps, elevators and the works. Now the department store serves as a museum to its long and diverse history (once an anti-aircrafe warfare base) and a hub for local restaurants, shops and a lovely cafe with a view on the top floor.

Jingzaijiao Salt Fields

The Jingzaijiao Salt Fields are some of the oldest in all of Taiwan and the very last still remaining. Eclipsed by modern salt-producing methods, the Jingzaijiao Salt Fields saw a near end to their 300+ years of history on this spot before being saved by the local government in an effort to preserve traditional agricultural history and culture. Now, the fields serve as a place to learn about salt production: drying, collecting, and transporting. An added bonus is the beautiful reflections the salt squares create, especially popular during sunrise and sunset.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Drive to Koahsiung

The ride from Tainan to Kaohsiung will take around 1 hour.

Next stop: Kaohsiung

Welcome to Kaohsiung, a high-rise harbor city famous for its exuberant night markets, artistic light displays, and consistently generous weather. The grandeur of the city looms over its pooling waterfront reflecting it in all its sparkle, further illuminating its late-night vibrancy. Despite being born out of a modern industrial movement Kaohsiung remains embellished with the beauty of retro architecture and creations, such as Lotus Lake, which welcomes visitors with two uniquely crafted pagoda structures guarded by an intricately detailed tiger and dragon.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center

Fo Guang Shan Monastery is the biggest religious site in Taiwan, and it is huge, with monumental halls, pagodas and statues sprouting from a hilly riverside outside Kaohsiung. Take some time out to understand one of the country’s central spiritual forces and stroll through the serenity of the complex’s immense gardens. Within, homage can be paid to the Buddha at a legendary shrine said to hold one of three teeth preserved after his cremation centuries ago.

Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant

Follow the spiritual immersion at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center with a toothsome selection of vegetarian fare at the popular Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant. Here, dishes are vegan and vegetarian friendly, each menu item clearly labeled with icons to suit dietary preferences and needs.

Pineapple Farm Visit

The history of pineapples in Taiwan can be traced back to the early 1900s when canning facilities were set up across the island to stockpile in case of food shortages. By 1970, Taiwan was the world’s top exporter of pineapples. Though the likes of Costa Rica and the Philippines may have overtaken it since then, the island still exports an enormous amount of the tangy fruit – in 2021 alone, 20,000 tons to be exact. The roots of this phenomenon can be traced to the spiky pineapple farms, one of which is on the agenda for today. Meet the local farmers, learn about the harvest, and indulge in the final products (namely the famous Taiwanese sweet of pineapple cakes) on a deep-dive into the inner-workings of a Taiwanese pineapple farm.

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 pm).

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

Pingtung Organic Cocoa Farm

Pingtung County’s warm tropical climate makes it a haven for agriculture. Originally, betel nut (a small bright-red nut often chewed for its stimulant effects) reigned supreme here, but with rising awareness of the detrimental effects on both human health and the environment, farmers turned to another crop instead: cocoa. Only 20-years old, the cocoa farming industry in Pingtung has taken off to claim a place on the word stage with over 35 chocolate brands, some award-winning, basing their production in this humble county. Experience the process of cocoa from seed-to-bar first-hand at an organic cocoa farm, culminating in a DIY chocolate bar creation finale.

Neipu Old Street

Balmy Pingtung is Taiwan’s southernmost county, and townships like Neipu epitomize country living in this largely rural part of the island. The first Chinese settlers on these plains were the Hakka, whose distinct customs, cuisine and architecture are still visible throughout the area’s villages. This includes Neipu’s compact but quaint old street, a paradigm of small-town life in Taiwan and an excellent spot to sample some local culinary specialties.

Pier 2 Art Center

The Pier 2 Art Center, Kaohsiung’s answer to the Asian trend of repurposing abandoned industrial centers into rejuvenated cultural spaces. Pier 2 is centered around 25 warehouses from the 1970’s which were left to ruin, now given new life as a hub for local artists. Running alongside the art center are the tracks of the Western Railway, a successful rails-to-trails project which is now the city’s most popular cycling route. Grab your camera and head out for an amble though this vibrant area, a popular hang-out for local students, artists and cyclists.

Dragon and Tiger Pagoda

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Lake are a symbol of Kaohsiung. When entering, it is important to start heading into the dragon’s mouth and exit from the lion’s mouth. There are strong fortuitous beliefs around these two creatures and looping the wrong way is thought to bring bad luck, so make sure you’re looking down a dragon’s throat and not a lion’s as you head in!

Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day (around 5:00 pm).

Dinner Recommendation: Sho (Michelin Star Restaurant)

With over 50-years of Japanese-occupation influence, culinary traditions and influences still remain strong across Taiwan. Sho’s head chef, from Kyushu, used to work at Den (Tokyo) and his creations combine classic elegance with creative touches. The restaurant serves only one menu, which includes two signature dishes lifted from Den – a green salad made with 10+ veggies that have been fried, steamed, ground, or pickled; and kamameshi featuring local, seasonal produce. *As with all Michelin-star restaurants, at least two-months advanced booking is suggested, so please let us know if you’d like to confirm dinner here on this evening of your trip!

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day.

High Speed Train to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Your guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the train station and help you check in for your train. Your guide will escort you on the train to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and help you check in for your flight home.

Kaohsiung to Taoyuan high-speed train: ~1.5 hours
Taoyuan to Airport train: ~20 minutes